Permit to establish a branch
Organisations or foundations from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) wishing to establish a branch in Finland have to apply for a permit from the PRH.
The PRH has normally granted a permit to a branch of a foreign trader if the parent body is duly registered in its home country.
See our instructions for start-up notification for branches.
Representative
A branch of a foreign trader must have a representative referred to in section 6 of the Finnish Enterprise Act (565/2023). The representative is a person entitled to receive summons and other notifications on behalf of the trader.
The representative must be resident in the EEA, if the trader is a foreign corporate body or foundation that is founded under the legislation of an EEA country and has its registered office (designated in the statutes), central administration or head office in an EEA country. In other cases, the representative must have a place of residence in Finland.
Who can apply
The application is signed by either aperson entitled to represent the applying organisation, or a person he or she has authorised.
If an authorised person signs the application, attach a certified copy of a special power of attorney or the original general power of attorney.
Fees
Application costs 150 euros + invoicing fee 6.50 euros.
The PRH will send you an invoice after your application has been processed.
What forms and attachments do I need?
Download and save the Personal data form to your computer and fill it in Finnish or Swedish.
Use the personal data form to file any personal identification details with the Finnish Trade Register.
Attach the following documents:
- An informal letter written in either Finnish or Swedish.
- An extract from the register in which the foreign organisation is entered
- A copy of the organisation’s articles of association or rules
- A translation into Finnish or Swedish of any foreign-language document accompanying the application
Do not attach any documents that contain personal identity codes, home addresses, or other sensitive information, such as health details.
Provide the following information in your application:
- The date of applying
- The applying organisation’s name, registered office, and country where it is based
- What permit you are applying for (permit to establish a branch)
- The name of the branch
- Provide the business ID if the branch already has it
- Reasoning why the permit is necessary
- Name of any representative or other contact person.
The contact details in the application are needed for mailing the decision and invoice. The decision and the invoice will be sent by post.
How to file
File your application using the online form "Notification to the Trade Register" Avautuu uuteen välilehteen in Finnish or Swedish.
From 1 January 2026, it is not possible to file notifications on paper forms.
Log in and select what your application relates to.
Enter the requested details and add the forms and attachments.
Remember to press Send ("
What to do after granting of the permit
Submit a certified copy of the decision on the granting of the permit together with your start-up notification for a branch.