Expanding into new markets is a crucial step for international business growth. However, navigating a new market can be complex and demanding. In the beginning, your company must evaluate the market’s potential, profitability, competitors, customers, partners, and the overall business environment.
The Finnish market has its special features, such as a high-educated population, strong institutional trust and regulated business environment. A successful market entry often involves partnering with local experts to craft a comprehensive strategy tailored to these unique conditions.
Finland offers attractive incentives and support to help international companies enter the market. For example, Business Finland provides information about local opportunities to support business growth and international expansion. With a stable and predictable business environment, combined with a highly skilled workforce and advanced technology sectors, Finland is an appealing market for businesses looking to expand into the Nordic region.
These advantages make Finland a safe and strategically smart choice for entering new markets. We are your local guide in navigating the Finnish market and finding the best solutions and partners for your business.
We are here to help you through these first steps of starting a business in Finland.
The type of business entity affects taxation, accounting obligations, and the entrepreneur’s liabilities. Common forms of business are sole proprietorship, limited company (Oy), general partnership (AY), and limited partnership (KY).
The business must be registered in the Trade Register, and depending on its activities, also in the Prepayment Register, VAT Register, and Employer Register. For registration, a Business ID (Y-tunnus) is obtained from the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH).
Understand tax obligations including income tax, value-added tax (VAT), payroll taxes, and other possible taxes. Tax planning is crucial, and it is advisable to seek help from tax professionals.
If the business plans to hire employees, it must comply with Finnish labor laws, which include regulations on working hours, collective agreements, holidays, workplace safety, and termination of employment.
It’s important to understand the principles of contract law and the requirements of consumer protection legislation, especially if the business sells products or services directly to consumers.
In Finland and the entire EU, data protection legislation (GDPR) must be followed, which affects how businesses handle personal data. Appointing a data protection officer may be necessary, depending on the nature of the business activities.
If business operations impact the environment, it’s necessary to familiarize with environmental legislation and potentially obtain an environmental permit.
Certain industries, such as financial services, healthcare, and food industry, are subject to specific regulations and standards, and typically require special licenses or approvals.
If the business intends to engage in international trade, it must consider customs regulations and international trade agreements.
Our team of top professionals help you plan your market entry and develop strategies for funding, marketing and recruiting. We are here to guide you through the Finnish market, navigate the mandatory regulations, develop business strategies and create growth opportunities.
We offer comprehensive solutions in strategy, marketing, innovation, human resources and management. We also help companies in their internationalization and in funding and financing strategies. Let’s find the best solutions for developing your company and supporting the growth together.
We have helped over 10,000 companies in Finland. Let us help your business to land into Finland and generate growth in the new market.
Request a quote
If you want to speed up your company’s growth in Finland with our solutions, you can request a quote using the attached form. You can also contact our experts directly.
Tuomo Jeskanen
tuomo@y4works.fi
+358 41 319 4370
Turku
Rovaniemi