KF Biz guide
Starting a Business in Finland
A practical roadmap for turning a business idea into a real business in Finland. Use it as a starting point, then check the current requirements for your specific situation.
Before registration
1. Start with the business idea
Be clear about what you will sell, who will buy it and why they would choose you. Think about your target customers, competitors, pricing and the resources you need to start.
Do not start with the registration form. Start by testing whether the business idea makes commercial sense.
2. Build a simple business plan
Write down your business concept, customers, products or services, sales approach, competitors, pricing, startup costs and expected income. A business plan can also be useful when applying for financing or startup support.
Keep the first version practical. You can improve it as you learn more about the market.
3. Choose a business form
For a person starting alone, common options include a private entrepreneur (toiminimi) and a limited liability company (osakeyhtiö). The right choice depends on factors such as risk, scale, ownership, taxation and how you plan to operate.
See our Toiminimi vs Oy guide for a focused comparison.
4. Register the business
A toiminimi entrepreneur can start business operations through the Finnish Tax Administration's MyTax service, while an osakeyhtiö is founded through the Business Information System (YTJ). Depending on your situation, you may also register in the Trade Register and the Tax Administration's registers.
Your exact registration route depends on your business form and circumstances, so check the current official instructions before submitting anything.
5. Set up the practical foundations
Business bank account
Keep business transactions organised and separate from personal spending. Check what your bank requires when opening the account.
Accounting and records
Choose how bookkeeping, receipts, invoices and financial records will be handled from the beginning.
Insurance and pension obligations
Check YEL and any mandatory insurance requirements for your situation and industry.
Permits and sector requirements
Some activities require permits, notifications or other obligations. Check these before you start trading.
6. Understand your tax obligations
Check whether you need to register for VAT, the Prepayment Register and, if you employ people, the Employer Register. VAT registration requirements depend on the business activity and turnover rules. The current Finnish small-business VAT threshold is €20,000 in a calendar year, with specific rules that should be checked against your situation.
Do not rely on an old checklist: tax rules can change.
7. Prepare for your first customer
Before launch, make sure you know how customers will contact you, how you will quote or invoice, what your payment terms are and how you will deliver the product or service.
Then start selling. Your first version does not need to be perfect; it needs to be clear enough for a customer to understand and buy.
Quick checklist
Ready to start?
- Business idea and target customer defined
- Basic market and competitor research completed
- Business plan prepared
- Business form chosen
- Registration route checked
- Tax registrations and obligations checked
- Banking and bookkeeping arranged
- Insurance, YEL and permits checked
- Pricing and sales process prepared
- First-customer plan ready
Official sources
Check the current rules
- Suomi.fi — Launching business operations in Finland
- Suomi.fi — Forms of enterprise
- Suomi.fi — Starting up business operations
- Finnish Tax Administration — VAT registration
Information checked October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Need help turning the idea into a plan?
Work with KF Biz.
We can help structure your business plan, basic financial assumptions and next steps.