Jussi Hellsten / City of Helsinki

Setting up a business in Finland

Setting up a business in Finland is a straightforward process that takes only a couple of weeks. Read on for an overview of the five-step process.

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Setting up your business

1. Choose a unique name
Start the process by choosing a unique name that is relevant to the business. The name must also satisfy certain legal requirements. Check the Business Information System (BIS / YTJ) for the names that are already in use in Finland.

Read more:
- Choosing a company name
- Finnish Patent and Registration Office: Company name instructions
2. Select the business structure
Most foreign companies and organizations in Finland operate as private or public limited liability companies or through a Finnish branch office. Other options for a business entity are general or limited partnerships or co-operatives.

In Finnish sources translated into English, business structure is often referred to by other terms, such as “company form”, “form of enterprise” or “form of business”.

Read more:
- Types of companies
- Compare the types of companies
3. Familiarize yourself with permits and regulations
Some trades and professions are regulated and subject to license. Examples of such businesses are serving of alcohol, debt collection, and security guard business.

Read more:
4. File a start of business notification
To register your company, file a start-up notification to the Trade Register and the Tax Administration. This can be done by one single form called the “Y form”.

The Trade Register announce their processing times monthly. You can monitor the progress of your notification via their online service Virre.

Foreign companies starting business operations in Finland:
Establishing a new company based in Finland:
5. Commencement of business operations
Now it’s time to focus on practicalities. Open a separate bank account for your company, arrange accounting, rent or buy premises, and take the necessary insurances.

You can also create an account in My Enterprise Finland to access various services. Log in to the site with your online banking credentials.

Read more:

Are you looking to establish a startup in Finland?

If you’re interested in founding a startup, this Startup Kit by Business Finland will be useful for you. Check out also NewCo Helsinki and Startup Space Helsinki who offer support and services both for startups and established entrepreneurs in Helsinki.

Helsinki Business Hub is the international trade and investment promotion agency for the Finnish capital region. We help foreign companies to set up their business, grow, and develop in Greater Helsinki. All our services are free of charge.

Setting up a business in Finland

Setting up your business

1. Choose a unique name

2. Select the business structure

3. Familiarize yourself with permits and regulations

4. File a start of business notification

5. Commencement of business operations

Are you looking to establish a startup in Finland?

Let’s talk!

Helsinki Business Hub is the international trade and investment promotion agency for the Finnish capital region. We help foreign companies to set up their business, grow, and develop in Greater Helsinki. All our services are free of charge.

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Setting up a business in Finland

Setting up your business

Are you looking to establish a startup in Finland?

Let’s talk!

Helsinki Business Hub is the international trade and investment promotion agency for the Finnish capital region. We help foreign companies to set up their business, grow, and develop in Greater Helsinki. All our services are free of charge.

Read next

We’re hiring! Marketing Communications Specialist

Startup ecosystem in Helsinki: easy-going and diverse

Growth opportunities in Finland’s circular economy ecosystem

Born global with a fully distributed model

Follow us

HBH at your service

Business opportunities