Registers and Companies
What is an Organisation Number, and How Do You Check It?
The organisation number (organisasjonsnummer) is a nine-digit identifier for registered businesses and other entities. It is the key to the information stored about an entity in Brønnøysundregistrene (the Brønnøysund Register Centre).
2 min read · Translated from Norwegian. Read the original
The organisation number (organisasjonsnummer) is a nine-digit identifier for registered businesses and other entities. It is the key to the information stored about an entity in Brønnøysundregistrene (the Brønnøysund Register Centre).
Everyone registered in Enhetsregisteret (the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities) and Foretaksregisteret (the Register of Business Enterprises) receives an organisation number. The number must be used on business documents so that customers, suppliers, and authorities can identify the correct legal entity.
How is the number structured?
The organisation number consists of nine digits. The last digit is a checksum calculated using modulus 11 and specific weights. The checksum makes it possible to detect many data entry errors but does not prove that the business is active or reliable.
Organisation Number and VAT Number
For a business registered in the Norwegian VAT Register (Merverdiavgiftsregisteret), the VAT number is the organisation number followed by the letters MVA. A valid organisation number does not automatically mean that the business is VAT-registered. Always check the VAT status separately.
Head entity and sub-entity
A company may have sub-entities for different workplaces. These may have their own organisation numbers, while the agreement and invoice relate to the legal head entity. Proffi should, therefore, clearly show the relationship between the head entity and the sub-entity.
How to check a company
- Search for the organisation number.
- Compare the registered name with the agreement and invoice.
- Check the legal form and status.
- View registration in Foretaksregisteret (the Register of Business Enterprises) and the VAT Register.
- Check roles, signatory, and the correct head entity.
- Open the official source if in doubt.
Do not rely solely on the number in an email signature. A valid number may belong to another business.
How Proffi should present the number
Display the formatted number for humans and the plain nine-digit value in copy functions and APIs. Include status, name, head entity, update timestamp, and a link to Brønnøysundregistrene (the Brønnøysund Register Centre).
Frequently asked questions
- Are an organisation number and a company number the same?
- An organisation number is the official Norwegian identification number. "Foretaksnummer" (company number) is sometimes used informally.
- Does the number change if the business changes its name?
- A standard name change does not normally alter the organisation number. A new legal entity or legal form may do so.
- Can I find the owner using the organisation number?
- You can find registered roles and available ownership information through relevant registers and services, but the data available varies.