What is a Shelf Company?
A shelf company is essentially a ready made company. It is legally registered but not actively used as a company for trade. It is a useful purchase for those who wish to save time and avoid an abundance of paperwork. Many people may choose to buy a ready to go company rather than incorporate a new company because they require a company with an incorporation date in the past. Given that a shelf company comes with a history it can have advantages for potential buyers.
Why you may need a shelf company? 
- The age of your company may affect the business you wish to conduct. Longevity of a business may have influence on potential business associates such as buyers, creditors, or suppliers in a company.
- Better credibility for starting your business.
- Enhance your company image with potential clients and customers.
- Gain access to investment capital, loans and have easier access to corporate credit.
- You may be in need of a company number quickly in order to close a deal. People in the EU may purchase a ready made company if they need a VAT number quickly.
The Advantages to buying a Shelf Company?
- Save yourself time and avoid the paperwork of starting from scratch.
- Easily establish banking and business relationships – establish a better relationship with an older previously registered company, rather than with a brand new company.
- Government bodies, manufacturers and distributors often require a company to have been in business for a certain period of time and the age of a company is very often a major factor in corporate banking relationships and business contracts.
- Provides operating history and known longevity which is good for your corporate image.
- Large companies will often only do business with an older company rather than a newly incorporated company.
- Easier to obtain bank loans, corporate credit cards and leases as business longevity is a running factor for grant of access with these.
- Immigration advantages – business visas for company directors and work permit applications are easier to obtain with a company who has an active running operational history.
What Irish Formations can provide?
- Here at Irish Formations we provide quick and easy access to shelf companies. After purchase, company numbers are provided within 24 hours. For more information see here.