The Nordic region offers a good business climate

The Nordic countries have a strong tradition of research and innovation, and a well-developed traditional and digital infrastructure. The Nordic region offers a business-friendly environment with access to a dynamic market - the domestic, Nordic and European. Information exchange is characterized by accessibility, openness and transparency.

The Nordic region is also well advanced in green technology, which is predicted to become one of the key competitive factors in the global market in the future. In addition, efforts are being made to create sustainable development in the region - socially, economically as well as environmentally.

Invest in the Nordic countries

The official agencies for investments in the respective countries in the Nordic region are good places to start, whether you want to do business, invest capital or start a business.

• Invest in Denmark
• Invest in Norway
• Invest in Iceland
• Invest in Sweden
• Invest in Finland
• Invest in Faroe Islands
• Invest in Greenland

Starting operations in the Nordic countries

Listed below are the authorities responsible for registering a business in the Nordic countries. On the authorities' respective websites you can, for example, register your business, search in the register and learn more about that authority's services and responsibilities.

• The Danish Commerce and Companies Agency
• The Swedish Companies Registration Office
• The National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland
• The Brønnøysund Register Centre in Norway
• The Tax and company registration (Ríkisskattstjóri) in Iceland
• The Company Registration Authority (Skráseting Føroya) in the Faroe Islands
• The Tax Administration in Greenland

You can search and get updates and information on 25 European countries in the European Business Register.

The organisation IFS helps immigrants who want to start and operate businesses in Sweden. Info Bank has a similar function in Finland.

Applying for patents, trademarks and intellectual property rights

Below is a list of the responsible authorities for patent registration, trademark issues and intellectual property rights in the Nordic countries.

• The Danish Patent and Trademark Office
• The Swedish Patent and Registration Office
• The National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland
• The Brønnøysund Register Centre in Norway
• The Icelandic Patent Office

The Nordic Patent Institute is an intergovernmental organisation established by the governments of Denmark, Iceland and Norway for co-operation on intellectual property rights and patents. Nordic Patent has a database you can use to search for Nordic patents.

Facilitating freedom of movement

Hello Norden provides individuals and businesses with practical and timely information about living, working, studying and moving within the Nordic countries. You can also call to get answers to specific questions. The site is a free information service provided by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Øresund Direct Business guides companies in the Øresund Region to information about setting up, recruiting and analysing the market/trade - in other words doing business - in the region. Primarily targeted at Swedish and Danish companies.

Finding capital and financial support for activities

The Nordisk Innovation Centre funds ideas with a Nordic profile with the purpose of supporting the business community and immigrants in the Nordic countries.

The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) funds projects with a green profile focusing on sustainable development.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) funds projects in line with the EU's policy to promote sustainable development, develop small to medium sized enterprises, and create better and more secure energy resources.

The Swedish Industrial Development Fund links to a number of private equity players active in the Swedish and Nordic markets. You will also find links to organizations that give grants and other assistance to businesses.

Recruit staff in the Nordic countries

Here is a list of links to official employment agencies in the Nordic countries, which in turn link to industry-specific players.

• Jobnet in Denmark
• The Swedish Public Employment Service
• The Employment and Economic Development Offices in Finland
• The Directorate of Labour in Iceland
• The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV)

Regulatory authorities and taxation rules in the Nordic countries

Nordisk eTax is an information service for individuals with answers to many questions about tax rules, contracts and insurance.

More information can be found on the respective tax offices in Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Åland is under the jurisdiction of the Finnish tax authorities.

The customs administrations in Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Denmark have important information for importers and exporters of goods.

The Finance Service Authorities in Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Denmark and Norway regulate and monitor the financial markets.

Business development and networking

The Chambers of Commerce in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland are important forums for companies to develop business networks and to influence economic policy.

In Sweden and Norway the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and Oslo Chamber of Commerce are good starting points for moving on to the regional Chambers of Commerce.

The Nordic countries offer many recurring events and fairs, where business people can meet, network, do business and exchange experiences. Fairlink is a portal for information on fairs and venues in the Nordic region.

Markets in the Nordic region

The Nordic Exchange is the joint name of the company of OMX-driven stock exchanges in Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, which was launched in 2006.

First North is an alternative market for small growth companies in the Nordic region and First North Baltic is an alternative market for small growth in the Baltics. Norway has its own stock exchange called the Oslo Børs.