ShelfCompanyPrices—German&Swiss.

Why is a shelf company more expensive than forming a new GmbH?

You're paying for immediate availability, established company age (credibility with banks and clients), and zero formation wait time — not just a legal entity.

Are the prices fixed or negotiable?

Prices are set. We can discuss terms for bulk purchases (e.g., if you need multiple companies for a group structure).

What is included in the shelf company price?

Share transfer, notarisation, director change, Handelsregister update, clean history certificate, and transfer of all corporate documents. Tax registration in Germany is optional add-on.

Can I see the current inventory?

Yes — visit /shelf-company/inventory for our live list of available companies. Available companies are updated regularly.

What additional costs arise immediately after acquiring a shelf company?

After transfer: tax registration via Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung (€500–€800 professional fee); VAT registration if applicable (~€500 professional fee, zero government fee); bank account opening (€0 government fee, €0–€500 at fintechs); first annual accounts for the dormant period (~€800–€1,500); and Transparenzregister update with new UBO data (€0 government fee). Total post-acquisition setup budget: approximately €1,500–€3,000.

Is there Grunderwerbsteuer or stamp duty on buying a shelf company?

No Grunderwerbsteuer (real estate transfer tax) applies to share transfers unless the shelf company owns German real estate — in which case GrEStG §1(3) may be triggered if ≥90% of shares transfer to one buyer. No German stamp duty exists on share sales. For a standard dormant shelf with no property assets, the tax cost of acquisition is zero.

How much does renaming a shelf company cost?

A name change (Namensänderung) requires a notarised shareholders' resolution, Handelsregister amendment, and IHK/DPMA conflict check. Estimated total: €500–€1,500 (notary fee €200–€500, court fee €100–€200, our professional coordination fee ~€300–€600). Processing time: 2–3 weeks. We handle all steps including name availability checks. The new name must not conflict with existing trademarks or company names.

Can a shelf GmbH be converted to an AG after acquisition?

Yes. A GmbH converts to an AG via Formwechsel under UmwG §§190–213 — the process preserves legal continuity and the HRB number. Cost: €4,000–€8,000. Timeline: 2–4 months. Tax-neutral under UmwStG §25. Note that the AG will then require a supervisory board and mandatory annual audit from the first full year. A GmbH shelf plus conversion may still be cheaper and faster than forming a new AG directly.

Are there hidden costs in a shelf company acquisition?

The main risk is undisclosed liabilities (tax assessments, pending claims, dormant contracts). Our standard due diligence package eliminates this risk: interim balance sheet dated within 30 days, ELSTER confirmation of no open tax assessments, Handelsregister search for pending proceedings, and a written seller indemnity for undisclosed obligations. We include this full due diligence in every shelf acquisition service.

What tax filings are required immediately after acquiring a shelf company?

Within 1 month of activating the shelf: (1) Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung filed with the Finanzamt — registers new owners, business purpose, and estimated first-year revenue; (2) Transparenzregister updated with new UBO details; (3) USt-IdNr. application to BZSt if VAT-taxable activities commence. A Steuerberater handles all filings — budget €500–€800 for the initial tax registration package on top of the shelf purchase price.