You do not need to found a business yourself; you can also acquire an enterprise or its business operations, or become a partner in an existing enterprise. The object of acquisition may be, for example, a private undertaking, shares in a general or limited partnership, the entire stock of a limited liability company or a majority of the shares. You can become a member of an existing cooperative by paying the participation share. One way of starting your own business is to become involved in a ready-made, proven concept of operation – that is, become a franchisee.

Finnish law does not impose any restrictions on foreign ownership; foreigners may also acquire Finnish enterprises. More information on the right of non-EEA residents to found an enterprise or be involved in the administration of a Finnish enterprise can be found on the section “Permits from the National Board of Patents and Registration for non-EEA residents.

A large number of transfers of businesses to younger generations are expected in Finland in the next few years. According to different estimates, between 60,000 and 80,000 enterprises are going to change hands in the next few years. If no new owner can be found within the family, an alternative is to sell the business to a third party.