For those evaluating the true cost of establishing and maintaining a standard limited liability company (Osakeyhtiö, Oy) in Finland, this guide offers a precise breakdown using recent available figures. The focus is on the main types of formation and ongoing operational costs business owners should expect in 2025; all data is based on publicly cited Finnish sources.
Overview of Company Formation Costs in Finland
The process of setting up an Osakeyhtiö (Oy) has become more accessible in recent years, with no longer any state-mandated minimum share capital requirement for private limited liability companies as of July 2019. Nevertheless, prospective business owners should be aware of several mandatory and optional one-time costs. These can add up quickly, especially when opting for professional legal or accounting services, which is a common practice to ensure compliance with Finnish regulations.
Standard Company Creation Costs – Breakdown (2025)
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Minimum share capital (private Oy, since 2019) | €0 |
| Electronic registration fee (Trade Register, PRH) | €240 |
| Paper registration fee (Trade Register, PRH) | €380 |
| Legal/accounting service fees for company formation (optional but very common) |
€2,500 |
| Notary fees (if using legal services, usually included) | €0 |
| Total typical creation cost (with legal/accounting services) | €2,900 |
Note: The average total of €2,900 is based on use of common legal/accounting services and electronic registration. Currency conversions (EUR to USD) may fluctuate; for reference, €2,900 ≈ $3,120 (using an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.08 USD).
Annual Maintenance Costs for an Osakeyhtiö in Finland
Ongoing costs are largely driven by the mandatory requirement for accounting services, which applies to virtually all companies. Optional legal and compliance advisory fees can contribute substantially to higher annual costs for companies in regulated sectors or those needing more complex support. For 2025, the following maintenance cost structure is most common for small, standard limited companies:
Typical Company Maintenance Costs – Breakdown (Annually, 2025)
| Annual Cost Item | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services (annual minimum for small company) |
€1,000 |
| Annual financial statement filing fee (charged only if filed late) |
€0 |
| Annual Trade Register notification (required only if there are changes) |
€0 |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory services (common for compliance, variable cost) |
up to €2,000 |
| Typical annual cost range (incl. optional advisory) | €1,000 – €3,000 |
This range gives a realistic estimate of yearly ongoing costs for a limited liability company in Finland. The lower end reflects only mandatory accounting services, while the upper end accounts for additional compliance advisory. For comparison, €3,000 ≈ $3,240 at the current exchange rate.
Summary Table: Key Costs for Osakeyhtiö (Oy) Setup and Maintenance in 2025
| Cost Type | Average Amount (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-time creation (Oy, incl. services) | €2,900 | Includes optional but common legal/accounting support |
| Annual maintenance (min) | €1,000 | Accounting services only (mandatory) |
| Annual maintenance (max) | €3,000 | Incl. additional advisory for compliance |
Additional Notes and Cost Considerations
The elimination of the private Oy’s minimum share capital requirement has lowered initial entry costs. However, practically speaking, professional service fees dominate both setup and ongoing expenses. Filing fees for the Trade Register are entirely predictable; late filings or changes can generate additional costs, but for most standard companies, these are easily avoided with proper management.
It’s important to note that these figures reflect an average for company owners using professional compliance services—a common choice given Finland’s regulatory and language context. Exceptions may exist for those with advanced local expertise or in cases of very simple business models, but these are not the norm for internationally oriented professionals.
Pro Tips for Navigating Finnish Company Setup and Costs
- Opt for electronic registration with the PRH to save on formation fees; it’s faster and saves €140 compared to the paper approach.
- Budget for accounting support from the outset—even small companies must maintain detailed, Finnish-compliant bookkeeping.
- Only use premium advisory services if your business model, compliance environment, or language needs justify the added expense.
- Prevent avoidable late filing fees by working closely with your accountant on all annual statements and Trade Register requirements.
- Use official government resources (see below) to stay current with fee schedules and regulatory changes—Finnish authorities update their sites regularly to reflect new rules and pricing.
Official Sources for Company Formation and Fees in Finland
- Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH)
- InfoFinland
- Yrittäjät (Federation of Finnish Enterprises)
In summary, launching and running a limited liability company in Finland carries distinct and predictable costs, particularly for those who rely on external expertise. The absence of a minimum share capital requirement since 2019 has made the process more accessible, but most business owners can expect to budget at least €2,900 for setup and between €1,000 and €3,000 annually for ongoing services. Ensuring compliance and smooth administration is a key reason for these figures, and leveraging electronic processes or targeted advisory support can reduce unnecessary expense. Staying well-informed through official channels is always recommended for efficient company management.