How to set up an ENK (sole proprietorship)

To start a sole trader company (ENK), you can do it quick and easy digitally in DNB. Also get tips and advice on how to set up an sole trader company step-by-step.

Woman smiling and looking into the camera and has started a company

Start a new sole trader company and get everything you need as a business owner in DNB at the same time
Corporate Banking and DNB Accounting Mini for free for the first year
Get help from advisers – whether you need sparring before start-up or banking advice

Only NOK 149 per month – free of charge the first year

Accounts, cards and payments

The monthly price includes a number of payments, annual fee cards.

Three online bank users

Distribute the responsibility. You can give access to three users.

The DNB Regnskap Mini

Banking and accounting in one – seamless bank integration included.

Update your application

Woman sitting in front of PC updating application for sole trader company

Have you started an application that you want to resume? You can log in here to continue with the application, and to add any missing documentation

What is a sole trader company?

A sole proprietorship (ENK) is a type of company for anyone who wants to run a company for themselves as an independent proprietor. The company is owned and run by one person, and you have full personal responsibility for the finances – both income and potential losses.

Sole trader companies are the easiest way to start your own business in Norway – especially for freelancers, consultants, construction workers and entrepreneurs.

How much does it cost to start a sole trader company?

Starting a business via DNB costs nothing – you’ll get an account, help with setting up your business and free tips and advice from our specialists. However, remember that there is a fee for registration in the entity/enterprise register that must be paid to the state when registering a new company. You can find the current price at Brønnøysund Register Centre.

The difference between sole trader companies and limited companies

In a sole trader company there is no legal difference between you and the business, as it is in a limited company (AS). ENK does not require a board, CEO or start-up capital, which makes it a simple and flexible solution for those who want to operate alone. In DNB you can get help to select company type.

Characteristics of sole trader companies

You are personally responsible, you and the company are the same legal entity.
No equity requirements
Easy to register and operate – do it here in DNB and we’ll fix all paperwork
The owner decides everything, you don’t have a board and general meeting

How to set up an ENK (sole proprietorship)

1. Check if you meet the four conditions

Select "Start new ENG with BankID" to get started.
To start an ENK in 2025, you must meet the business requirements. You’ll find more information and good guidance on this at The Norwegian Tax Administration.
The Tax Administration does not assess whether you meet all the conditions, you must assess this yourself:
1. The business is suitable for collecting profits.
2. The business has a certain duration: There is no fixed requirement for how long you need to run, but you should have a plan to keep going for a while.
3. The business has a certain scope: For it to be considered as a business activity, you need to work regularly.
4. The business is run on its own account and at its own risk.
When you submit an application, you will be asked a few questions about what you will be doing and expected revenues and similar. It’s a good idea to have this ready before you start.

2. Select name

When setting up a sole trader company, you first have to choose a company name. The name you choose must contain your surname.
It’s a good idea to check if the name is available. You can easily do this at navnesok.noIf the name is taken, you must choose another name or obtain consent from the company that has the name. If you need consent, you cannot set up the company through DNB, but can use Coordinated registration.

3. Submit your application

To start your business, start by filling in and submitting an application with us. You sign with BankID.
It’s everything you need to do – we’ll handle the rest for you, without additional costs than the government fee you’ll have to pay.
You do not need to register anything with the Brønnøysund Register Centre. It can actually delay the process.
The processing time at the Brønnøysund Register Centre varies. You can see an updated overview of processing time at brreg.no.

4. What is happening next?

Your sole proprietorship is set up and we’ll be more familiar with you as a customer and your needs, so that we can help you in the best way possible.
- We register the company with Brønnøysund and set you up as a banking customer with the products you get as a new customer at DNB
- We’ll call you during the customer set-up process to get to know you as a customer and the company you’re founding
- The application is being processed by DNB and we’re liaising with the Brønnøysund Register Centre. Do not register anything directly with them; this can delay the process.
- Processing times vary, but we strive to make the process as short as possible. You can check on its progress by logging in.
- You will be notified when the application is approved, the company is set up and how you can get started as a customer with us
- We’ll let you know when everything is ready

5. Check the status of the application

Why you should start a company with DNB

As a customer with a new sole trader company, you’ll get a number of tips and advice on how to start and run your company. We’ve gathered most of the information for you in Start-up advisory team – advisers who specialise in helping people who want to start their own business, from start-up to growth.

