Railway undertakings need a licence to operate rail transport as their main business in Finland. The licence requirements are based on sections 53-57 of the Transport Services Act (320/2017). The licence ensures that the railway undertaking and its management have the required good reputation, financial standing and professional competence.
Detailed licence requirements are set out a regulation issued by Traficom:
Traficom acts as the licensing authority in Finland, and railway undertakings established in Finland can apply for a licence from Traficom using the form below. A licence issued to a railway undertaking is valid throughout the EU, and a register of licences is maintained on the website of the European Union Agency for Railways: https://eradis.era.europa.eu/safety_docs/licences/default.aspx (External link)