Avoin yhtiö

An avoin yhtiö (general partnership, Ay) is formed by at least two general partners (vastuunalaiset yhtiömiehet). There is no limited-liability shield. Each general partner is liable for the partnership’s debts with all of their own assets. Partners also have mutual liability.

You need a written partnership agreement (yhtiösopimus). File the founding notification with the trade register within three months of signing that agreement. If you file late, the founding lapses and the partnership is not created. From 1 January 2026 the notification is electronic only. PRH states the processing fee on its founding page (300 euros at the time of that page; confirm before you pay).

Partners who work in the firm are generally covered by YEL. The partnership uses double-entry bookkeeping. Partners can be paid a wage. Profit is taxed according to partnership tax rules; see Vero.fi.

A partner who lives permanently outside the EEA may need a PRH permit. Prokura is not enough to sign the trade-register notification; a general partner signs, or an authorised person with a power of attorney.

Practical advice

Write in the agreement how decisions are made, how profit is shared, and what happens if a partner leaves.

Check the name in PRH’s name service before you file.

Tick the Tax Administration registers you need on the same notification.

Where to seek advice

The best place to start is PRH (founding a general or limited partnership): https://www.prh.fi/fi/yrityksetjayhteisot/yrityksenperustaminen/avoimen-yhtion-tai-kommandiittiyhtion-perustamisilmoitus.html

This page is the official filing instruction (deadline, who signs, fee). For whether an Ay fits your situation, book free advice at Uusyrityskeskus: https://uusyrityskeskus.fi/yrityksen-perustajalle/palvelumme-alkavalle-yrittajalle/

All the necessary links

prh.fi — Founding notification for Ay and Ky.
ytj.fi — Electronic notification.
vero.fi — Partnership taxation.
tyoelake.fi — YEL for partners.