In Finland, certain types of business activities require either a permit or a notification to the authorities before starting operations. Permit-required businesses include those in fields such as alcohol sales, pharmaceuticals, mining, and hazardous chemicals. Notification-required businesses involve activities like real estate mediation, debt collection, and other non-residential social services. It’s essential to check if your intended business requires either of these. There are multiple sources available that can help you to start depending on your business field:
Business Registration
Trade Register Notification: Starting up a business in Finland requires registration at the Trade Register, which is managed by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH). With this application you will provide essential details about your company, including its name, address, line of business, and ownership information. Depending on the type of business, a fee will be charged.
Industry-Specific Licenses
1. Health and Social Services: If your business operates in the health and social services sector, you will need to apply for the appropriate licenses from Valvira, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. This includes businesses such as private healthcare providers, social service providers, etc.
2. Environmental and Animal Welfare: Companies involved in activities that impact on the environment or animal welfare, such as waste management, food production, or veterinary services, must obtain permits from local environmental authorities. For example, when starting animal husbandry, the Environmental Health and Animal Welfare department of Salo city has prepared a document that oversees these permits. More information on Salo city website (in Finnish): salo.fi
Additional information on food production licenses and permits are available on the Finnish Food Authority’s website: Ruokavirasto
3. Alcohol and Food Services: If your business deals with the sale of alcohol or food, you will need licenses from relevant authorities. For example, the license for serving alcohol at a restaurant must be requested from Allu portal with your business ID before starting the operations.
Anyone who is intending to start a food business, whether it is a restaurant, a small cafe, bakery or a food distribution, needs to submit a notification on Ilppa.fi. It is recommended to submit the notification well in advance, at least 4 weeks before starting the business.
If you need further advisory from local authorities on establishing a food business in Salo, visit the website: Salo.fi
Intellectual Property Protection
1. Patents: If your business involves creating new products or processes, obtaining a patent is crucial for protecting your intellectual property. Patents in Finland are granted by the PRH and provide exclusive rights to your invention for up to 20 years.
2. Trademarks: Trademarks protect branding elements such as symbols, logos, and names. Registering a trademark with the PRH grants exclusive rights to use the mark in Finland.
3. Design Rights: Design rights protect the visual appearance of a product. Registering your design with the PRH prevents others from copying or imitating it.
4. Copyright: Copyrights automatically protect original works of authorship, such as literary, musical, and artistic works. For additional security, particularly for software and digital products, businesses can deposit copies with the PRH.
