Company formation in Finland is simple if our lawyers prepare and take care of all the documentation for you to start business in Finland quickly. Our Helsinki office provides a wide range of corporate and legal services tailored to fit your needs. We can provide a turnkey solution with all the necessary business services.
Company Formation in Finland
Company Formation in Finland
How we can Support You in Starting Business in Finland:
Setting up a new limited liability company, including new shelf companies ready for business;
VAT, prepayment and employment registrations, including on-going accounting and reporting;
Registered office address, registered agent and local representative services, banking advisory.
We will help you choose the most efficient and cost-effective way to start your business in Finland. In most cases, individuals prefer incorporating a new company, while corporate shareholders often opt for a ready-made solution. We also provide full support for VAT and other tax registrations processing.
In all cases, the setup can be completed remotely without the need to travel. We take care of all the documentation, ensuring everything is set up quickly and smoothly so you can start your business with ease. Get your free case evaluation today and receive a personalized price quote! »
Company in Finland
We'll get you started in Finland!
We have helped hundreds of businesses to set up in Finland. We offer time and cost efficient remote setup packages with no travel needed. Our pricing for company formation in Finland starts from 1980 euros.
Priced from 1980 euros
Company setup from 10 days
New shelf companies available
Accounting & payroll services
VAT and tax registrations support
Finnish Limited Liability Company (OY) Setup and Services
The Finnish limited liability company (Osakeyhtiö or Oy in Finnish) is the most popular business structure, as shareholders are not personally liable for the company’s obligations. Per request we can also support with setting up a branch office, public limited company, partnership or a general partnership.
There are no restrictions on the residency of the shareholder(s), but there are some limitations for the board members located outside of the European Economic Area. It is required to have 1 management board member and 1 deputy member who are residents of the EEA. It is possible to legally bypass this requirement by applying for an exemption from the registry. We can work out a solution specific for your project.
Company formation in Finland can be completed remotely with a Power of Attorney (PoA) issued to us or by scheduling an appointment in our Helsinki office. We will recommend the most optimal solution per the specific situation. We also prepare all the legal documentation and submit the necessary applications, requiring only basic information from you. It typically takes 5-15 business days from submission for the registry to finalize, whilst tax registrations processing can take additional time.
We have helped hundreds of international companies with their company setup in Finland, while also offering expert banking advisory for local bank accounts and assistance with licensing and regulatory compliance. With our experience and tailored approach, we ensure a smooth and efficient process for every business.
What are the steps?
Step 1: Get in touch for consultation
Let us know of your target objectives and we propose the best solution for your consideration. Preliminary consultation and detailed price quotes are free of charge.
Step 2: We take care of everything
We prepare all legal documentation and forward for your signatures. As an option we offer full remote service, no travel is needed for the company formation in Finland.
Step 3: Start business in Finland
We take care of all applications and set up any corporate services needed. We notify you when the process is finalized and when your company in Finland is ready for business.
Corporate Services in Finland
We provide a full range of corporate services in Finland including company formations, VAT and tax registrations, legal and tax advisory, virtual registered office, accounting&payroll, consultation in joining with trade unions, licensing and banking advisory. Corporate secretarial services on request.
Our virtual office service is a flexible solution for companies who do not need a physical office in Finland. Our legal address in Helsinki will be used for registering with the Commercial Registry and as the administrative address for the company to receive postage. The postage sent to your company will be forwarded to you by e-mail (scanned copy) or by regular mail on request. We can also set up individual local telephone and fax numbers as well as a local domain name with web hosting for your company.
Our accounting department can take care of all of your Finnish company bookkeeping, as well as consult about financial and tax questions. The monthly cost of bookkeeping depends on the company profile, for example on the number of transactions and payroll calculations. Financial statements have to be submitted annually while VAT returns and social tax declarations have to be submitted monthly.
We work with several banks (e.g. Aktia bank and Nordea Bank) to ensure the most time efficient opening of a business bank account for your company in Finland. To set up the account, a board member has to be present for a face to face meeting during the first application stage. The payment card and online banking security token are received in the second stage. Our compliance team will consult on choosing the best bank for your business and provide support through the account opening process.
An audit is required for Finnish companies when two of the following criteria are exceeded for two consecutive years:
- The balance sheet total over 100 000 EUR
- Turnover of more than 200 000 EUR
- The number of employees exceeds three
Taxation Basics in Finland
We have outlined the key non-binding corporate taxation points in Finland. For personalized tax consultation related to your situation, please contact us to schedule a meeting with our Finland-based tax specialist.
