Finland’s standard private vehicle is the osakeyhtiö (Oy), a limited company.
No minimum capital
Finland abolished the €2,500 minimum share capital in 2019, so an Oy can now be formed with no required capital — a notable simplification.
Register with the PRH
The company is entered in the Finnish Trade Register (PRH), usually through the joint business information system (YTJ) that also handles tax registration. It needs a board and, for many, a managing director.
Residence and identity
At least one board member generally needs to be resident in the EEA (otherwise a permit is needed), and the online flow relies on Finnish identification — both points for foreign founders to plan around.
For foreign founders
Foreigners can own a Finnish Oy, but the EEA-residence point and identification reward local input. A verified Finnish colleague can register the company and arrange the formalities.
Residence and identification rules change — confirm with admitted Finnish counsel.