The Trade Register is a list of companies maintained by the PRH. For most sole proprietors, joining the register is voluntary. It is a public register, and anyone can obtain information about the entries made in the register.
Do I need to register?
No, not if you're working on your own and don't need any special permits. If registration isn't required in your case, you can go ahead and work without registering.
Registration is only mandatory if:
- You hire external employees (other than family members) for your company.
- You operate in a regulated industry, which means your business requires a license from the authorities (for example, healthcare, construction, or restaurant services).
- You have a permanent business location (office or store) outside your home.
Registration
Even though registration isn't mandatory, many people register just for the sake of the name. Only a name entered in the Trade Register (e.g., "Matin Maalaus") has exclusive rights. Without registration, your business name is simply your own name ("Meikäläinen Matti").
So, if you want to change your company's name, you do so by registering with the Trade Register.
Truster handle Trade Register filings. If you wish to register, please do so yourself via the YTJ.fi service. Online filings cost €70. Be sure to include the payment receipt in your accounting records!
Please note that if your company ceases operations and you close your business, you must separately remove your trade registration. An active trade registration name obliges you to file a business tax return, even if your business operations and other registrations have ended.