Register your Osakeyhtiö company in Helsinki City, Finland

Located on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki City is the economic engine of the country and one of the fastest-growing capitals in Northern Europe. With ~660,000 residents in the city and ~1.6 million in the wider metropolitan area, Helsinki generates more than one-third of Finland’s GDP. Entrepreneurs and investors are attracted by its transparent governance, advanced infrastructure, and a highly educated workforce. As Finland’s innovation hub, Helsinki is a natural choice for company registration and cross-border expansion.

Corporate taxation and VAT in Finland

Corporate Income Tax (CIT): Finland levies a flat corporate income tax rate of 20%, among the most competitive within the European Union. This rate applies to resident companies on worldwide income and to foreign companies on Finnish-source income. Dividend taxation varies depending on shareholder type and applicable treaties.

Value-Added Tax (VAT): Finland applies a standard VAT rate of 24%. Reduced rates apply: 14% for food and catering, and 10% for transport, books, cultural services, and accommodation. Companies exceeding the turnover threshold must register for VAT at the Finnish Tax Administration. The VAT regime is harmonized with EU rules, facilitating intra-European trade.

Main business streets and districts in Helsinki

• Aleksanterinkatu – a prestigious shopping and corporate artery with banks, law firms, and consulting companies.
• Esplanadi – elegant boulevard with embassies, flagship stores, and premium restaurants; ideal for client-facing offices.
• Mannerheimintie – a central business corridor with cultural venues, corporate buildings, and government offices.
• Pasila (Tripla) – a modern intermodal hub with Grade-A offices, retail, hotels, and logistics access.
• Kalasatama & Jätkäsaari – waterfront regeneration projects with sustainable, mixed-use real estate opportunities.

Growing sectors in Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki’s economy is diverse and innovation-driven, with several industries showing strong growth and attracting international investment. Some of Finland’s largest and best-known companies are headquartered here or in the wider capital region:

• Technology, ICT & Gaming: Nokia (telecommunications), Supercell (mobile gaming), and Rovio Entertainment (Angry Birds) anchor Helsinki’s reputation as a digital powerhouse. Startups such as Wolt (food delivery, acquired by DoorDash) emerged from this ecosystem.
• Energy, Resources & Industrials: Fortum (energy), Neste (renewable fuels), and Kone (elevators & escalators) represent global leaders in clean energy, industrial products, and engineering.
• Financial Services: OP Financial Group, Nordea (Nordic HQ in Helsinki), and Sampo Group are leading players in banking, insurance, and investment management.
• Consumer Markets: Fiskars (design and consumer goods), Kesko (retail and wholesale), and Valio (dairy products) illustrate the strength of Finnish consumer brands.
• Life Sciences & Healthcare: Orion Pharma (pharmaceuticals) and Vaisala (measurement technologies for health & environment) highlight Finland’s role in biotech and healthcare innovation.
• Real Estate Development & Construction: YIT and SRV are among Finland’s largest construction companies, with multiple developments in Helsinki’s urban regeneration projects like Pasila and Jätkäsaari.
• Partnerships & Infrastructure: Finnair (aviation) and Patria (defense & security) demonstrate Finland’s global footprint in transport and aerospace.

Legal company types available in Finland

Entrepreneurs can choose from several legal entities when registering a business in Finland:

• Osakeyhtiö (Oy): Private limited liability company, commonly used by SMEs. Share capital requirements have been relaxed to support entrepreneurship.
• Julkinen osakeyhtiö (Oyj): Public limited company, suitable for large enterprises or those seeking public listings.
• Avoin yhtiö (Ay): General partnership where all partners share liability.
• Kommandiittiyhtiö (Ky): Limited partnership allowing passive investors to contribute capital without management liability.
• Toiminimi (Tmi): Sole proprietorship for small-scale businesses or early-stage entrepreneurs.

Step-by-step process of company registration in Helsinki

Damalion supports you to register your company in Finland. Our accredited experts guide you about:

• Business plan & structure: Decide the legal entity type and prepare articles of association.
• File with PRH: Register at the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) to obtain a Business ID.
• VAT & tax registration: Submit VAT and corporate income tax registrations with the Finnish Tax Administration.
• Licences: Certain activities (finance, healthcare, food, construction) require special permits.
• Bank account & payroll: Open a Finnish bank account and register as an employer if hiring staff.

Real estate opportunities in Helsinki

Real estate remains a cornerstone of Helsinki’s investment market. Institutional investors are active in residential developments, office towers, and logistics hubs. Yields for prime office assets typically range from 3.5% to 5%. Regeneration districts like Pasila, Jätkäsaari, and Kalasatama are hotspots for ESG-compliant mixed-use projects, combining housing, retail, and co-working spaces. Large Finnish developers such as YIT and SRV are shaping the city’s skyline, making Helsinki a stable and dynamic destination for real estate investors.

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