Abstract. Viability and invariance problems related to a stochastic equation in a Hilbert space H are studied. Finite dimensional invariant C 2 submanifolds of H are characterized. We derive Nagumo type conditions and prove a regularity result: Any weak solution, which is viable in a finite dimensional C 2 submanifold, is a strong solution.These results are related to finding finite dimensional realizations for stochastic equations. There has recently been increased interest in connection with a model for the stochastic evolution of forward rate curves.