A shelf company in Gibraltar, sometimes also called an aged corporation, is a legal entity that has been incorporated, but has had little to no commercial activity. It was created and “left on a shelf”, awaiting to be purchased. Shelf companies are legally incorporated and registered as per the Gibraltar Companies Act and they can be acquired by foreign investors interested in starting their business activities as fast as possible.
Our company formation agents in Gibraltar highlight the main features and the advantages of the shelf or ready-made company in Gibraltar. Investors who are interested in exploring their options of buying an already registered business, or the alternative, which is to set up a company in Gibraltar, can reach out to us for more information.
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Reasons to buy a shelf company in Gibraltar
Choosing to buy an already established legal entity can be motivated by several factors. Our team lists some of the most important ones below:
- Saved time: shelf company buyers save the time needed to register a company in Gibraltar, which can be one week in some cases;
- Good history: a company that has been incorporated for several years can appear more credible to clients and business partners;
- A clear record: a company that has not been used for trading is one that does not have any business debts or liabilities towards creditors. Buying a company with a “clean bill of health” is important for investors;
- Fast trading: because the company is already incorporated, it is ready to use. Investors can start trading almost immediately, as soon as the ownership transfer documents are ready – which in almost all cases (depending on certain factors) is faster than the time needed to register a new company.
How to purchase a shelf company in Gibraltar
Purchasing a Gibraltar shelf company is simpler than incorporating one from scratch because all the documents are ready. The only document for the transaction to be completed is the purchase-sale contract. Once the transfer is completed, the new owner will be allowed to bring any modifications to the company’s Articles of Association.
In many cases, investors who buy a shelf company in Gibraltar will change:
- the company name,
- the business objective,
- the legal address,
- the management board composition,
- the share capital of the company.
It is very important to know that the Gibraltar Companies Registry must be notified about all the changes.
Of course, not all of these must or will need to be changed. Investors who do not mind the company’s name and who find a company with a suitable business objective may only have to change the ownership details as the company will still have to maintain a legal address based in Gibraltar.
The subsequent changes can be performed at any time after the sale-purchase agreement is signed and the new ownership is notified to the authorities. Therefore, the ready-made company in Gibraltar can be used for trading right away, leaving any other non-essential changes for a later time.
Also when selecting to purchase a shelf company in Gibraltar, the client may request our specialists’ services in order to verify the company’s legal and financial records.
You can also find out from the video below how you can purchase a ready-made company in Gibraltar:
Shelf company compliance in Gibraltar
Although a ready-made company was not previously used for trading, it will start to become liable for taxation as soon as it is used for trading by its new owners. This means that those who buy a company rather than opening an offshore company in Gibraltar will have to be mindful of the local tax compliance and reporting requirements.
Some of the main taxes for companies in Gibraltar are the following:
- The standard corporate tax – 15%;
- Utility companies are subject to a higher rate of 20% and so are those that abuse a dominant market position;
- There is no tax on dividends applicable in Gibraltar;
- No value-added tax.
Our team can help you with detailed information on how to buy a shelf company in Gibraltar, and analyse your current options, if you have already made the decision to skip the incorporation phase and buy an already registered legal entity. Alternatively, if you are interested in opening a company in China, we can put you in touch with our local partners.
Our Gibraltar company registration agents will guide you through all the purchase steps and will also provide accounting services for tax registration. You may also contact us for details about hiring personnel.