Corporate Law 

Corporate and Business Compliance services represent the cornerstone offerings of the firm. 

At LKOS Law Office, we specialise in providing customised business law services tailored to the unique needs of medium and large-sized enterprises. Our advisory services in Corporate and Business Compliance are designed to evolve in tandem with our clients, fostering mutual growth. Additionally, the firm is recognised as a reliable advisor on matters of sustainability.

We advise Finnish and international companies operating in Helsinki, Finland, and the Baltic region.

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  • Business formation;
  • Corporate documents;
  • Corporate governance;
  • Business compliance;
  • Notification of beneficial owners;
  • Notification requirements for corporates;
  • Advising on applicable laws and regulations, etc.

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These services are critical for businesses to navigate the legal complexities of operating in today's market, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, minimizing risk, and facilitating strategic growth and development.

If you are considering changes in governance, group structure or ownership, our corporate law team is here to assist.

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Business formation

From choosing the right structure to filing all necessary documents, we handle every step of the process to establish your business legally and efficiently. Let us take care of the formalities, so you can focus on bringing your business vision to life. You can also explore our full range of business law services to support your company throughout its lifecycle.

Corporate governance

Our services in corporate governance provide your business with the strategic advice and practical solutions needed to navigate governance challenges successfully. Where governance questions develop into shareholder or board disputes, our Dispute Resolution & Arbitration team is ready to support you.

Practical legal advice

Venturing into Finland or aiming to align your contracts and transactions with local laws? We offer business-centric legal advice, precisely tailored to your unique needs. Ensure seamless expansion and compliance with our expert guidance.

Practical legal counselling

The Firm provides services to cover needs of the corporate management relating to risk management and corporate documentation. Furthermore, our Firm regularly advise closely held corporates, family businesses as well as medium and large corporates regarding their corporate governance, ownership and share-based and other types of incentive schemes and remuneration matters. Our business lawyers have extensive practical knowledge of supporting and advising corporates regarding company & business compliance as well as sustainability related questions.

Corporate Lawyer Liene Krumina at LKOS Law Office Helsinki – Yhtiöoikeus and Business Law Expert
Helsinki Parliament House – Finnish Corporate Law and Governance Environment

Advising on business transactions

In addition, our Firm regularly assist both domestic and foreign companies in connection with business transactions (M&A activity). Our business lawyers perform the target company's due diligence process, i.e. a proper, careful review of the target company’s main documents before the purchase is closed. Our M&A specialists prepare a due diligence report from the reviewed material and the scope and content of such report is tailor according to the requirements and instructions agreed with our client.

For start-ups we are reliable partners for drafting all required documents regarding establishment of a corporate. We regularly draft memorandum of association, shareholders’ agreements and articles of association as well as other company documentation. These documents are typically closely connected with broader commercial contract arrangements. Please contact us to learn more from our cost-efficient tailored solutions for your business.

Corporate law

Business Activity Act (565/2023) enacts which entities are entitled to carry on a legitimate trade or business in Finland without prior permission from the government. However, it is to be noticed that certain types of businesses requiring among others specific skills or specific care by the entrepreneur. Such businesses are always subject to licensing and permit requirements irrespective of whether or not the individuals involved in the business are resident in Finland. For tailored advice on corporate structures and permits, you can also review our full service offering or contact our corporate team directly.

LKOS Law Office Partners Liene Krumina and Oscari Seppälä – Corporate Law and Governance Advisory

Options for company forms in Finland

There are several company forms in Finland. Common forms are as following: i) general partnerships, ii) limited partnerships and iii) limited liability companies.

However, there are three different types of limited liability companies:

  1. private limited liability company;
  2. public limited liability company and
  3. European company.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy to point out that in Finland there does not exist trust institution equivalent to the common law system.

The limited liability company is the most common company form in Finland. Reason for this is that the limited liability company provides flexible regulation permitting effective company actions. This form of business has legal personality, liability of shareholders is restricted as well as its shares are transferable. All these above indicated features make the limited liability company preferred form for business activity in Finland when considering various available forms.

Informing requirements of Finnish companies

Please notice that companies must submit their annual accounts to the Finnish Trade Register. Furthermore, additional stricter reporting requirements, such as preparation and publication of half-year reports, apply to publicly traded companies.

In addition, most companies must file a notification of their actual beneficial owners with the Finnish Trade Register. For example, limited liability companies and co-operatives must file a notification.

Further to this, companies must also submit their income tax returns to the Corporate Tax Office within four months of the closing of their accounting year.

LKOS Law Office Partners Liene Krumina and Oscari Seppälä – Corporate Law and Governance Advisory
Lady Justice – Symbol of Corporate Governance, Legal Compliance and Fair Business Practice

Registration of Enterprises

Registration of Enterprises is required in Finland. Under Finnish law organized companies and cooperatives as well as sole proprietors must register with the national Trade Register before commencing business activities. The general declaration is filed as on a dual start-up notification form. This notification serves the needs of both the Trade Register and the tax administration.

By letting us solve your legal matters you and your corporate have time to focus on developing your business and to succeed.

Related services and expertise

Explore our core business law services that typically connect with corporate law matters:

Contact our corporate team