The Business Name Act prescribes the corporate identifiers included in the business name for each type of business.

The corporate identifiers for the various business types are as follows:

Private entrepreneur

The business name of a private entrepreneur may include the word 'Toiminimi' ('business name') or the abbreviation 'Tmi', although this is not compulsory. In Swedish the business name of a private entrepreneur may include the word 'Fma' or "Firma'.

General partnership

The business name of a general partnership must include the words 'avoin yhtiö' ('general partnership'). The abbreviation 'ay' is not considered sufficient. The words 'avoin yhtiö' need not be included in the business name if it is otherwise clear that there are several partners (for example, Sjöberg & Kallio, Maija & Co.).

In Swedish the business name of a general partnership must include the words 'öppet bolag' if it is not otherwise clear that there are several partners.

Limited partnership

The business name of a limited partnership must include the word 'kommandiittiyhtiö' ('limited partnership') or the abbreviation 'ky'. In Swedish the business name of a limited partnership must include the word 'kommanditbolag' or the abbreviation 'kb'.

Limited liability company

The business name of a limited liability company must include the word 'osakeyhtiö' ('limited liability company') or the abbreviation 'oy'. In Swedish the business name of a limited liability company must include the word 'aktiebolag' or the abbreviation 'ab'.

The business name of a public limited company must include the words 'Julkinen osakeyhtiö' ('public limited company') or the abbreviation 'Oyj'.

In Swedish the business name of a public limited company must include the words 'publikt aktiebolag' or the abbreviation 'abp'.

Cooperative

In accordance with the Business Name Act, the business name of a cooperative must include the word 'osuuskunta' ('cooperative'), the combining form 'osuus' or the abbreviation 'osk'.

In Swedish the business name of a cooperative must include the word 'andelslag', the combining form 'andels' or the abbreviation 'anl'.

Branch of a foreign entrepreneur

The business name of a branch of a foreign entrepreneur must include the business name of the entrepreneur and an addition indicating it is a branch, such as 'sivuliike Suomessa' ('branch in Finland').

In Swedish the business name of a branch of a foreign entrepreneur may include the addition 'filial i Finland' or 'filial'.

It is not possible to verify in advance whether a given business name can be registered. To save time, the applicant may give a maximum of three alternative names for examination in connection with the start-up notification. The alternative names are to be given in order of preference. These names will only be investigated if the original business name cannot be registered. It is advisable not to print the business name on forms, advertisements, signs, etc., until after the name has been registered in the trade register.