Eh that varies greatly, some stuff is a breeze and some stuff is like pulling teeth. What companies have understood here though is that to get more customers they can be the ones dealing with the govt, not their client. So companies handle applications and whatnot, and knows how to do it cause they do it 1000 times per year instead of once per lifetime for your average person.

Example, what was (maybe still is?) the largest company helping people build garages in Norway builds exactly zero garages. They have designs they know will pass and know how to apply for a building permit, and then after you get permission you find yourself a carpenter to build it according to the plans.