Listatusyhtiöt

A listatusyhtiö is a Finnish term that translates to "limited liability company" in English. It is the most common form of company structure in Finland. A listatusyhtiö is a legal entity separate from its owners, meaning the company's debts and liabilities are its own, not those of its shareholders. This provides a significant level of protection for the owners, whose personal assets are generally not at risk if the company incurs financial difficulties.

To establish a listatusyhtiö, a minimum share capital is required, although this amount has been significantly reduced in recent years, making it easier for new businesses to form. The ownership of a listatusyhtiö is divided into shares, which can be transferred to new owners. The company's operations are managed by a board of directors elected by the shareholders. Decisions are made through shareholder meetings.

Listatusyhtiöt are subject to Finnish company law and tax regulations. They are required to maintain accounting records and typically undergo an audit depending on their size. This corporate structure is suitable for a wide range of businesses, from small startups to large corporations, due to its flexibility and the liability protection it offers to its owners. The term is often abbreviated as Oy.