Global Law Experts top search results to help tackle law in Finland

Yes, foreign individuals and companies are generally allowed to own shares in Finnish companies. There are a few restrictions, mainly in sectors related to national security or regulated industries. Share ownership is protected under Finnish corporate law, ensuring rights to participate in shareholder meetings and receive dividends. Foreign investors benefit from Finland’s transparent legal framework and business-friendly environment.

While it is not legally mandatory to hire a lawyer when purchasing property in Finland, legal advice is highly recommended. A lawyer can assist with due diligence, reviewing contracts, and ensuring compliance with Finnish property laws. Their involvement helps prevent issues related to ownership, zoning, or hidden liabilities, making the transaction safer and smoother

In Finland, the legal process for child custody and support prioritizes the best interests of the child above all. Parents are encouraged to collaboratively agree on custody and care arrangements. Where agreement is lacking, the family court intervenes, making decisions based on the child’s welfare, living conditions, and each parent’s ability to provide care. Child support is fairly determined to ensure the child’s needs and standard of living are met consistently, emphasizing cooperation and safeguarding the child’s rights throughout.

Finnish labor law provides employees with comprehensive protections, including the right to fair wages, regulated working hours, and a safe workplace. Employees are entitled to paid leave and are safeguarded against unfair dismissal. The law also recognizes the importance of collective bargaining and the right to join unions. Additionally, social security benefits such as health insurance and pension schemes form an integral part of employee rights, ensuring a balanced and secure work environment across Finland.

Disputes in Finland are resolved through court litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation. Courts handle a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, while arbitration offers a private, efficient solution favored in business contexts. Mediation emphasizes amicable settlement and is increasingly used to reduce litigation. Choice depends on the nature of the dispute and the parties’ preferences.

Finland follows a civil law system, based on comprehensive statutes and codified legislation rather than judicial precedent. While court decisions can guide interpretation, the primary source of law is legislation enacted by Parliament. This places Finland firmly within the Nordic civil law tradition, similar to its Scandinavian neighbors.

Finland is a civil law country, so its legal system is based on legislature and codified statutes rather than judicial decisions. Courts interpret laws, but past rulings aren’t binding precedent as in common law systems — a pattern shared with other Nordic and continental European countries.

Foreigners from outside the EU or EEA generally need a permit from Finland’s Ministry of Defence to buy real estate—such as land or houses—unless the property is a housing company share (common for apartments) or the buyer is married to or partnered with an EU/EEA citizen