Foreign investments into Norway take several forms, including foreign-controlled enterprises (subsidiaries) and foreign direct investment (FDI) across sectors. According to Statistics Norway’s overview of foreign affiliates (foreign-controlled enterprises operating in Norway), the statistics describe the structure and economic activity of subsidiaries that are controlled directly or indirectly by enterprises abroad and their impact on the Norwegian economy.

The same dataset shows that the number of foreign-controlled subsidiaries in Norway has grown in recent years, with nearly 9,900 foreign-controlled enterprises recorded in 2022, up from previous years, reflecting ongoing international interest in the Norwegian market. These firms contribute to employment, output and value added across industries and illustrate that Norway remains an attractive destination for cross-border investment by global companies.

Foreign direct investment statistics compiled by Statistics Norway also provide a snapshot of investment flows into and out of Norway, covering stocks of equity, debt positions and income components such as distributed earnings and reinvested profits. These figures are produced according to international guidelines and show how capital is moving between Norway and foreign investor countries, helping analysts and policymakers monitor long-term trends.

Beyond these official figures, broader economic data suggest that foreign multinational enterprises make significant contributions to the Norwegian private sector. Independent reports indicate that while foreign-owned firms constitute a small share of total entities, they are often responsible for a disproportionate share of private sector employment and revenue, underlining their importance in the economy.

For international companies considering investment or expansion into Norway, understanding these trends can inform strategic decisions. Foreign investment activity highlights opportunity areas and shows that Norway continues to attract cross-border capital in sectors such as finance, manufacturing, information and communication, and wholesale trade.

At the same time, successful investment and establishment require careful administrative readiness. Companies that plan to invest, form subsidiaries or begin operations in Norway must complete legal registrations, verify authorised representatives and secure access to relevant regulatory and commercial systems before they can operate fully. Structured digital registration solutions help companies manage these requirements efficiently and with greater predictability, reducing administrative uncertainty and supporting smoother entry into the Norwegian market.

Foreign-owned enterprises play a significant role in the Norwegian economy.
In 2023, there were 10,296 enterprises under foreign control in Norway. These companies employed 400,628 people and generated a total turnover of NOK 2,256,994 million.

The numbers don’t lie: Norway is an attractive market for foreign investment.