If you are interested insetting up a company in Finland in 2026 and need to know about the existing entities here, this article is for you. We invite you to explore the main types of companies available in Finland and then solicit assistance in opening one from our Finnish agents.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies/entities available in Finland | – limited liability company, – general and limited partnership, – proprietorship, – public limited company, – cooperative, – branch |
The most common type of structure in Finland | Limited liability company (osakeyhtiö or Oy) |
Legislation | Company Law in Finland |
| Minimum share capital for LLC | Not required |
| Minimum share capital for public limited company in Finland | EUR 20,000 |
| Legal representative required | Not an obligation, but recommended |
| The most important document for company formation in Finland | Articles of Association |
| Can you open a liaison office in Finland ? (YES/NO) | YES |
| Shelf companies available in Finland (YES/NO) | YES |
| Institution in charge of company registration in Finland | Finnish Trade Register |
| Branch incorporation in Finland | Requires a fixed location and a declaration for opening such structure in Finland, issued by the parent company |
| Tax registration required (YES/NO) | YES |
| Business license needed in Finland | According to the business activities. Our Finnish agents can help with the procedures. |
| Accounting services for companies in Finland | We provide complete accounting services as soon as the company is registered. |
| How can our local Finnish agents help you? | We offer assistance for: – documents preparation, – tax registration, – opening a bank account, – appoiting a representative, etc. |
| Formalities for the incorporation of LLCs in Finland | – minimum 1 shareholder, – business address, – business name verification and reservation, – established local bank account, – tax registration, etc. |
Features of joint stock companies | – can be registered with EUR 2,500 as minimum share capital, – founders can be natural and/or legal persons, – must have a board of directors, – can be incorporated with the Finnish Trade Register |
Can limited or general partneships be registered in Finland? | Yes, under a partnership agreement |
| Board of directors for a company in Finland | Formed by at least 3 directors |
| Best use for branches | For activities in sectors like banking, insurances, financial services, etc. |
| Best use for subsidiaries | Great choices for foreigners wanting to operate in domains like: IT, insurance, banking, retail, manufacturing, etc. |
| Requirements for directors of public companies in Finland | At least 50% of the directors must have residence in EEA countries |
| Annual turnover for LLC audits | More than EUR 200,000 |
| Registration formalities for sole traders in Finland | A simplified form of business that allows anyone to operate under his/her name, requires a license, must be registered for taxation |
| Time frame for opening an LLC in Finland | A few days or weeks, depending on the paperwork and procedures |
| Minimum number of shareholders required for an LLC in Finland | 1 is sufficient |
| Company secretary required for businesses in Finland (YES/NO) | NO |
| Resident director required for LLCs in Finland (YES/NO) | YES |
| VAT in Finland | 24%. Lower rates apply on different categories of products and services |
| Corporate tax rate in Finland | 20% |
Table of Contents
What types of companies are available in Finland?
The main business structures in Finland are:
- Limited Liability Company (Oy),
- Sole Trader (Toiminimi),
- General Partnership (Ay),
- Limited Partnership (Ky),
- Co-operative,
- Joint stock company,
- Branch,
- Subsidiary,
- Liaison office, etc.
What is the most popular business entity in Finland?
The limited liability company, or OY as it is known in Finland.
Are public and private OYs available in Finland?
Yes, both options are available.
You can also read the following infographic with details about the available types of companies in Finland:
What is the minimum share capital for an LLC in Finland?
- Not imposed for private OYs,
- EUR 80,000 for public LLCs in Finland.
Who can choose a sole proprietorship in Finland?
Entrepreneurs who want to do business on their own in Finland. All company debts and obligations are transferred to the sole trader in Finland.
What is the minimum share capital for joint stock companies in Finland?
Joint stock companies in Finland can be set up as limited liability companies with no minimum share capital imposed if private.
What are the required documents for company formation in Finland?
- Articles of Association,
- Memorandum of Association,
- IDs/passports of shareholders,
- Proof of registered business address,
- A board resolution from the parent company in case of branches,
- Proof of paid capital and administrative fees, etc.
IMPORTANT! All company documents must be translated into Finnish or Swedish before submission to the relevant authorities.
Here is a video presentation about the types of companies available in Finland:
What are the key characteristics of OYs in Finland?
- no minimum share capital for private ones,
- fast incorporation,
- flexibility,
- suitable for startups,
- ready to be used in a few days, etc.
Where do I register a company in Finland?
The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH), through the Business Information System (YTJ).
Are shelf companies available in Finland?
Yes. These are proper options for entrepreneurs who do not want to set up a company in Finland from scratch. A shelf company in Finland is already incorporated.
Are joint ventures available in Finland?
Yes. Joint ventures are seen as contractual agreements based on the Corporate Framework, which is the company’s Articles of Association.
NOTE! Joint ventures in Finland are not recognized by the law as a legal entity, as there is no special legislation in this sense. A large joint venture will need approval from the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority before starting operations.
What is a co-operative in Finland?
The term “co-operative” can be described as a type of business owned by its members. It is a good choice for a collaborative company, a group of individuals who wish to work for themselves but do not want to set up the business as an individual, such as artists or massage therapists, etc.
Who can form a general partnership in Finland?
A general partnership must be formed by two or more persons who start a business by signing a partnership contract. This company structure benefits those entrepreneurs who do not have a minimum required capital, and the partners are all equal throughout the business’s activities.
What is a limited partnership in Finland?
Limited Partnership in Finland (kommandiittiyhtiö-Ky) must have at least two partners; one must be the general partner, and the other is a silent partner. The general one has the right to contribute to the management’s decisions and ask for profit, unlike the limited one. The silent one has no decision-making power and also does not absorb the losses.
How can entrepreneurs choose the optimal company type in Finland?
Considering:
- Business size,
- Activities,
- Taxation,
- Investment plans,
- Long-term projects, etc.
If you want to know more about the aspects of setting up a company in Denmark, our partners from CompanyFormationDenmark.com can help you.
Contact our expert team members if you want to register a company in Finland. Our expert team members can provide you with comprehensive assistance in this regard.