Business can be conducted as a private entrepreneur, as a partnership or limited liability company formed of one or more individuals or legal entities, or a cooperative. A foreign entrepreneur may also establish a branch in Finland. In certain circumstances, those not resident/domiciled in the EEA need a permit from the National Board of Patents and Registration.

While the establishment of a partnership (general or limited partnership) does not require adherence to any specified form, a written agreement should always be made for the trade register. For legal purposes, limited liability companies and cooperatives are only established when they have been entered in the trade register maintained by the National Board of Patents and Registration.

Enterprises submit the basic declaration to the trade register using the start-up notification, with which they may also apply for registration in the trade register, employer register, prepayment register and/or VAT register.

Invest in Finland

Invest in Finland is an expert service organisation promoting foreign direct investment in Finland. It's funded by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy.