A Norwegian national or company can register a private limited company or a limited liability partnership in India under the automatic route in most sectors. Documents such as passports, address proof and company certificates from the Bronnoysund Register Centre are certified by a notarius publicus and apostilled by Statsforvalteren. We file incorporation with the Registrar of Companies, obtain PAN, TAN and GST, and report the investment to the RBI. At least one director or designated partner must be resident in India.
- Document route
- Notarius publicus, then apostille from Statsforvalteren
- Time difference
- India is 3h30 (summer) to 4h30 (winter) ahead
- Law
- Companies Act 2013, FEMA 1999, NDI Rules 2019
- Minimum
- 2 directors, 2 shareholders
Company Setup for Foreigners from Norway: how it works
We first choose the vehicle: a private limited company suits most businesses and investors; an LLP can work for professional or services firms where FDI is fully permitted without conditions. A Norwegian company passes a board resolution authorising the investment and signatories. Directors obtain digital signature certificates and director identification numbers using apostilled identity documents. We reserve the name and file the incorporation forms, with the registered office in India supported by a rent agreement or owner's consent.
After incorporation, capital is remitted from Norway into the Indian bank account and reported on the RBI FIRMS portal within the prescribed time. The company then registers for professional tax, shops and establishments and, as staff join, provident fund. Annual compliance includes audited accounts, board meetings, annual returns and foreign liabilities and assets reporting. Norwegian parents should document intercompany services and pricing from the start to meet Indian transfer pricing rules.
What clients in Norway should know
- The India EFTA trade agreement supports investment but does not change company law or FDI reporting requirements.
- Dividends and service fees paid from India to Norway are subject to Indian withholding tax at rates set by the India Norway tax treaty.
- If a Norwegian company has beneficial owners in a country sharing a land border with India, government approval is required under Press Note 3.
Step by step from Norway
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Norway, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Norway
Notarius publicus, then apostille from Statsforvalteren
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Norway where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Norway. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Company Setup for Foreigners, or see all services for clients in Norway and the Doing Business in India practice area.
Questions from clients in Norway
Can a Norwegian individual be the sole owner?
A private company needs two shareholders, but a second shareholder can hold a nominal stake.
How long does incorporation take?
Usually three to five weeks after apostilled documents are ready.
Do I need to visit India to open the bank account?
Many banks now allow remote KYC for foreign directors, though practice varies.