Norway: company form must come last in company names, and NUF branches must update names by July 2026
From 1 July 2024, amendments to Norway's Business Names Act require entities in the Register of Business Enterprises (other than sole proprietorships and associations) to put their company-form designation at the end of their name. Norwegian branches of foreign companies (NUF) must use the parent's name with its foreign designation followed by 'NUF', and all NUFs had until 1 July 2026 to comply. Sole proprietorships no longer have to register.
Brønnøysundregistrene announced on 28 June 2024 changes to the Business Register Act (foretaksregisterloven) and the Business Names Act (foretaksnavneloven) taking effect on 1 July 2024.
What changed
- Name format: every entity in the Register of Business Enterprises, except sole proprietorships and associations, must put its company-form designation (such as AS or ASA) last in its name. This applies to entities formed, or adopting a new name, from 1 July 2024.
- Norwegian branches of foreign companies (NUF): the registered name must be the foreign parent's name in its home country, including its foreign company designation, followed by 'NUF'. All NUFs had to comply by 1 July 2026.
- Foundations: names must include 'stiftelse' or 'STI' (not 'foundation'). Commercial foundations had to decide the change and notify the register by 1 July 2026.
- Sole proprietorships no longer have to register in the Register of Business Enterprises, though they may.
Who is affected
Foreign groups with Norwegian branches (NUF), Norwegian companies changing their names, and foundations.
What to do
Check that each NUF's registered name follows the required format, and use the new format for any new company or name change.