Opening companies in Finland in certain sectors require additional steps. One of them is applying for a business license or permit in Finland. Also, in some cases, commercial authorizations replace trade licenses.
Our lawyers in Finland are at your disposal if you want to launch a business and need assistance in applying for a business license, if required.
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Types of business licenses in Finland
The necessity of obtaining a business permit in Finland can be divided as follows:
- activities that require notifications;
- operations for which municipality-issued licenses are required;
- highly regulated industries where special permits must be obtained.
Determining if your business needs a business license or not can be done with the help of our law firm in Finland.
Industries in which specific business permits are required
Here is a short list of the types of companies that need to apply for special business licenses in Finland:
- restaurants;
- businesses that import, sell, and/or serve alcoholic products;
- beauty parlors;
- car repair businesses;
- hairdressers;
- grocery stores;
- companies offering transportation services;
- enterprises carrying out taxi activities;
- private healthcare service providers;
- private security companies.
All these sectors are also subject to specific legislation established by authorities that govern the respective fields. So, if you want to apply for a business license in Finland, you must also get acquainted with the law governing a certain industry.
Apart from the law, you should also note that certain conditions apply when filing for a business license.
Professionals carrying out activities in Finland
Finland is a great country to operate as a sole trader and carry out a specific professional activity. As a doctor, accountant, engineer, or even architect you do not need to apply for a specific business permit. What you must do is to have your profession recognized by the dedicated governmental body and obtain your qualification credentials.
This is also the case of foreign citizens from non-EU countries. In addition, they must also comply with Finland’s residency requirements. This means they will first apply for residence permits, and then move here. Also, they will have to have their qualifications and diplomas recognized and authorized here.
Our Finnish lawyers can also help foreigners who want to establish themselves here. We can assist with their relocation, as well as with the procedure of setting up their businesses and applying for business permits. Ulteriorly, we can guide them towards gaining Finnish citizenship.
The commercial license in Finland
Similar to a trade license, the commercial business permit in Finland is required for activities like:
- serving alcoholic beverages;
- debt recovery;
- private security.
The commercial license is also needed for other operations, however, before initiating the application procedure, it is recommended to check with our lawyers. Another aspect to consider is that certain activities are not subject to licensing requirements, but to registration with regulating authorities.
If you are interested in this business license, you can rely on our Finnish law firm for guidance.
How many companies are registered in Finland?
At the beginning of 2024, there were 688,991 entities registered in Finland, according to data from the National Patent Office. By business type they were divided into:
- 288,211 limited liability companies;
- 257,452 sole proprietorships;
- 21,660 limited partnerships;
- 16,576 public companies with limited liability;
- 7,444 general partnerships;
- 1,216 branch offices of foreign companies.
If you need support in obtaining a business permit or alternatives to trade licenses in Finland, please contact our lawyers.