Norway: Investing

FDI in Figures

Norway encourages foreign investment and the investment climate is very positive. Even though foreign investment flows froze under the effect of the global recession, they should start to increase again with the revival.  Another major reason for which the country has lost some of its appeal is that the government owns a significant share in the oil industry.  Nevertheless, American and Dutch oil companies (Exxon-Mobil, Texaco, Royal Dutch Shell) have made important investments in Norway.  In general, the most attractive industries for FDI are oil, gas, manufacturing, the retail  and wholesale sectors and  banking.  Even though Norway's domestic market is very narrow, the country has many assets such as its location in the core of a flourishing area, its privileged ties with the United States, its population is high-qualified and multilingual, its economy is top-modern as well as its energy resources.

Why You Should Choose to Invest in Norway

Strong Points

Norway has a very strong economy and positive prospects. The country is a world leader in information, with a both stable and transparent political environment. Norway has a well organized public sector and quality infrastructures. The population enjoys a high purchasing power and the business environment is stable and investments on the increase (even though dominated by the energy sector). Norway has a highly skilled labor force, which means there is great growth potential in services and knowledge based industries, such as information and communications technologies.
The best business opportunities are consumer goods, information and communications technologies, construction and corporate services.
Numerous contracts are awarded in Norwegian oil and gas projects. The domestic market is limited, but Norway can be an attractive business base for market operations in the Nordic countries, Baltic countries and Western Russia.

Weak Points

Norway's economy is dependent on the price of oil. Norway is already past the peak of its oil production.
The fact of the geographical isolation of some parts of the country, the expenses in the areas of transport, logistics, and telecommunication infrastructures are very high.
Lastly, the country has implemented relatively strict laws in the area of employment. The country also has extremely high salary costs.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

The government maintains an open position towards foreign investment in Norway. Norway offers no significant tax incentives for investors (whether foreign or domestic). Some benefits such as lower social security payments, lower tax rates and extra deductions for individuals, apply to investments made in the less populated areas in the north of Norway. Some existing regulations, standards and practices may marginally favor Norwegian, Scandinavian or EEA investors.

Innovation Norway is a government agency designed to assist businesses by offering financing through Norwegian Industrial and Research Development Contracts.

Special restrictions apply in the following sectors:
- Acquisition of waterfalls, power supply rights and mining rights;
- Acquisition of land, real estate and long term leases;
- Acquisition of farmland and forests;
- The purchase of over 10 % of the capital stock of a Norwegian financial institution;
- Direct investments in petroleum exploration and exploitation are subject to a government license.

Regarding the financial crisis, fiscal policy has been very strong so far. However, because of the the losses suffered by the pension fund in 2009, the government remains cautious.

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By Norway

Norway has signed bilateral investment treaties with several countries. A list can be found here.

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

Guaranteed.

Acquisition of Holdings

A majority holding in a Norwegian company is legal.

Obligation to Declare

No specific text of law regulates foreign direct investments.

Competent Organization For the Declaration

Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Trade and Industry

Requests For Specific Authorizations

Following sectors require specific authorization:
- Acquisition of waterfalls, power supply rights and mining rights.
- Acquisition of land, real estate and long term leases.
- Acquisition of farmland and forests
- Purchasing over 10 % of the share capital of a Norwegian financial institution.
- Direct investments in petroleum exploration and exploitation are subject to a government licence

If an investment requires a permit, the applicant should contact the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Information about financing and support is available at Bedin.no

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

Ehandel, Public Procurement portal
Tenders Info, Tenders in Norway
Ted - Tenders Electronic daily, Business opportunities in EU 27
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide

Other Useful Resources

Oslo Chamber of Commerce
Innovation Norway
Kvasir Business Search Engine (in Norwegian).
Nortrade - Official Norwegian Trade Portal
Business Guide to Oslo Region
Norway.com Business Center

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