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Auxiliary company names

Traders, businesses and organisations entered in the Trade Register can register an auxiliary company name for running a certain part of their operations.

In order to gain an exclusive right to use an auxiliary company name, you must either register the name or establish it as provided in the Finnish Trade Names Act.

You can register an auxiliary company name with the Trade Register by filing a start-up notification or a notification of changes.

What are the requirements for registration?

In order to be valid for entering in the Trade Register, an auxiliary company name must fulfil the same basic requirements as those for actual company names. This means that an auxiliary company name

  • must differ from the names already registered
  • must not be confusingly similar to registered company names or trademarks, and
  • must be able to individualise the business.

Please also note that an auxiliary company name must not contain any identifying suffix (such as ltd or plc). Read more in the Company name instructionsOpen link in a new tab.

A business can run a part of its operations by using an auxiliary company name

The business run under the auxiliary company name must not cover the company’s whole line of business.

When you notify an auxiliary company name for registration with the Trade Register, you must, at the same time, indicate which part of the company’s line of business it applies to.

For example: The line of business of Ramux Ltd is construction, sale of technochemical products and car rental. The company sells technochemical products under the auxiliary company name “Don’s Detergent" and rents cars under the auxiliary name “Martin the Motorist".

If a company’s line of business consists of one type of business only, e.g. restaurants, the line of business under the auxiliary company name must be limited for example geographically so that it is narrower than the main line of business.

For example: The company “Starworld Ltd" operates in the sale of shoes. It uses the auxiliary company name "Espoo Star Shoe" for its shoe shop in the city of Espoo, and the auxiliary name "Tikkurila Shoes" for its shoe shop in Tikkurila, in the city of Vantaa.

Decision to adopt an auxiliary company name

A private trader can independently decide to adopt an auxiliary company name.

In general and limited partnerships, the general partners may decide to adopt an auxiliary company name. The auxiliary company name does not have to be entered in the partnership agreement.

In limited liability companies, co-operatives and non-profit associations, the board of directors can decide to adopt an auxiliary company name. Thus, the name does not have to be entered in the articles of association or organisation rules. The decision must state the business that is run under the auxiliary company name (it must form part of the line of business of the trader, company or organisation).

How to register an auxiliary company name

You can file your notification online using the online service at ytj.fi or using paper notification forms.

You must pay a separate handling fee for each auxiliary company name.

It is cheaper and faster to file online than by using paper forms. The method of payment is also different.

Online filing service at ytj.fi

Please note that our online filing at ytj.fi is only available in Finnish and in Swedish.

If you use our online filing service, the handling fee is 70 euros per auxiliary company name.

You must pay the notification online with your internet bank codes or by credit card.

File your notification online.Open link in a new tab


Filing a notification using a paper form

Go to the forms at ytj.fi: Notification of changes. Open link in a new tab

Use the correct notification form: we make no entries in the Trade Register on the basis of notifications that are free in form, such as letters etc.

Fill in the form in either in Finnish or in Swedish.

Write the details that have changed, such as new postal address, new line of business, new municipality (location) where the company is managed (place of registered office), or new auxiliary company name and lines of businesses involved.

Also remember to fill in the name(s) on the notification form even if you have a board meeting decision attached where the decision to adopt the new auxiliary company name(s) can be read.

Enclose the receipt of the handling fee with the notification.

If you use our paper forms for filing, the handling fee is 70 euros per auxiliary company name. See our price list and payment instructions.

Decision to give up an auxiliary company name

The decision to give up an auxiliary company name is made by the same organ that initially decided to adopt it. For instance in a limited liability company, the board of directors makes the decision if the auxiliary name is not included in the articles of association.

How to file the decision to give up an auxiliary company name?

You can file your notification online using the online service at ytj.fi or using paper notification forms.

The handling fee for giving up an auxiliary company name or auxiliary company names is 50 euros, if you use our online filing service in Finnish or in Swedish at ytj.fi. The handling fee covers the removal of several auxiliary company names if you file them at the same time. File your notification online.Open link in a new tab

The handling fee for giving up an auxiliary company name or auxiliary company names is 50 euros, if you use our paper forms for filing. The handling fee covers the removal of several auxiliary company names if you file them at the same time. Fill in the form in either in Finnish or in Swedish. Go to the forms at y tj.fi: Notification of changes.Open link in a new tab

Printable version Latest update 01.01.2024