Contract Lawyer in Finland
Contracts underpin every business relationship and many personal ones. Finnish contract law governs how agreements are formed, what makes them binding, and what happens when one party fails to perform. We help English-speaking clients draft, review, negotiate and enforce contracts under Finnish law — clearly and in plain English.
Our service
Contract law in Finland is primarily governed by the Contracts Act (1929/228), which sets out the rules on formation, validity, interpretation and breach of agreements. A contract does not always need to be in writing to be binding — oral agreements can be enforceable — but proving the terms without a written document is difficult. Finnish law also recognises the principle of freedom of contract, subject to mandatory consumer-protection rules and the general requirement of good faith.
As a law firm based in Vantaa, we serve English-speaking businesses and individuals across Finland. Whether you need a new contract drafted, an existing one reviewed, or help resolving a dispute, we handle everything in English — you do not need to understand Finnish legal documents or navigate Finnish authorities alone.
When you need a lawyer
Contract drafting
You need a sales agreement, service agreement, partnership agreement, employment contract, lease, or shareholders' agreement drafted under Finnish law.
Contract review
You have been asked to sign a contract prepared by the other party and want a lawyer to check for hidden risks, unfair terms or unclear obligations before you commit.
Contract dispute
The other party has not performed their obligations, has breached the contract, or you disagree on what the contract means and need legal help to resolve it.
Contract termination
You need to terminate a contract and want to ensure you do so on valid grounds and in the correct form, to avoid liability for wrongful termination.
Damages and liability
You have suffered a loss because of another party's breach, or you are being held liable for a breach and need to defend yourself or limit your exposure.
How it works
- 1
Initial consultation
We discuss your situation in English, review the contract or dispute, and explain how Finnish contract law applies.
- 2
Drafting or review
We draft the contract from scratch or review the existing document, identifying risks, unclear terms and potential liabilities.
- 3
Negotiation
If changes are needed, we propose amendments, justify them legally, and negotiate with the other party or their lawyer.
- 4
Resolution
If a dispute has arisen, we attempt an amicable settlement first. If that fails, we prepare and pursue the case in court.
- 5
Follow-through
We ensure agreements are signed, registered where required, and that your rights are protected throughout.
What you need
- The contract or agreement in question (draft or signed)
- Any correspondence related to the contract (emails, letters, messages)
- Evidence of performance or non-performance (invoices, delivery notes, receipts)
- Identification (passport or Finnish ID)
- Any court documents or demand letters already received
How costs are formed
Legal fees are based on the time spent and the complexity of the matter. A straightforward contract review takes less time than drafting a complex agreement or litigating a dispute. We provide a written cost estimate before starting any work.
If you have legal expenses insurance (oikeusturvavakuutus), it may cover part of the costs in a dispute. We help you check your coverage and deal with the insurance company.
We do not promise a fixed price or a specific outcome. Every contract matter is different, and the cost depends on how much drafting, negotiation or court work is required.
Your lawyer
Pezhman Ahmadi
LL.M (Master of Laws)
Founded Lakiasiaintoimisto A&Co. Legal in 2020. Specialized in immigration law, family law, and inheritance law. Has assisted hundreds of clients with residence permit appeals, divorce and property division, and inheritance matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does a contract have to be in writing to be valid in Finland?
No. Under Finnish law, most contracts do not need to be in writing to be binding — an oral agreement can be enforceable. However, proving the terms of an oral contract is difficult if the parties disagree. Certain contracts, such as real estate transactions and prenuptial agreements, must be in writing to be valid. We always recommend putting agreements in writing.
What makes a contract invalid under Finnish law?
A contract can be invalid if it was made under duress, fraud, or mistake, if a party lacked capacity, or if the contract is illegal or contrary to public policy. Consumer contracts can also be set aside if they contain unfair terms that violate consumer-protection law. We assess whether a contract is valid and what remedies are available if it is not.
Can I get out of a contract I have already signed?
It depends on the contract terms and the grounds for termination. Many contracts have a termination clause that sets out how and when you can end the agreement. If the other party has breached the contract, you may have the right to terminate. If there is no breach and no termination clause, terminating can lead to a claim for damages. We review the contract and advise on your options.
What happens if the other party breaches the contract?
Under Finnish law, a breach can give you the right to demand performance, terminate the contract, claim damages, or all of these. The specific remedy depends on whether the breach is material and what the contract says. We assess the breach, calculate any losses, and pursue your claim through negotiation or court proceedings.
Can you review a contract in English?
Yes. We review contracts written in English or Finnish. If the contract is governed by Finnish law but written in English, we check that the English terms align with Finnish legal concepts. If the contract is in Finnish, we explain it to you in English and flag any risks.
Do you handle cross-border contract matters?
Yes. We handle contracts involving Finnish and foreign parties, including contracts governed by Finnish law but involving international elements. We also coordinate with foreign lawyers when another country's law applies. Our office in Marbella, Spain allows us to handle Finnish-Spanish contract matters in particular.
Service in Vantaa and remotely across Finland
Our office is located at Merikotkantie 1, 01450 Vantaa. We serve clients in person in the Helsinki metropolitan area and remotely across all of Finland. All communication and documents can be handled in English — no Finnish required.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer
Get in touch for a free consultation of your situation. We respond in English and guide you through Finnish law clearly.