There are some key differences between a shelf or new company formation. Many clients will question the best choice for them, and there are some key factors which will help you decide. Irish formations hold companies on the (Shelf) which can be transferred to a client by processing a Director appointment and retirement, Secretary appointment or retirement, and share transfer. 
Value for money
A new company formation is more value for money than a shelf company. A shelf company is kept by a company formations agency and maintained on the shelf by them. After the first annual return the shelf company becomes more valuable, and each month it gets older its value increases.
Speed of delivery
Generally the transfer of a Limited company is quicker than the registration of a new company. To register a new company required 3-5 days, and the company cannot obviously be used while the registration is taking place until it is on the register of companies. If there is no European Economic Area Director then the Section 137 Bond will be required, and this must be submitted with the Company Formation papers. This can take a few days to acquire. The transfer of a Shelf Company has the advantage where the effective date of the transfer can be set back to the date of incorporation.
Availability
Many clients want a shelf company incorporated around a specific date. This can be hard to find. Also, the age of a shelf company can affect its cost.
Process for delivery
We generally discuss the clients needs before processing the order of a shelf company in case it is not required, and we can find more value in a newly incorporated company. To transfer a shelf company the forms must be completed and submitted to the Companies Registrations office. Change of Directors, change of Secretary and Share transfer forms must be completed.