oikeushenkilössä

Oikeushenkilö is a Finnish legal term that translates to "legal person" or "juridical person" in English. It refers to an entity that is recognized by law as having rights and obligations separate from its owners or members. This means a legal person can, for example, enter into contracts, own property, sue, and be sued in its own name.

There are two main categories of legal persons in Finland: public law legal persons and private law legal persons. Public law legal persons include the state, municipalities, and other public entities that are established by law. Private law legal persons are typically companies, associations, foundations, and other organizations formed by private individuals or groups.

The most common type of private law legal person is a company, such as an osakeyhtiö (limited liability company). When a company is registered, it becomes a legal person. This separation of legal personality is crucial for limiting the liability of the owners. For instance, in a limited liability company, the shareholders are generally not personally liable for the company's debts beyond their investment in the company.

The concept of a legal person simplifies legal and economic transactions by providing a stable and continuous entity that can operate independently of changes in its ownership or membership. It is a fundamental concept in modern legal systems, enabling the existence of corporations and other organizations that play a significant role in society and the economy.