OBS_VALUE: Branches of non-EEA firms are subject to approval. Prior to 2023, the conditions for granting approval were not specified in law. Under the new Economic Activities Act, in effect from 1 June 2023, the Finnish Patent and Registration Office must approve the foreign branch if, based on the information submitted, the foreign trader is available to fulfill the obligations related to running a business. According to the bill for the Economic Activities Act (HE 244/2022 vp), the new provision is not intended to change the implementation practice of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office, whereby branches of non-EEA firms have been approved if the foreign firm has been duly registered in its country of origin. However, as under the previous act, Finnish branches of such foreign firms must appoint a representative who is resident in Finland.