In Finland, “e-invoice” can mean two different things: a verkkolasku, which businesses send to other businesses, and an e-lasku, which businesses send to consumers. The names are similar, but they work in different ways. This article explains the difference and which one Holvi supports.
💡 The short answer
- Verkkolasku (B2B e-invoice): sent to businesses, associations and the public sector. It goes straight into the recipient’s invoicing or accounting software.
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E-lasku (B2C e-invoice): sent to consumers. It arrives in the recipient’s online bank.
Holvi supports verkkolasku, for both sending and receiving. We don’t support e-lasku.
What is a verkkolasku?
A verkkolasku is an invoice sent as a structured data file from one invoicing system to another. The recipient’s system can read the invoice details automatically, so nobody has to type them in by hand. That means fewer errors and faster processing.
Verkkolaskut are delivered through e-invoice operators (verkkolaskuoperaattori or välittäjä). To send one, you need two details from your client:
- E-invoice address (verkkolaskuosoite): Often an OVT code, which is 0037 followed by the company’s business ID without the hyphen.
- Operator ID (välittäjätunnus): The code of the operator that receives invoices for your client.
Many companies list these details on their website, usually on a page called “Laskutustiedot” or “Invoicing details”. If you can’t find them, check Tieke’s directory or ask your client directly.
Can my business client require a verkkolasku?
Yes. Since 1 April 2020, Finland’s Act on Electronic Invoicing (241/2019) has allowed businesses and public-sector organisations to require e-invoices from suppliers. If a company has requested an e-invoice, it has the right to simply leave a paper invoice or an invoice sent via email unpaid.
The right applies to suppliers whose annual turnover is over €10,000. It doesn’t apply to invoices sent to consumers.
What is an e-lasku?
An e-lasku is an e-invoice for consumers. It arrives in the customer’s online bank, with the payment details already filled in. The customer just checks the invoice and approves the payment. They can also set invoices from that sender to be paid automatically.
Consumers choose to receive e-laskut themselves, in their online bank. To send e-laskut, a business needs an agreement with its own bank.
Verkkolasku vs. e-lasku at a glance
| Verkkolasku | E-lasku | |
|---|---|---|
| Sent to | Businesses, associations and the public sector (B2B, B2G) | Consumers (B2C) |
| Arrives in | The recipient’s invoicing or accounting software | The recipient’s online bank |
| What you need from the recipient | E-invoice address and operator ID | The recipient chooses to receive e-laskut from you in their online bank |
| Can the recipient require it? | Yes, if your turnover is over €10,000 | No |
| Supported by Holvi | ✅ Yes, sending and receiving | ❌ No |
E-invoicing with Holvi
Sending verkkolaskut
When you create an invoice, choose E-invoice as the delivery method and add your client’s e-invoice address and operator ID.
Receiving verkkolaskut
Go to Accounts > E-invoices and select Enable e-invoice receiving. We’ll create an e-invoice address for you and let you know when it’s active. You can then share it with your suppliers.
Invoicing consumers
Holvi doesn’t support e-lasku, so to invoice private customers, send the invoice by email or download it as a PDF.
🔗 How to create and send an invoice
New to Holvi?
Invoicing, including verkkolasku, is included in our Pro, Business, Zen, Zen+ and Associations Pro plans in Finland. Compare plans
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Is an invoice that is sent as a PDF by email the same as an e-invoice?
No. A PDF sent by email is an email invoice. The recipient still has to enter the details into their own system by hand. A verkkolasku is a structured data file that the recipient’s system can read automatically.
Can I send an e-lasku to a consumer with Holvi?
No. Holvi only supports verkkolasku (B2B). To invoice consumers, send the invoice by email or as a PDF.
Where do I find a company’s e-invoice address?
Many companies list their e-invoice address and operator ID on their website, often under “Laskutustiedot”. If you can’t find them, ask your client.
TIEKE (Tietoyhteiskunnan kehittämiskeskus ry) has also created a free online directory for e-invoice addresses, which you can find at verkkolaskuosoite.fi.
Is Finvoice the same as verkkolasku?
Not quite. Finvoice is one of the file formats used for e-invoices in Finland. It’s a technical standard, not a separate type of invoice.
👉 Read more about e-invoicing: E-invoicing