Establishment of investment firm
An investment firm license is required to engage in investment activities in Norway. A license can be granted to private limited companies or public limited companies.
Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway - License for investment firm (in Norwegian only)
About this form
All private limited companies and public limited companies that will engage in investment activities in Norway.
A separate guide has been prepared that describes what the application should include:
The purpose of the license requirement is to facilitate secure, orderly and efficient trading in financial instruments. Investment firms must satisfied the statutory requirements that are stipulated in Part 3, Chapters 9 and 10 of the Securities Trading Act.
The Act relating to securities trading (Securities Trading Act), Part 3 (in Norwegian only)
Among other things, a license requires that the investment firm has start-up capital amounting to at least the equivalent of EUR 730,000 in Norwegian kroner. The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway may permit less start-up capital for companies that will only provide certain investment services. In addition, the investment firm's day-to-day/actual management, board members and shareholders with a qualifying holding must be deemed suitable.
An investment firm that wishes to engage in cross-border activities to or establish a branch in another EEA state must send notice of this to the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway.
Processing time
Notice of decisions concerning applications for a license to operate an investment firm will be sent to the applicant within six months after a complete application is received.
Right to appeal
Applicants have a right to appeal under Section 28 of the Public Administration Act.
