Suomi.fi for Service Developers
Go directly to contents.
Responsible for the service Economic Development Centre

Registration as a commercial fisherman

  • Permit or other obligation
  • Nationwide except the Åland Islands
  • Public service

Natural persons and legal entities that earn revenue from selling fish or crayfish they have caught themselves or had caught on their behalf, or from products derived from such catches, are registered in the register of commercial fishermen. The register is maintained by the Economic Development Centre of Southwest Finland.

Commercial fishermen are registered in two groups:

  • Group 1: The average ...

Do the following

Complete the application primarily online. Log in to the e-service using your personal bank identification, mobile certificate, or certificate card.

If it is not possible to use the e-service, you can use a printable form. Submit the form and its attachments to the Economic Development Centre of Southwest Finland as an attachment to the general service form. The form and attachments can also be submitted by post, by email, or in person.

Information on all service channels is not available in your chosen language. Change the language of the site to receive information on service channels in other languages.

To whom and on what terms

A natural or legal person whose residence or domicile is within a country of the European Union or the European Economic Area, and who fishes in Finland’s territorial waters or exclusive economic zone, may register as a commercial fisherman.


Period of validity

The registration of a commercial fisherman is valid for no more than three years at a time.

Background information

Government Decree on the Fees of the Economic Development Centres and the Employment, Development and Administration Centre in 2026 (1178/2025)

The service is provided by

Economic Development Centre of Southwest Finland

Other responsible organisations

Economic Development Centre of Southeast Finland, Economic Development Centre of Northern Finland, Economic Development Centre of Inland Finland, Economic Development Centre of South Ostrobothnia, Economic Development Centre of Lapland, Economic Development Centre of Southwest Finland, Economic Development Centre of Ostrobothnia, Economic Development Centre of Eastern Finland, Economic Development Centre of Central Finland, Economic Development Centre of Uusimaa

Responsible for the service

Economic Development Centre
Text edited by: Economic Development Centre
Updated: 28/1/2026