Ry (suffix)

In Finland, ry is a suffix ending which generally denotes a registered, non-profit organization. In this instance, ry is an abbreviation for rekisteröity yhdistys, or "registered association". Registration requires the organization to create legally sound constitution, which must be approved by the Registry office. Registration gives the organization juristic personality, with the right to own property independently of its members, and ensures the legal enforceability of its constitution.

Finland has around 130 000 associations (2011).