Register your company correctly

The registration of a company officially starts operations. Check that the name you have chosen is available and whether you need patent or design protection.

The official establishment of the company takes place in the YTJ service, where a notification is submitted to both the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) and the Tax Administration. At the same time, a business ID application and registration into necessary registers take place (advance tax, VAT and employer registers). When registering, it is important to check whether separate permits or notifications are needed for the operations before launching the business.

The founding of a limited liability company requires the memorandum of association and the articles of association, and in jointly owned companies, a shareholders’ agreement or other written agreement is also recommended. Well-drafted documents prevent conflicts and clarify liability issues as well as support the growth and potential future ownership changes of the company.

The name of the company is an important part of the business – it must be unique, descriptive and registerable. The availability of the name is checked in the PRH’s name service. Protecting your name and potential logo with a trademark can prevent others from using a similar brand, which will support your company’s distinctiveness and credibility. Some business ideas may also require applying for a patent or utility model.