Best Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations Lawyers in Finland

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Founded in 2011
73 people in their team
English
Asianajotoimisto DLA Piper Finland Oy operates as the Finnish arm of the global DLA Piper network, providing full service corporate and commercial legal advice to companies and public sector clients. The team handles corporate governance, cross-border transactions, commercial contracts and...

Founded in 2015
4 people in their team
English
Asianajotoimisto Kivikoski & Haavisto Oy is a Turku based law firm created in 2015 through the merger of Laurikainen & Haavisto and Kivikoski & Haavisto. The firm blends long standing Turku legal tradition with modern practice, delivering expert advice and strong negotiation skills. It is a member...

Founded in 1995
11 people in their team
English
Asianajotoimisto Teperi & Co Oy is a Helsinki based law firm specializing in corporate and commercial matters, employment and labor issues, insolvency and dispute resolution, as well as housing and real estate disputes. The firm operates as part of Finland's most extensive network of independent...

Founded in 1994
16 people in their team
English
Lakiasiaintoimisto Heikkilä & Co HCO Oy is a Finnish law firm with offices in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere that advises companies, housing associations, contractors and private clients across Finland. The firm traces its roots to 1994 and brings a team-based model to commercial and real estate...
Justeria Law Firm
Espoo, Finland

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Finnish
English
Swedish
JusteriaJusteria Oy is a legal affairs office specializing in business jurisprudence for small and medium-sized companies. We assist companies and their owners, e.g. in matters of contract law, questions related to company and tax law, and business arrangements. We also handle lawsuits and...

Founded in 2017
4 people in their team
English
Advokatbyrå Aawa Ab is a Finnish law firm with a clear focus on real estate and housing matters. The practice handles property transactions, housing association governance, and related disputes, providing clients with experienced guidance through due diligence, transaction structuring and dispute...
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2015
3 people in their team
English
Helsingin Lakiasiainpalvelu Oy is a Helsinki-based law firm providing legal services to private individuals and small and medium-sized companies throughout the Helsinki region. The firm offers multilingual client service in Finnish, Swedish and English and maintains an office near the Herttoniemi...
LKOS Law Office Oy
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 2015
4 people in their team
English
LKOS Law Office is a boutique business law firm based in Helsinki, Finland. The firm advises companies, boards and international groups on corporate law, commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, transport and maritime law, logistics, dispute resolution and arbitration,...
Kuusivaara
Helsinki, Finland

Founded in 1998
10 people in their team
Finnish
English
OverviewWe are a law firm specializing in litigation. Our specialty is labor disputes. We also handle other aspects of helping citizens, such as family and inheritance law matters and criminal cases. Recently, disputes related to the compensation scope of various insurances, the right of recourse...
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About Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations Law in Finland

In Finland, nonprofit and charitable organizations are entities that operate to serve public interests rather than to make a profit. They include associations, foundations, and religious congregations. These organizations are governed by specific regulations that ensure their operations align with public benefit objectives. Finnish law provides a structured framework for forming, managing, and funding these organizations, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal advice is often necessary in the nonprofit sector to navigate complex regulatory requirements. Common situations where legal assistance may be needed include:

  • Setting up a new nonprofit organization and understanding the legal requirements for registration.
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts or agreements to ensure they comply with Finnish laws.
  • Handling disputes related to governance or management of the organization.
  • Ensuring compliance with financial reporting and tax obligations.
  • Changing the legal structure or objectives of an organization.
  • Merging with another organization or winding up operations.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of local laws relevant to nonprofit and charitable organizations in Finland include:

  • The Associations Act, which regulates the formation, registration, and duties of associations.
  • The Foundations Act, which governs foundations that aim to manage assets for specified purposes.
  • Tax regulations that apply to nonprofits, including the criteria for tax exemptions.
  • Fundraising laws that dictate how organizations can collect funds from the public.
  • Employment laws relevant to nonprofits that employ staff.
  • Data protection laws ensuring compliance with EU GDPR regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an association and a foundation in Finland?

An association is a group of people with a common purpose, whereas a foundation is an organization with a purpose determined by its founder, often related to managing assets for a specific benefit.

How do I register a nonprofit organization in Finland?

To register a nonprofit, you must submit an application to the Finnish Patent and Registration Office along with required documentation like a charter and bylaws.

Are nonprofits in Finland exempt from taxes?

Nonprofits may be eligible for tax exemptions, but it depends on their activities and whether they serve the public interest as defined by Finnish tax laws.

Can foreign nationals establish a nonprofit in Finland?

Yes, foreign nationals can establish nonprofits in Finland, but they must abide by local laws and regulations during registration and operation.

What financial reporting is required for nonprofits?

Nonprofits in Finland must maintain transparent financial records and submit annual financial statements to authorities as required by law.

Are there restrictions on how nonprofits can raise funds?

Yes, fundraising activities must comply with local fundraising laws, and organizations should ensure proper legal structures are in place for financial management.

How can a nonprofit ensure compliance with data protection laws?

Nonprofits must adhere to GDPR regulations, ensuring they have processes to protect personal data and manage consent effectively.

What are common legal issues nonprofits in Finland face?

Common issues include management disputes, employment law compliance, improper use of funds, and tax-related challenges.

Can a nonprofit in Finland engage in commercial activities?

Yes, but such activities should support the nonprofit's objectives, and profits must be used for the nonprofit’s mission rather than distributed to members.

What should be included in the bylaws of a nonprofit organization?

Bylaws should outline the organization’s purpose, membership criteria, management structure, financial management policies, and procedures for making amendments.

Additional Resources

For more information, individuals can consult the following resources:

  • The Finnish Patent and Registration Office: Provides guidelines on forming and managing nonprofit organizations.
  • The Finnish Tax Administration: Offers information on tax regulations and exemptions for nonprofits.
  • Local nonprofit NGOs and legal aid services that specialize in providing advice to the nonprofit sector.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a nonprofit organization, consider the following steps:

  • Identify the specific legal issue and gather all relevant documentation.
  • Research legal professionals or law firms in Finland specializing in nonprofit and charitable organizations.
  • Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and understand available legal strategies.
  • Ensure any chosen legal service provider is reputable and experienced in nonprofit laws.

With the right guidance, navigating the legal complexities of nonprofit and charitable organizations in Finland can become manageable and efficient.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Finland through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.