Business Setup in Finland

Establish your company in Finland with professional support at every step.

Setting up a business in Finland involves navigating legal, financial, and operational requirements to ensure a smooth start. Whether you are an entrepreneur planning to launch a new venture or a business professional seeking to expand operations, we guide you through every aspect of establishing a company in Finland.

 

Key Steps to Starting a Business in Finland

1. Develop a Strong Business Idea

Your business idea is the foundation of your company. Consider whether:

  • The idea is viable and addresses a market need.
  • You have the skills and experience required to execute it.
  • You understand the laws governing your industry.

 

2. Create a Comprehensive Business Plan

A business plan is essential for evaluating your company’s potential. It should include:

  • Strengths and Weaknesses: Analysis of your skills and the value of your product or service.
  • Target Customers: Identification of your audience and their needs.
  • Competitor Analysis: Understanding competitors and differentiating your business.
  • Operational Plan: Detailing the logistics, premises, and equipment required.
  • Marketing Strategy: Outlining advertising and sales channels.
  • Financial Plan: Budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial forecasting.

 

3. Organize Financing

Before launching your business, ensure you have sufficient capital. Funding options include:

  • Loans: Offered by banks and Finnvera (a state-owned financing company).
  • Start-Up Grants: Provided by local TE Offices to support entrepreneurs during the initial phase. Grants are up to €750/month for up to 12 months.

💡 To apply for financing, you need a strong business plan and a clear financial strategy.

 

4. Choose the Right Company Form

Selecting the appropriate legal structure depends on factors like the number of founders, capital, and liability. Common company forms in Finland include:

  • Proprietorship (Toiminimi): Ideal for sole entrepreneurs.
  • Limited Company (Osakeyhtiö): Suitable for businesses of all sizes; liability is limited to shares owned.
  • Partnerships (Avoin Yhtiö or Kommandiittiyhtiö): Requires two or more partners, with shared responsibility or a silent partner.
  • Cooperative Association (Osuuskunta): Owned by members with equal voting rights.

 

5. Register Your Business

To operate legally, you must register your business with the Finnish Trade Register. Steps include:

  • Obtaining a Business ID.
  • Submitting required documentation, including business plans and financial projections.

 

Light Entrepreneurship: An Alternative Approach

Light entrepreneurship allows you to operate like an entrepreneur without formally establishing a business. Instead, invoicing service companies handle billing and taxes for you. This option is ideal if you are testing a business idea or working part-time.

 

Business Support in Finland

Finland provides numerous resources to support new businesses:

  • Business Advice: Offered by Finnish Enterprise Agency, ELY Centres, and TE Offices.
  • Training and Courses: Covering topics like bookkeeping, taxation, and customer service.
  • Online Tools: Templates, guides, and resources are available on platforms like Suomi.fi and Enterprise Finland.

 

Why Choose Finland for Your Business?

  • Innovation-Friendly Environment: Finland is known for its thriving start-up ecosystem and supportive government policies.
  • Access to Global Markets: Ideal location for reaching European and international customers.
  • High Quality of Life: Affordable living costs, excellent education, and work-life balance.
  • Safe and Stable: Finland consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest countries.

 

How We Can Help

Our professional services ensure that every aspect of your business setup is handled seamlessly:

  1. Business Registration: Assistance with legal requirements and obtaining a Business ID.
  2. Strategic Planning: Development of business and financial plans tailored to your goals.
  3. Funding Support: Guidance on securing loans or start-up grants.
  4. Application Assistance: Help with residence permit applications for non-EU entrepreneurs.
  5. Post-Setup Support: Ongoing advisory services to ensure operational success.

 

Start your journey to business success in Finland today. Contact us for expert assistance.