A Step-by-Step Guide: Buying a Ready-Made Finnish Limited Company (Oy)

Finland is renowned for its stable economy, transparent business environment, and high-quality infrastructure—making it a magnet for entrepreneurs worldwide. Yet if you don’t speak Finnish or aren’t familiar with local procedures, you might worry about the bureaucracy.
Good news: buying a ready-made company in Finland doesn’t have to be complicated. We offer an end-to-end, turnkey service that allows you to acquire a Finnish limited company quickly, often in a single meeting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the purchase—focusing on just how simple and rapid it can be when experts handle the heavy lifting. We have over 30 years of experience in setting up a company in Finland, with thousands of sales successfully completed. Let’s dive in and see how you can buy a Finnish company faster than you might expect.

Quick Phone Call to Discuss Your Needs

The journey begins with a phone call—one that can literally save you weeks (or even months) of effort if you tried to navigate Finnish registrations on your own. Rather than juggling forms and regulations, you can simply reach out to our team:

1. Outline Your Goals

• In a brief conversation, we clarify your business plans, whether you want to run a small consultancy, launch an import-export venture, or dive into tech.

• We also note any special requirements, such as needing an older company with established credit or a brand-new Finnish limited company.

2. Explain Our Turnkey Services

• We’ll provide an overview of how we handle everything—from government paperwork to official updates.

• You learn about the advantages of purchasing a ready-made company in Finland, such as immediate operational readiness and minimal bureaucracy.

3. Gather Basic Documentation

• Right after the phone call, we’ll email you a simple list of what we need—usually copies of your passport (and any other owners’ or board members’ IDs), along with a few basic details.

• You don’t have to worry about language barriers; we will submit all the necessary paperwork on your behalf.

One Meeting—Remote or In Person

Here’s where we stand out: you can often complete the purchase at the very first meeting with us, either face-to-face or entirely online:

1. Review and Confirm

• Once we have your documents, we review them and confirm the company type you’d like to buy—new registration or older entity.

• We explain the estimated cost, timeline, and any extra details you need to know (e.g., if you plan to relocate to Finland).

2. Purchase Agreement and Signature

• We prepare all necessary contracts in advance, tailored to your specifics.

• During the meeting—whether in our office or via video call—you sign digitally or in person, and the ownership transfer happens in real time.

3. Immediate Ownership

• Right after signing, the Finnish limited company is legally yours. There’s no tedious waiting period; our decades of experience ensure every form is correct and promptly filed.

• You leave the meeting (or close the video call) with full control of a registered business that can start operating straight away.

It’s that simple. By combining the initial consultation and final purchase into one streamlined step, we eliminate unnecessary back-and-forth, saving you both time and stress.

Having finalized your purchase on paper, it’s crucial to confirm whether the ready-made company in Finland you’re buying is brand-new or older. We typically ask about this preference before finalizing the documents, but let’s break down why this choice matters.

Brand-New Company Registration

• Clean Slate
  If you’re looking for a fresh start with zero financial history, a newly registered Finnish company might be perfect. Bookkeeping is straightforward, and you won’t inherit any prior transactions.

• Immediate Transfer
  Even though it’s a new entity, the company is fully registered and ready to go, meaning no operational delays.

• Ideal for Specific Industries
  If you plan to build a brand from scratch—such as a tech startup—this can be advantageous.

Older Company Registration

• Established Credit
  An older entity often boasts a credit rating, potentially making it easier to obtain loans or lines of credit.

• Perception of Longevity
  Clients and partners may feel more comfortable working with a company that isn’t “brand-new,” especially in sectors where trust is crucial.

• Pre-Registered with Tax Authorities
  Almost every company in Finland must be registered in the prepayment register, known in Finnish as Ennakkoperintärekisteri (EPR). Some of our older companies are already registered, which saves approximately one month in the startup phase, as there is no need to contact the tax authorities separately.

