Association decides to dissolve – filing

An association decides about its dissolution.

The main steps in the liquidation proceedings are:

1. An association decides to dissolve. The decision is made by a meeting of the association or a meeting of delegates, according to the rules of the association.
2. When the association has decided to dissolve, there are two ways to carry out the liquidation proceedings:
   
   • The liquidation proceedings are carried out by the executive committee.
   • The liquidation proceedings are carried out by a liquidator or liquidators, if a meeting of the association has chosen them to replace the executive committee.
3. When the liquidation proceedings are completed, the association files a notification of dissolution (notification of termination) with the Finnish Register of Associations.
   
4. The association is considered dissolved when the PRH has registered the dissolution in the Finnish Register of Associations.
   

Please note that the liquidation proceedings based on the association’s decision are regulated by section 40 of the Finnish Associations Act. Read the act before starting liquidation proceedings.

Go to the Finnish Associations Act in the reference database of Finnish legislation Finlex in Finnish. Open link in a new tab

Go to the Finnish Associations Act in the reference database of Finnish legislation Finlex in Swedish. Open link in a new tab

See also our website for an unofficial English translation of the Finnish Associations Act.

How to file a notification

File a notification of dissolution after the liquidation proceedings are completed.

The notification is free of charge.

In order to file the notification, you need the following details about the persons (liquidators) responsible for the liquidation proceedings: their full name and Finnish personal identity code.

If any of the liquidators do not have a Finnish personal identity code, you need to have their date of birth and home address. Also enclose a copy of their passport or identification document. The copy must be in PDF, JPG or JPEG format.

Who signs the notification?

If the executive committee has carried out the liquidation proceedings, the chairperson of the executive committee signs the notification.

If a liquidator or liquidators have carried out the liquidation proceedings, one of the liquidators signs the notification.

How to file a notification of termination online

File the notification using the online filing service of the Finnish Register of Associations. The service is available in Finnish and in Swedish.

To use the service, you need a Finnish personal identity code and either personal internet banking codes, a mobile certificate, or an electronic identity card (HST card).

After logging in, select the association under "Omat yhdistykset" or "Mina föreningar", or search for the association by entering the Business ID under "Hae yhdistys tai muuta yhdistyksen tietoja" or "Sök förening eller ändra föreningens uppgifter". Press "Aloita" or "Börja" to start the search.

You will then access the association’s page. Press "Lopettamisilmoitus" or "Nedläggningsanmälan" to go to the notification of termination. Enter the requested details.

Go to the online filing service in Finnish and in Swedish, and start by identifying yourself via the suomi.fi service.Open link in a new tab

How to file a notification using paper forms

File the notification using form Y4a (notification of changes and termination), appendix form 20A and the personal data form. Please note that the forms are only available in Finnish and in Swedish. Save the forms to your computer, fill them in and print out.

Go to the notification of dissolution (notification of termination) of an association (including form Y4a, appendix form 20A and the personal data form) in Finnish or in Swedish.Open link in a new tab

Send the notification to:

Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) – Finnish Tax Administration
Business Information System
P.O. Box 2000
FI-00231 Helsinki, Finland.