Finland: A Nordic Gateway for International Business
Finland consistently ranks among the world’s most stable, transparent, and business-friendly economies. As a member of the European Union, Finland offers direct access to the EU single market and the broader Nordic region — a combined consumer base of hundreds of millions. The country’s robust legal framework, efficient digital government services, and competitive corporate tax environment make it an attractive jurisdiction for entrepreneurs looking to establish a European presence. If you are considering how to register a company in Finland, the standard vehicle for foreign investors is the Osakeyhtiö (Oy), a Finnish private limited liability company that provides full liability protection for its shareholders while keeping incorporation requirements straightforward.
Quick View: Osakeyhtiö (Oy)
The Osakeyhtiö (Oy) is Finland’s most widely used corporate structure for small and medium-sized enterprises. It is registered with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) and entered into the Finnish Trade Register. The Oy structure limits shareholders’ personal liability to their capital contribution, making it the preferred choice for both domestic and international entrepreneurs who want to know how to register a company in Finland with maximum protection and credibility.
| Basic Information |
| Ownership |
Private — shares are not publicly traded |
| Liability |
Limited to share capital contribution |
| Capital Market Access |
Not listed — private placement only |
| Shareholders, Directors & Secretary |
| Shareholders |
Minimum 1, no maximum; no nationality restriction |
| Directors |
Minimum 2; at least 50% must be EEA residents |
| Legal Representative |
Not required |
| Local Director Required |
Optional — but 50% of directors must be EEA residents |
| Local Secretary Required |
Optional |
| Registered Capital |
| Minimum Capital |
No legal minimum; typically at least €2,500 |
| Paid-up Requirement |
Share capital can be set freely in the articles of association |
| Capital Verification |
Not required |
Requirements for Finland OY Incorporation
| Requirement |
Condition |
| Board of Directors |
At least 2 directors, with at least 50% resident in the European Economic Area (EEA). TKEG Expat can provide nominee directors to fulfill EEA residency requirements. |
| Registered Address |
A Finnish registered address is mandatory and must be provided at incorporation. TKEG Expat offers a virtual address service in Finland to meet this requirement. |
| Resident Contact Person |
A Finland-resident contact person is required for official communications. TKEG Expat provides a nominee contact person to cover this compliance obligation. |
Required Documents
| Natural Person (Individual Shareholder/Director) |
| Passport Copy |
Certified color copy of a valid passport for each director and shareholder |
| Proof of Address |
Recent utility bill or bank statement (issued within the last 3 months) |
| Legal Entity (Corporate Shareholder) |
| Certificate of Incorporation |
Certified copy of the parent company’s certificate of incorporation or business license |
| Articles of Association |
Certified copy of the parent company’s articles of association or bylaws |
| Director/UBO Passport |
Certified passport copies of all directors and ultimate beneficial owners of the parent entity |
| Proof of Address |
Proof of registered address for the parent company and residential address proof for each director/UBO |
Finland Tax Brief
Source: TKEG Expat tax reference data, updated April 2026
Finland operates a straightforward and competitive tax system. The corporate income tax rate is a flat 20%, which is below the EU average and positions Finland favorably for businesses seeking a cost-efficient Nordic base. There is no withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid between resident companies, which simplifies group treasury structures. The standard VAT rate is 25.5%, applied to most goods and services.
| General Corporate Income Tax (CIT) |
| Standard CIT Rate |
20% |
| CIT Return & Payment |
| Filing Deadline |
4 months after the end of the accounting period |
| Payment |
Advance payments during the fiscal year; balance due upon filing |
| Withholding Tax (WHT) — Resident |
| Dividends / Interest / Royalties |
0% / 0% / 0% |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) |
| Standard VAT Rate |
25.5% |
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) |
| Corporate Capital Gains |
Taxed at the standard CIT rate (20%) |
| Effective Tax Rate (ETR) |
| Composite Effective Average Tax Rate |
19.71% |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question |
Answer |
| Can a non-resident foreigner register a company in Finland? |
Yes. There is no nationality restriction on shareholders. However, at least 50% of directors must be EEA residents, and a Finland-resident contact person is required. TKEG Expat provides nominee directors and a nominee contact person to fulfill these requirements for non-EEA entrepreneurs. |
| Is there a minimum share capital to set up a Finnish Oy? |
Finnish law no longer prescribes a legal minimum share capital for an Oy. In practice, most companies are incorporated with at least €2,500. Capital verification by an auditor is not required at the time of registration. |
| Do I need a physical office in Finland to incorporate an Oy? |
A Finnish registered address is mandatory, but it does not need to be a physical office. TKEG Expat offers a virtual address service that satisfies the Trade Register requirement, allowing you to operate your business remotely while maintaining full compliance. |
Get Started with Your Finland Company
Understanding how to register a company in Finland is the first step toward entering the Nordic and European markets. TKEG Expat handles the entire incorporation process for your Finnish Osakeyhtiö (Oy) — from name reservation and articles of association through to PRH registration and Trade Register entry — including all government taxes and fees.
Whether you need nominee directors to meet EEA residency rules, a virtual registered address, or a Finland-resident contact person, our team ensures every compliance requirement is covered so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to discuss your Finland incorporation.
