Starting a business in Oslo
Resources, networks, and public support for startups, freelancers, and international entrepreneurs.
Oslo is a welcoming city for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups. Whether you're launching a tech company, starting a creative business, or working independently, you'll find a supportive ecosystem and access to public resources, funding, and networks.
Oslo’s startup ecosystem (gründermiljøet)
Over the past decade, Oslo has become a hub for innovation—especially in sectors like health tech, edtech, fintech, mobility, and cleantech. The city’s startup community (gründermiljøet) is international, and English is widely used in business settings.
- Oslo Business Region – Your gateway to Oslo’s startup ecosystem. Find events, incubators, co-working spaces, and investment opportunities.
- Oslo Innovation Week – Annual event connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and corporates around sustainable business solutions.
Starting a business in Norway
Starting a business in Norway involves registering your company and understanding your legal obligations. These public portals will guide you through the process:
- Altinn– Digital portal for registering and managing your business.
- Brønnøysundregistrene– Official registry for companies and organizations.
- Skatteetaten – Tax rules and courses for new businesses.
- Work in Norway – Official guide to working and doing business in Norway.
The Norwegian Tax Administration offers free courses for new businesses. You’ll learn about tax obligations, accounting, and legal requirements.
Support and funding opportunities
Norway offers public support for innovation and business development:
- Innovation Norway – Funding and expertise for startups and commercialization.
- Invest in Norway – Information for foreign companies establishing in Norway.
Inclusion and diversity in entrepreneurship
Oslo supports multicultural entrepreneurship and inclusive business practices. These organizations offer mentorship, training, and networking:
- MAK– Platform for diversity and inclusion in business.
- Catalysts– Mentorship for multicultural students.
- Startup Migrants – Advocacy and support for migrant entrepreneurs.
- CHARGE– incubaor for first generation immigrant entrepreneurs.
Additional reading and resources
- Arbeidstilsynet – Labour rights and workplace regulations
- Mattilsynet – Food safety and licensing
- License to serve food and alcohol from the City of Oslo
- Patentstyret – Intellectual property and trademarks
- Toll – Norwegian customs, import/export regulations
- Oslo: State of the City report – annual report from Oslo Business Region
- Starting and running a business in Norway at Nordic Cooperation
- Norway in the Human Development Report by The United Nations Development Programme