yhtiöityyppi

Yhtiöityyppi refers to the legal form or type of a company in Finnish business law. Understanding a company's yhtiöityyppi is crucial as it dictates various aspects of its operation, including liability, taxation, governance, and reporting requirements. Different yhtiöityyppi have distinct characteristics that influence how they are established, managed, and dissolved.

The most common yhtiöityyppi in Finland include Osakeyhtiö (Oy), which is a limited liability company, and Kommandiittiyhtiö (Ky) and Avoin yhtiö (Ay), which are partnerships. An Osakeyhtiö is a separate legal entity, meaning the owners' liability is limited to their investment in the company. This structure is popular for businesses of all sizes due to its protective nature for shareholders. Kommandiittiyhtiö and Avoin yhtiö, on the other hand, are partnerships where at least one partner has unlimited liability for the company's debts. In a Kommandiittiyhtiö, there are both general partners with unlimited liability and limited partners whose liability is restricted.

Other yhtiöityyppi exist, such as Yksityinen elinkeinonharjoittaja (toiminimi), which is a sole proprietorship, and Osuuskunta, a cooperative. Each yhtiöityyppi has specific registration and compliance obligations under Finnish law. The choice of yhtiöityyppi has significant implications for an entrepreneur, impacting their personal financial risk, the company's ability to raise capital, and its overall administrative burden. The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) is the authority responsible for company registrations and maintaining records of these legal forms.