Starting a Company in Finland as a Foreigner
Start with an already registered Finnish limited company and an existing Business ID. We help you choose a suitable company and handle the agreed purchase documents and registration changes in English.
Over 6,000 companies sold since 1993.
Company formation or a ready-made Finnish company?
When considering company formation in Finland as a foreigner, you can compare incorporating a new company with buying a company that already exists.
Set up a company yourself
A new Finnish private limited company (Oy) is created by registration with the Finnish Trade Register. No minimum share capital is required. Formation documents must be prepared, and the filing route depends on the identification methods available. PRH is the Finnish Patent and Registration Office, which maintains the Finnish Trade Register.
Buy a ready-made company
You buy the shares of an already registered Finnish limited company with a Business ID. Choose a new, unused company or an aged company. We agree any changes to its name, business activities and board before the purchase.
Our service focuses on ready-made companies. You receive company-specific details and a quotation before deciding. We agree the scope of work with you, prepare the purchase documents and handle the agreed registration filings.
Owning a Finnish company and managing it
Share ownership
Foreign individuals and companies can generally own 100% of a Finnish limited company without a Finnish co-owner. Tell us who will own the company and whether the buyer is an individual or a business.
Board and managing director
Residence requirements apply to management roles. At least one ordinary board member must reside in the European Economic Area (EEA), unless the required PRH permits are granted. Deputy members are assessed separately. A managing director and any substitute must also reside in the EEA or obtain a permit. Residence, rather than citizenship, is the relevant starting point.
Your proposed structure
Tell us where the proposed board members and any managing director live. We review the information needed for the agreed purchase and filings before proceeding.
Buying a Finnish company does not itself grant a residence permit or a right to work in Finland. Check your immigration position separately with the Finnish Immigration Service.
What to prepare before buying a Finnish company
A short description of your plans is enough for the first enquiry. We then tell you which identification documents and company information are needed for your situation.
Your business plans
Planned activities in Finland, preferred start date and any specific requirements for the company.
Ownership
The intended shareholders, ownership percentages and beneficial owners. If a foreign company is the buyer, we may also request its registry information and ownership structure.
Management and contact details
Proposed board members, any managing director, their countries of residence and the company’s intended address and contact details.
Identification and signatures
Identification documents for the relevant people and confirmation of who can sign for a corporate buyer. We confirm any document certification or translation requirements separately.
You do not need to upload identification documents with your first enquiry. We will explain the next steps after reviewing your message.
Plan the practical steps before you start operating
Remote purchase
The purchase can be arranged remotely. We confirm suitable identification and signing methods for your situation. You can also meet us at our Helsinki office.
Company and tax registrations
We agree any changes to the company’s name, business activities, board and address, and any applications to the VAT, prepayment or employer registers. The applications depend on your planned activities. Authorities decide on approval and processing times.
Business banking
If a company already has a bank account, access does not transfer automatically with the purchase. The bank conducts its own customer checks and decides on access, services and timing. We confirm the company’s current banking arrangements before you decide.
Accounting and ongoing obligations
Arrange accounting and the company’s ongoing reporting before trading begins. Obtain specialist advice for legal, tax or group-structure questions.
Get help choosing your Finnish company
Tell us about your business plans and ownership structure. We help you identify a suitable starting point and agree the next steps.
Match the company to your plans
We consider your intended activities, timeline and any need for an earlier incorporation date or existing registrations.
Review the information
You receive company-specific details and a quotation directly from us before deciding.
Agree the purchase and filings
We prepare and handle the agreed documents and registration changes, with communication in English.
Questions from international buyers
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Tell us at the beginning if you do not have a Finnish personal identity code. PRH has procedures for registering people without one, and supporting identification documents may be required. We confirm the documents and filing arrangements for your situation.
A foreign company can own a Finnish limited company. Tell us about the intended ownership and management structure. We confirm the information needed for the purchase and agreed changes; review any group-specific legal or tax questions with your advisers.
We can prepare agreed changes to the company name, business activities and articles of association. A new company name is subject to PRH approval.
No. A new unused company may suit your plans if an earlier incorporation date is not important. Consider an aged company when its specific background or confirmed features meet a practical requirement.
Find a suitable starting point for your business in Finland
Tell us what you plan to do in Finland, who will own and manage the company and when you want to start. We will review your enquiry and recommend suitable company options.
