If you want to open a travel agency in Finland, we invite you to read this article. Here you will find information about procedures, costs, and other business-related matters that you should consider before starting your activities as a tour operator in Finland. In addition, for a smooth company formation process in Finland, our local specialists can help you with all the formalities.
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What is the optimal business structure for a travel agency in Finland?
The limited liability company (OY) in Finland is the recommended business structure for developing a business as a tour operator. Of course, some entrepreneurs prefer general or limited partnerships, public limited companies, or associations, but it all depends on the business model and size. Here is what you need to know if you want to register a limited liability company in Finland before starting tourism activities:
- there is no minimum share capital required for a private LLC,
- the company must have a registered business address in Finland as well as a bank account,
- registration for paying taxes and social contributions is also mandatory,
- you will need to obtain a business license before starting the operations of the future travel agency in Finland,
- the Articles of Association are submitted to the Finnish Trade Register, alongside registration fee (around EUR 150), authorized signature, and other specific extracts.
As a foreign investor in Finland, it is a good idea to have the support of an agent who can represent you in all the registration procedures. As such, one can rely on our specialists in company formation in Finland and benefit from a smooth incorporation process.
How can you obtain a business license for a travel agency in Finland?
Another important step in opening a tour operator in Finland is obtaining the appropriate business license. In Finland, there is no particular travel agency license, but approvals in this regard are provided by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA). Here is what you need to do in this situation to obtain the necessary approvals before carrying out activities as a tour operator:
- Setting up a company in Finland also involves obtaining a business ID. This ID is presented to the FCCA when you register your company as a tour operator.
- You must provide proof that your company is registered for VAT.
- Company owners must also comply with the Act on Supervision and Insolvency Protection Fees for Providers of Travel Service Combinations (901/2017) and the Act on Travel Service Combinations (922/2017).
- Travel agencies in Finland must also have a security deposit if advance payments are collected from clients at the time tourist packages are sold.
These are some of the conditions for obtaining approvals before starting the activities as a travel agency in Finland. More information on this subject can be found from our local agents.
About the tourism sector in Finland
As in all countries, tourism plays a major role in economic development. Finland is no exception in this case, and the figures below support this:
- 14% of Finland’s total service export income came from the tourism sector in 2024.
- More than 4.9 million tourists visited Finland in 2024, spending around EUR 3.7 billion.
- The government aims for the travel and tourism market in Finland to reach around USD 3.51 billion between 2025 and 2029.
Interested in opening a travel agency in Finland? You can opt for our personalized services and work closely with our experts in company incorporation in Finland. Contact us today and ask for a free case evaluation.