Perustamiskokous

Perustamiskokous is the founding meeting of a new legal entity in Finland, typically held by the founders to establish the organization and create the basis for its legal existence. The term is used in the context of companies, associations, and other foundations, and the decisions taken at the meeting are recorded in official minutes and founding documents.

In a founding meeting of a limited liability company (osakeyhtiö), the agenda usually includes adopting the company’s articles of association (yhtiöjärjestys), electing the first board of directors (and possible alternates), and appointing necessary officers or auditors. The founders may also decide on the initial share capital, the number and distribution of shares, and authorize the signing of the founding deed and other required documents. The meeting may address the designation of authorized signatories and the execution of documents that enable registration with the authorities.

For associations, the perustamiskokous commonly involves approving the association’s rules (sääntö) and electing the governing board, while for foundations the meeting may establish the initial governance structure and founding terms. In all cases, the outcome of the meeting is a set of decisions that form the basis for formal registration.

The legal existence of the entity typically depends on registration with the Finnish Trade Register or other competent authorities, after which the entity becomes a recognized legal actor. Minutes from the perustamiskokous serve as an official record of the decisions and form part of the foundational documentation.