Finland levies a 20% corporate income tax on all worldwide income. Corporate tax is imposed on a company’s profits, which consist of business income, passive income, and capital gains. Normal business expenses may be deducted in computing taxable income.
Dividends paid to a nonresident company are generally subject to a 20% withholding tax in Finland, unless the rate is reduced under a tax treaty or an exemption applies under the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive. Dividends paid to nonresident individuals are generally subject to a 30% withholding tax, unless the rate is reduced or eliminated under an applicable tax treaty. Shareholders residing in the EU/EEA may be treated the same as Finnish resident shareholders with respect to dividend distribution, subject to the application of the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive.
Finland levies a 24% VAT rate on most goods and services. There is a 14% reduced rate on food, animal feed, and restaurants, and a 10% reduced rate on books, pharmaceutical products, event admissions, accommodation, and passenger transport. The VAT registration threshold is 15.000 EUR. Tax declarations must be prepared either monthly or quarterly, depending on the business’s turnover.
Finland does not have a statutory minimum wage. Instead, wages are determined based on collective agreements between employers and trade unions or workers’ organizations. These agreements cover all workers in Finland, setting wage standards for various sectors and industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have included the frequently asked questions for company formation and corporate services in Finland and the appropriate answers.
What documentation is needed?
In order to register and process your order we ask for you your passport scan, residential address (w. utility bill) and contact details.
How long does it take?
It usually takes 5-15 business days for the Commercial Registry to process the company setup. The processing times are dependent on the registry work-load. It can take an additional 2-5 weeks for certain tax registrations such as the VAT and prepayment registry registration depending on the workload of the local governmental authorities.
Do I have to come to Finland?
The company setup procedures can be processed fully remotely with travel to Finland not required.
What are Suomi.fi credentials?
Suomi.fi credentials are needed to access all local government authorities services online, e.g. the tax office. If one does not have a Finnish bank account user credentials then Suomi.fi user must created. We can support with the paperwork and application submission.
What if I am not from the EU?
The Finnish commercial code sets forward the requirement to have 1 management board member and 1 board deputy member who are residents of the European Economic Area. It is possible to legally bypass this requirement by applying for an exemption from the registry. We have processed many such successful exemption applications for participants from Switzerland and USA.
How much does it cost?
Our pricing for both new company formation and new shelf companies in Finland starts at 1980 EUR. The final cost of your project will depend on further services required such as local registered office address, registered agent service or similar. Also the annual costs will depend on the list of required services. We would be glad to provide a detailed quote specific to your project.
Do I need registered office address?
Having a local registered office address is mandatory for every Finnish company. The legal address will be shown in the commercial registry and the official letters addressed to the company will be sent to this address. We provide a virtual registered office address in Helsinki as a service and forward the postage received as scanned copies to your e-mail.
Can I choose the company name?
Yes, you can choose the company business name in case of new company incorporation. It is subject to registry availability. In case of shelf company purchase additional registry fees apply for the business name change. Usually 3 business name options are provided to the registry and the registry provides their final confirmation on one. You may check availability for the name: following this link.
How do I open the bank account?
There is no shortage of international and local banks in Finland and banking systems are highly advanced, however opening a bank account can be challenging and take time. It is not possible to open the bank account by proxy or by Power of Attorney, a face to face meeting is required at the bank. However, as a solution for a quick start it is also possible to open with a fintech bank in the European Union which can be done online with no visit needed and then proceed to opening with a local traditional bank in Finland in later steps.
What about reporting requirements?
Irrespective of size, the Finnish limited company has to file annual accounts with the commercial registry once a year. Small companies are exempted from the requirement of appointing an auditor. VAT returns and social tax declarations have to be submitted monthly. Our accounting department can take care of all reporting requirements on your behalf.
How to register for VAT?
We support in preparation and submission for VAT registration and all other necessary tax registries on your behalf.
How do I get started?
In the first step please let us know of your objectives for setting up a company in Finland. In the second step we propose the best solution with a step-by-step overview and a detailed price quote for company formation in Finland. In the third step we take care of all legal documentation and applications.
Questions? Our Legal Team would be Glad to Assist!
For any questions regarding company formation in Finland, please reach out through the contact form below. To receive an overview of the procedures and pricing, kindly provide preliminary details, such as the number of participants in your company structure and their country of residency. Our country manager can then respond with a tailored indication including information on the procedures, timelines, and a pricing breakdown.
Contact details
Our office in Finland is located in Helsinki. Please schedule an appointment beforehand to be connected with our country manager.
E-mail us at finland@maxcorp.eu
Call our head office at +372.50.43.245
Helsinki office address:
Urho Kekkosen 4-6E, 00100 Helsinki, Finland