How to register a toiminimi (private trader, sole proprietorship) in Finland: step-by-step guide
Starting a business in Finland? Setting up a toiminimi (private trader, sole proprietorship) is one of the easiest ways to start your business journey. Here's how!
STARTING A BUSINESS
This step-by-step guide is designed for individuals with a Finnish personal identity code and a strong authentication method available for use.
Step 1: Choose your business name
Check the business name availability from the Finnish Trade Register: https://nimipalvelu.prh.fi/nipa/en
Step 2: Submit your start-up notification
Register via YTJ.fi. You’ll need personal ID, business address, and description of business activity.
Please note that the filing service is available only in Finnish and Swedish.
Step 3: Register for VAT (if needed)
If your annual sales exceed 20,000 EUR, you must register. The companies that have no VAT registration are required to keep an eye on the growth of turnover, and if the threshold is exceeded, they must submit an application for VAT registration. The start date for registration is the day when they exceeded the threshold.
Read about when does a business need to register for VAT from our blog: VAT registration in Finland: When does business need to register for VAT? | Accelta
Step 4: Apply for prepayment tax
Register at Tax Administration (Vero) for advance tax payments.
Step 5: Get pension insurance (YEL)
The minimum amount of YEL income in 2026 is EUR 9,423.09. This means that the minimum YEL income on a monthly basis is approximately EUR 785.
Read about YEL insurance in Finland: What every Small Business owner must know from our blog: YEL insurance in Finland: What every Small Business owner must know | Accelta
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