🍔 How to Start a Food Truck Business in Finland: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

🍔 How to Start a Food Truck Business in Finland: Step-by-Step Guide

🧾 Step 1: Register Your Business – What Type Should You Choose?

You must register your business officially in Finland. Here are the common types:

• Toiminimi (Sole Trader) – Easiest and cheapest way to start. Yuo can also start if you are in student residence permit.
  • Good for one-person business
  • Less paperwork
  • You are personally responsible for the business finances
• Osakeyhtiö (Oy – Limited Company) – Better if you plan to expand or involve partners.
  • Limited liability
  • More setup cost and legal work

Where to Register? YTJ Business Information System

You also need a Food Sector Notification at the same time (we’ll cover that below).

🚐 Step 2: Find a Food Truck – Rent or Buy?

Buying a new food truck in Finland can be expensive (€20,000–€50,000), but there are affordable options.

🛒 Places to Find Used or Cheap Food Vans:

• Tori.fi – Search "ruokarekka", "myyntiauto", or "food truck", vuokravaunu
• Nettikone.com or Nettiauto.com
• Facebook Marketplace or local groups
• Auto dealers that specialize in trailers or food vans
• Leasing companies (ask about seasonal leasing)

💡 Tip: Rent one first if you’re unsure. Summer season (May–August) is perfect to test your business.

📑 Step 3: Legal Documents & Permits

• 1. Business ID from YTJ (done during registration)
• 2. Food Premises Notification (Elintarvikehuoneistoilmoitus) to your municipal Elintarvikevalvonta
  • Notify them at least 4 weeks before starting
  • They will inspect hygiene, water system, temperature, etc. Normally used Vehicle have all those. Check well before you buy
  • You will receive a registration number for your mobile unit
• 3. Street Sales Permit / Land Use Permit
  • Apply to your city permit office for public land
  • Ask landowners for permission in private areas
  • Helsinki Street Food Permit

💶 Step 4: Budget – What Does It Cost to Start?

A rough estimation of budget:

Item	Estimated Cost (€)
Used Food Truck (basic)	8,000 – 20,000
Equipment (fridge, stove, etc.)	2,000 – 5,000
Business Registration (YTJ)	60 – 380
Elintarvike Inspection Fees	100 – 400
Initial Stock & Packaging	500 – 1,000
Monthly Fuel & Maintenance	300 – 600
Marketing & Menu Design	200 – 500
Total (Startup Budget)	€11,000 – €28,000

Save Money Tips:

• Start small with a food cart or trailer
• Share van with a friend
• Rent truck only for summer season or weekends

🧽 Step 5: Food Truck Quality & Hygiene Requirements

• Easy-to-clean surfaces (no wood or rust)
• Hand-washing station with warm water
• Proper cold storage and temperature monitoring
• Safe materials for all food surfaces
• Trash and wastewater containers
• Hygiene Passport required – Get Hygieniapassi - click here to make Hygieniapassi

📍 Step 6: Where Can You Park and Sell?

• Street corners – with city permit
• City markets and food events - ask permission
• Festivals & concerts – apply early
• Private parking lots – ask permission

🚫 Avoid Illegal Parking: Selling without permit can lead to fines.

📣 Bonus Tips for Success

• Use Instagram & TikTok to share your food story
• Offer vegan or halal options
• Join Finnish events and summer markets
• Partner with Wolt Market or ResQ Club for leftovers

🧾 Useful Links

• YTJ Business Registration
• Ruokavirasto Food Safety
• Helsinki Street Sales Permit
• Hygiene Passport Info

🇫🇮 Let’s Hit the Road, Foodies!

Whether you’re a Nepali momo master, a taco wizard, or a burger expert, Finland’s street food scene is ready for you. Summer is the best time to start – so get rolling!

👉 Follow SawFinland for vendor lists, events, and immigrant business support.