Feeling boxed in by unpredictable company setup costs and annual maintenance fees? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs and digital nomads eyeing Finland as a base for their ventures in 2025 are frustrated by opaque state-imposed costs and shifting regulations. This guide delivers a transparent, data-driven breakdown of the real costs of starting and maintaining a standard limited liability company (Osakeyhtiö, Oy) in Finland—so you can optimize your fiscal strategy and keep more control over your resources.
Company Formation Costs in Finland (2025): What to Expect
Setting up an Osakeyhtiö (Oy) in Finland is refreshingly straightforward, but the state still claims its share through mandatory fees and compliance requirements. Here’s a clear breakdown of the average costs you’ll face in 2025, based on the latest data:
| Cost Item | Amount (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum share capital requirement | 0 | No minimum since July 2019 |
| Electronic registration fee (Trade Register, PRH) | 240 | Standard for online filings |
| Paper registration fee (Trade Register, PRH) | 380 | For those preferring paper filings |
| Legal/accounting service fees (optional but common) | 2,500 | Professional setup support |
| Notary fees (if using legal services) | 0 | Included in above |
Typical total outlay: €2,900 (including professional services). If you’re comfortable with DIY registration, you can trim this to just the state fees.
Pro Tip: Slash Setup Costs
- Opt for electronic registration to save €140 over paper filings.
- Handle the registration process yourself if you’re familiar with Finnish compliance—this can cut your initial outlay to as little as €240.
- Leverage open-source templates for company documents to avoid unnecessary legal fees.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Staying Compliant Without Overpaying
Once your Oy is up and running, annual maintenance costs are the next hurdle. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for in 2025:
| Cost Item | Annual Amount (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services | 1,000 | Minimum for a small company |
| Annual financial statement filing fee | 0 | Included in accounting (unless late) |
| Annual Trade Register notification | 0 | Only if company details change |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory | 2,000 | For advanced compliance or optimization |
Annual maintenance range: €1,000–€3,000, depending on your need for professional advice and the complexity of your operations.
Pro Tip: Optimize Ongoing Costs
- Choose a streamlined accounting provider focused on digital entrepreneurs to keep annual fees at the lower end.
- Limit Trade Register notifications by consolidating company changes into a single annual update, if possible.
- Review your need for ongoing legal advice—many compliance tasks can be handled in-house with the right templates and checklists.
Case Example: Lean Startup vs. Full-Service Formation
Consider two founders in 2025:
- Founder A handles registration online and manages basic accounting in-house. Total first-year cost: €1,240 (registration + minimum accounting).
- Founder B outsources everything to legal and accounting pros. Total first-year cost: €5,900 (full formation + premium advisory).
Both are fully compliant, but Founder A retains more capital for growth—demonstrating the value of strategic DIY and selective outsourcing.
Key Takeaways for 2025: Smarter Company Setup in Finland
- No minimum share capital for private limited companies—lowering the entry barrier.
- Electronic registration is the most cost-effective route at €240.
- Annual maintenance can be kept to €1,000 with lean accounting, but can rise to €3,000 with premium advisory.
- Every euro saved on compliance is a euro you control—choose your service providers and filing methods wisely.
For more details and the latest official rates, consult these resources:
- PRH: Setting up a limited liability company
- PRH: Trade Register price list
- InfoFinland: Starting a business
- Yrittäjät: Starting a limited liability company
- Accountor: What does it cost to set up a limited liability company in Finland?
With the right approach, you can minimize state-imposed costs and maximize your entrepreneurial freedom in Finland—without sacrificing compliance or peace of mind.