Foreigners can invest in Finland at the same conditions as citizens, except for sectors considered critical, such as energy, communications, defense or food supply.
Acquisition of Holdings
For defense acquisitions, all foreign investors must apply for prior approval. The same concept applies for investments in sensitive sectors of the economy (like energy, communications, food supply, etc.) from foreign investors domiciled outside the EU and European Free Trade Association area, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment having the power to stop the investment in case of conflict with “vital national interests”.
Obligation to Declare
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment validates FDI and decides on the possibilities for a foreign investor to target a sector considered strategic by the Finnish state.
Certain acquisitions of large Finnish companies may require follow-up clearance from the Ministry of Employment and the Economy in accordance with the act on the control of foreign acquisitions of Finnish companies. The purpose of the clearance is to protect essential national interests.
Finland: Investing in Finland
