Conducting business in the Åland Islands

The right to conduct business or a profession as a trade in the Åland Islands is often restricted for those who do not have the rights of domicile in Åland.

Regardless of the form of the company, all businesses intending to operate in the Åland Islands must apply to the Government of Åland for a business licence.

Private traders intending to conduct business in the Åland Islands must generally apply to the Government of Åland for a business licence if they:

do not have domicile rights and
have not resided in the Åland Islands for at least five years without interruption.

Read more about the right to conduct business and apply for a business licence on the Government of Åland’s website (in Swedish).
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The right to conduct business in the Åland Islands is governed by the Act on the Autonomy of Åland (1144/1991)Open link in a new tab and the Province Act on the Right to Engage in Business (47/1996)Open link in a new tab (in Swedish).

Printable version Latest update 12.02.2025