We’ve sold thousands of companies over the past 30 years, so we’ll guide you through these options to ensure your selection aligns with your goals. Since much of this discussion can happen during your first phone call or meeting, you’ll have a clear idea before signing.

Even though you technically own the company right after signing, we still handle a few quick administrative tasks to ensure all official records are up to date. This step is entirely turnkey—meaning we manage every detail so you can focus on your business.

Updating the Board of Directors

• Legal Forms Submitted
  We send all necessary documents to the Finnish Trade Register (Patentti- ja rekisterihallitus) to reflect the new Board of Directors.

• No Hassle for You
  Instead of wrestling with forms in Finnish, you simply relax as we finalize these requirements.

Declaring Beneficial Owners

• Why It’s Required
  Finland, like many countries, needs businesses to disclose their ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) to prevent illegal activities.

• Effortless Filing
  We complete and submit these declarations on your behalf, ensuring strict compliance with local laws.

Address Changes

• Registered Office or Mailing Address
  If you want to change the company’s official address to your own or any other location, we take care of the formal process.

• Essential for Communication
  Getting this correct from the start helps ensure you won’t miss important letters from tax authorities or banks.

By the end of this stage, every legal record recognizes you as the new owner. The turnkey service we offer keeps you out of red tape, letting you focus on bigger priorities: customers, products, or hiring your first employees.

When you buy a Finnish company, it might come with a name or an official “toimiala” (field of activity) that doesn’t quite match your vision. Maybe you want a more modern name, or you’re pivoting the business into a different sector. We can help you adjust these details smoothly.

Company Name Change

• Trade Register Updates
  Our team files the necessary paperwork so the new name appears in all official records.

• Naming Guidelines
  Finland has specific rules about acceptable company names (avoid duplicates, maintain clarity, etc.). We’ll advise you to ensure approval.

Business Description (Toimiala)

• Pivot or Expand
  If you plan to operate in multiple industries, we can update the scope accordingly.

• Tax Authority Notifications
  Some changes to your field of business might require notifying the tax authorities, which we also handle.

These tweaks help finalize your brand identity and ensure you’re fully compliant. Whether you want a minimal rebrand or a complete overhaul, it’s all part of our turnkey service if you decide to opt in.

Don’t let distance deter you. You can buy a Finnish company even if you’re on the other side of the globe. We handle everything to make it as smooth as possible.

• Remote Signing: Through secure digital platforms, all documents can be reviewed and signed online.

• Face-to-Face Meeting: Prefer a more personal touch? Visit our office, see the paperwork in person, and finalize details with a handshake.

• Full Guidance: Whichever method you choose, we’ll walk you through each step, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

There’s no need to make multiple trips or wait for extended review periods. Our streamlined approach allows you to start operating in Finland immediately.

By choosing a ready-made company in Finland, you eliminate needless delays and skip the “start-from-zero” phase. Our turnkey service takes care of the entire process:

• Minimal Bureaucracy: We handle all official paperwork and filings, including the Board of Directors update, beneficial ownership declarations, and any necessary address or name changes.

• Consultancy Included: If questions arise about permits, hiring, or taxes, we’re here to guide you.

• Trusted Network: We’ll refer you to reliable accountants so you can keep your finances on track.

• Fast and Easy: With over 30 years of experience, we’ve perfected a method that can finalize ownership transfer in one swift meeting—no matter where you are.

• Remote or Live: Choose whichever option is more convenient. You can sign documents online or drop by our office if you’re in Finland.

Make Your Move with Confidence

Setting up a company in Finland shouldn’t be a struggle. By purchasing a Finnish limited company that’s already established, you gain instant credibility and the freedom to focus on what truly matters: growing your venture. Whether you want a brand-new ID or the benefits of an older entity, our dedicated team ensures a seamless transition.

If you’re ready to buy a Finnish company and jumpstart your presence in one of the world’s most stable and innovative markets, contact us today. Our friendly, expert staff will walk you through every step—often in a single, stress-free session—so you can start doing business in Finland sooner than you ever imagined.