Set up a branch in Finland
Opening a branch in Finland requires careful planning across legal, practical, and business cultural dimensions
Set up a branch in Finland
Opening a branch in Finland requires careful planning across legal, practical, and business cultural dimensions
Legal requirements for opening a branch in Finland
Opening a branch in Finland as a foreign company involves a structured process, with specific requirements depending on whether the parent company is based within or outside the European Economic Area (EEA). In addition a branch in Finland operates as an extension of your parent company, not a separate legal entity, with the parent retaining full liability. Registration is managed through the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH)
Branch registration
- A branch notification form detailing your parent company and branch operations together with documentations such as articles of association, extracts from the register in the home country, translated into Finnish.
- The branch must have a legal representative resident in the EEA. If the parent company is from outside the EEA, the representative must reside in Finland
- Requires a proof of payment of the handling fee
Permits and licenses depending on your industry
- Financial services: Oversight by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA)
- Healthcare: Regulated by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira).
- Environmental operations: Permits from regional authorities for environmental impact.
Tax registrations for compliance
- Corporate tax registrations
- VAT registration if your turnover exceeds the threshold
- Payroll taxes to withhold income tax and social security for employees
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Additional requirements for non-EEA companies
For companies headquartered outside the European Economic Area (EEA), establishing a branch in Finland involves an additional layer of regulatory compliance.
Specifically, non-EEA companies must obtain a permit fromthe Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) before proceeding with branch registration.
The permit application is an informal letter (in Finnish) including:
- Name, registered office, and country of the parent company
- The type of permit requested (permit to establish a branch)
- Name of the branch and business ID (if already assigned)
- Justification for the permit
- Name and contact details of the representative
Along with the permit application you must attach
- Extract from the home country register
- Articles of association or rules
- Translations of documents (if not in Finnish)
Finally, you can submit your permit and notification. Once the permit is granted, include a certified copy of the permit decision with your Trade Register notification.
Access Finland's robust economy with 1Office
Stable economy
Finland ranks high in global competitiveness and ease of doing business, offering a reliable foundation for growth.
Innovation hub
A leader in technology and research, Finland fosters a dynamic startup ecosystem and cutting-edge industries.
Business friendly
Transparent regulations, minimal corruption, and strong IP protections make Finland a secure choice.
Reach out to get a smooth branch registration in Finland
Our experienced local team specializes in helping companies from diverse industries and countries successfully enter the Finnish market. We provide comprehensive support all around so your business can start in a compliant way.
- Legal address
- Tax registrations
- Accounting service
- Insurance
- Banking solution
- Translation services
Get in touch with our business advisor
Tõnis Jõgeva
Business Solutions Advisor
“As a Business Solutions Advisor in the Finnish and Swedish markets, I have witnessed exceptional results that our clients have achieved. Our expertise in understanding the complexities of local regulations and providing tailored financial solutions has enabled businesses to thrive and make informed decisions, ensuring their long-term success in these markets.”
Tel:+358 401 969 003
E-mail: tonis.jogeva@1office.co
Get in touch
Email, call or complete the form to request more information about 1Office Finland services and how we can help you expand your business to Finland or maintain a high level of quality in accounting and compliance for your business in Finland.
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