Navigating VAT in Finland

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Finland, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Finland.

Last Updated: January 2026
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VAT rates in Finland are used to distinguish essentials from luxury items.

Finland at a glance.

Standard rate

25.50% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 25.50%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Zero-rated items

Applies to the sale of sea-going vessels, and exports

VAT format

FI followed by 8 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-EU businesses conducting taxable activities

Reclaiming VAT in Finland.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in Finland may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
Non-reclaimable
Accommodation
13.5%
Food, drink & restaurant services
Non-reclaimable
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
25.5%
Fuel
25.5%
Public Transport
13.5%
Taxis
13.5%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
25.5%
Training courses & seminars
25.5%
Goods
25.5%
Inter-company charges
25.5%
Office expenses
25.5%
Marketing costs
25.5%
Professional fees & AP invoices
25.5%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in Finland.

Doing business in Finland? You’ll need to play by the Finnish VAT Act (Arvonlisäverolaki) rules.

Who needs to register?

Registration is only mandatory in Finland once a business surpasses the small-business threshold.

VAT registration in Finland
VAT filing deadlines in Finland

Monthly

12th day of the following month

Quarterly

12th day of the month following the quarter

Annual

February 28 of the following year

VAT payment deadlines in Finland

Monthly

12th day of the following month

Quarterly

12th day of the month following the quarter

Annual

February 28 of the following year

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Finland applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, typically utilizing the OSS system for EU cross-border services.

e-invoicing in Finland.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

No

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

From 1 July 2030

B2B e-Invoicing model

N/A

Name of exchange infrastructure

Peppol, Post Network Service

Format(s) used

Finvoice 3.0, TEAPPSXML 3.0, Peppol BIS 3.0

FAQs

Foreign businesses claiming a VAT refund in Finland under the 8th or 13th Directive do not file VAT returns or EC Sales Lists unless they have a Finland VAT registration. However, correct invoicing and the use of the appropriate Finland VAT code and VAT rates in Finland are essential for a successful refund claim. Refund applications must be supported by valid documentation and submitted within the relevant deadline to avoid rejection or delays. A Finland VAT calculator can help estimate reclaimable amounts.

Foreign businesses supplying goods or services in Finland may be required to obtain Finland VAT registration. Key risks include misapplying Finland VAT rates, using incorrect Finland VAT codes, or overlooking a potential Finland VAT increase, all of which can lead to compliance issues or audits.

Yes, e-invoicing is mandatory for B2G (Business-to-Government) transactions. All suppliers to public sector entities must issue e-invoices.

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