In addition, you’ll get a number of products and services that are useful for those with their own company.

Book a meeting with an adviser in DNB See all our tips and advice

What our customers say

“Simple and smooth! As well as good customer service by phone"

Lindtveit Rifforama

“An extremely simple and nice form”

Ibrahim

"Simple form, with good tips and explanations"

Godheim Design

Everything you get as a customer DNB:

Digital company set-up

Simple registration of the company. Do everything in one place, we’ll do the work for you with Brønnøysund. Here you can also check on the status of ongoing applications.

Account and payments

The monthly price covers domestic payments and payroll up to 30 transactions per payment type per month.

Cards

As a corporate customer in DNB, you get one card included (Visa Business). If you want more cards, we have what you need.

The DNB Regnskap Mini

Our basic package suitable for smaller businesses It’s free the first 12 months, remember to activate.

Three users to the online bank

If you want to delegate, three users can get access at no extra cost.

Mobile banking app DNB Bedrift

Get a full overview and the bank in your pocket when you’re on the go.

Get help from the Start-up advisory team

DNB Start-up pilot can help you with the set-up, company structure, business model, financing, networking and marketing

Corporate department

Our advisers at the corporate centre are always ready to help you. You can also see our help pages or use our chatbot Aino.

See more in Help and guidance

Do you already have a sole trader company?

Do you have a sole trader company and want to become a DNB corporate customer?

You can move your sole proprietorship to us digitally.

Become a customer

Taxes and fees for sole trader companies

When you run sole trader companies, tax and fees are an important part of the responsibility as a business owner. You pay tax on the profits in the company, and it is you that yourself report and pay the tax through advance tax. In addition, you must pay VAT (tax) if your turnover exceeds NOK 50,000 during a 12-month period. You must then register the company in the VAT register and start adding VAT to the goods and services you sell.

The Norwegian Tax Administration has useful resources and courses for new self-employed businesses, and it is important to keep track of deadlines and reports in order to avoid fees. Good financial management and correct tax management are crucial for a safe and profitable start-up.

In DNB, you get a simple and straightforward accounting system adapted to your business. This makes it easy to handle taxes and fees.

FAQs about starting a sole trader company (ENK)

What is a sole trader company?

What do business requirements mean?

How do I know if the name is available?

When starting a sole trader company, it’s a good idea to check if the name is available. You can easily do this at navnesok.no.

If the name is taken, you must choose another name or obtain consent from the company that has the name.

Remember that the name must contain your surname.

If you need consent, you cannot establish the company through DNB, but can use Samordnet registermelding (coordinated register notification).

Where can I find prices for products and services?

How long does it take to set up a Sole trader company?

Should I start an ENK or AS?

When starting a business, you need to consider whether you should set up an ENK or AS. If you are unsure, DNB’s Start-up advisory team help you for free.

Sole proprietorship (ENK) is an organisation in which a natural person is responsible for the business. This means that you have full financial responsibility for the business’s requirements and obligations. You are not obliged to invest money in the company, so you can start with NOK 0 in your account.

Private limited company (AS) is an abbreviation for aksjeselskap (private limited company). The private limited company has some advantages. Vis-à-vis creditors (those who have lent the company money) you’re only liable for the amount you have deposited. As an employee in your own AS you can claim the same social security benefits as other employees.

When you form an AS you need to deposit a minimum of NOK 30,000 in share capital. Compared to an ENK, AS has slightly stricter accounting requirements. An AS must also have a board of directors with at least one member.

Do you want to set up a private limited company (AS) instead of a sole trader company? Read more about AS here.

There are also several other company types, such as general partnership with shared liability (DA), general partnership with joint and several liability (ANS) and foundations. Read about other types of companies here.

If you want to compare AS and ENK, we’ve put everything together on one page. You’ll also find information about holding companies here. Read more about AS, ENK and holding companies here.

Where do I check the status of my application?

Do I need an accounting program for a sole trader company?

What happens after the application is submitted?

Can I order other banking products than the ones in the basic package?