Yhteisötunnus

Yhteisötunnus, commonly abbreviated Y-tunnus, is the Finnish business identity number used to identify companies, associations and other organizations operating in Finland. It serves as a unique reference for legal entities in official records, taxation, invoicing, and administrative processes, helping to distinguish one entity from another in public data and business communications.

The Y-tunnus is issued by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) in cooperation with the Finnish Tax Administration when a business entity is registered. The standard format is seven digits, a hyphen, and a final check digit, for example 1234567-8. The number is linked to the entity and is used in most formal dealings with authorities and business partners.

In practice, the Y-tunnus appears on invoices, contracts, tax filings, permits, and other official documents. It is a key identifier in public information services such as the Yritystietojärjestelmä (YTJ), which consolidates company data from PRH and the tax authorities and is accessible to both citizens and businesses for verification and due diligence.

The Y-tunnus is distinct from the VAT number, though both pertain to a business entity. The Y-tunnus identifies the entity within Finland’s registry and administrative system, while the VAT number relates to value-added tax obligations and may follow different formatting rules for international or EU use. The system supports transparency, efficient administration, and reliable identification of economic actors in Finland.

Entities typically covered include corporations, associations, foundations, and sole proprietors registered for business activities. The Y-tunnus forms an essential part of the Finnish business environment and public sector data infrastructure.