The Trade Register

The Trade Register is a list of companies maintained by the PRH. For most sole traders, joining it is optional. It's a public register, and anyone can access information about the entries made in it.

Do I have to register?

No, if you operate alone and don't need any special permits. If registration isn't mandatory in your case, you can safely operate without registering.

Registration is mandatory only if:

1. You hire outside employees for your business (anyone other than your family members).
2. You operate in a licensed field, meaning your business needs a permit from the authorities (for example, certain healthcare, construction, or restaurant services).
3. You have a permanent place of business (an office or a shop) outside your home.

Registering

Even if registering isn't mandatory, many people join because of the name. Only a name entered in the Trade Register (e.g. "Matin Maalaus") has exclusive rights. Without registration, your business's name is simply your own name ("Meikäläinen Matti").

So if you want to change your company's name, you do it by registering with the Trade Register.

‍Truster doesn't handle the Trade Register notification. If you want to join, do it yourself via the YTJ.fi service. The online notification costs 70 €. Remember to add the payment receipt to your bookkeeping!

Please note that if your business activities end and you close your sole trader business, you must separately remove your Trade Register entry. An active Trade Register name obligates you to file a business tax return, even if your business activities and other registrations have otherwise ended.