Ready-made companies or shelf companies in China are at the disposal of foreign investors interested in a fast start on the Chinese market. Such business entity comes with many advantages as soon as the ownership transfer is made. If you consider that a shelf company is a proper solution for your future activities in China, we suggest you address to our Chinese company formation specialists for support in registration matters. The company formation in China regardless of the chosen entity may start with our help.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company |
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) |
|
Time required for purchasing the company | A few days |
|
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) |
– tax number, – bank account, – legal address, – trading name |
| The advantages of a shelf company |
– no debts, – fast purchase & ownership transfer, – fast access to Chinese market |
| Appointing new directors |
No |
| Capital increase allowed |
Yes |
| Certificate of no commercial activities |
Yes |
| Modify the objects of activity | Yes |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer (or representative) & seller |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | Depending on age and formalities costs |
Table of Contents
What is a shelf company in China?
China welcomes foreign investors who want to start their activities as soon as possible and benefit from the flourishing business climate. Anticipating the entrepreneurs’ needs led to many opportunities in this direction, one of them being the shelf companies in China which can be ready for operations in a short time. Running the activities in China through a ready-made company is not only advantageous from the beginning, but it allows the business person to choose the activities in accordance with his/her needs and establish in China’s main industries rapidly. One should know that ready-made companies are registered firms in China kept on a shelf until they age. Having a history behind and being subject to no liabilities or debts will weigh much in front of potential partners or future customers, therefore, many entrepreneurs are interested in purchasing shelf companies.
A ready-made company in China may exist on the market for at least two years without any activities. If you want to know more about how to acquire a Chinese shelf company, we suggest you talk to one of our company incorporation agents in China for comprehensive details and further assistance. Setting up a company in China and looking for success in the competitive market may sometimes begin with purchasing a ready-made company. Businessmen interested in purchasing shelf companies in other jurisdictions, for example in Brazil, are invited to contact our partners – CompanyFormationBrazil.com.
Here is a video with information about how you can purchase a shelf company in China.
Who can purchase a shelf company in China?
Any foreign entrepreneur or businessman in China can purchase a shelf company in China, a firm for which there is no need to wait for incorporation and related matters. Such a company is ready for activities on the market and the ownership is transferred in approximately 2 days.
Necessary documents for a ready-made company in China
The identification papers of the shareholders, the signatures of the owners and the directors, the declaration forms and any other relevant documents provided by the Trade Register are among the mandatory documents for buying a shelf company in China.
Does a ready-made company have debts in China?
Having no activities in the market means there are no debts for a shelf company in China. One of our company formation agents in China can help you register for VAT and for other taxes too.
If you are looking for accountants in China, our experts can offer you the services you need. For example, you can benefit from payroll, bookkeeping, preparation and submission of annual financial statements, audits (including forensic audits), and many more. On request, we can offer risk assessment and evaluation, in order to give you an idea about the business risks that may appear in the company. You also have tax minimization methods available, depending on the financial plans you have.
Do I have to wait for the incorporation process of a shelf company?
No, foreign entrepreneurs do not need to pass throughout the entire registration process of a ready-made company, as this firm is already registered with the Chinese authorities.
The advantages of a shelf company in China
Shelf companies in China have a multitude of advantages that can attract the attention of foreign investors in this country, such as:
- it has a notable business address, a bank account, and a registered minimum share capital;
- it has an accounting history of at least 2 years and a fast incorporation;
- shelf companies in China can operate in the import & export sector, the retail field and manufacturing without any restrictions;
- if licenses and permits are needed, our advisors can help in this sense.
As for the revenues, it is good to bear in mind that through a ready-made company in China, the income can be remitted to the parent company, regardless of the country of residency. Also, your shelf company in China can operate with the help of virtual office services which can be provided by our team. If you want to open a company in China and you don’t want to relocate to this country, you may address to our consultants in this sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team of specialists faces various questions about shelf company and its advantages. Discover below some answers that could help you in the future, if you want to buy a vintage company in China.
1. Who can buy a shelf company in China?
Both local and foreign entrepreneurs can buy a shelf company in China without difficulties or restrictions. The acquisition process is simple and can be supervised by our team of specialists.
2. Is a vintage company registered in China?
Of course, shelf companies in China are already registered, but they have no activities. What is essential to know is that such a company can be activated immediately after purchase.
3. Do shelf companies have debts?
A common question is about the debts of a vintage company in China. It is important to know that such an entity has no activities, therefore it has no debts. This is an important benefit that foreign entrepreneurs have in mind when thinking about a vintage company purchase.
4. Is it necessary to register for the payment of taxes of a shelf company in China?
Of course, the shelf company will operate like any other entity in China, and so its registration will be required to pay taxes. This can be explained leisurely by our company formation agents in China.
5. What kind of formalities are required to purchase a shelf company in China?
The formalities for buying a vintage company in China are very simple. Our specialists will ask you for copies of your personal documents so that they can take care of the registration of the company in your name.
6. Do you have to visit China to buy a shelf company in China?
You do not need to travel to China to purchase a shelf company. As mentioned above, this entity is already registered, and the transfer process can take place online without any complications.
7. Can I request company due diligence for a shelf company in China?
Of course, our specialists can provide you with all the details about company due diligence and the process of checking a vintage company before purchase. We are here to offer you the best solutions for your future business.
8. How long can I use the shelf company in China?
The transfer process for the vintage company in China can take about 48 hours. During this time, our experts will take care of all the formalities, and then hand you the necessary documents for signing.
9. Why should I choose a vintage company in China?
One of the major benefits of a ready-made company in China is that such an entity is already registered. As a result, you no longer have to go through this whole process to set up a business.
10. How can company formation agents help me buy a shelf company in China?
Our specialists collaborate with both local and international clients. Entrepreneurs wishing to purchase a vintage company in China can call on our local agents for documentation, transfer, and other necessary procedures. Thus, there will be nothing left for you to do but sign the documents and focus on the new activities.
Investing in China
China continues to attract many international investors who want to enjoy generous profits. A dynamic, stable, and expanding economy is an advantage over those who want to open their businesses in China. In addition to this, the following things might draw your attention to China’s advantages over foreign players in the market:
- An experienced and multilingual workforce.
- Possibility to benefit from reduced or eliminated taxes if the company is registered in China’s free trade zones.
- Low operating costs compared to other states.
- A stable business climate and prolific sectors.
Here are some statistics that highlight China’s fruitful economy:
- In 2018, around 30% of FDI was absorbed by the manufacturing sector.
- According to the 2020 Doing Business report, China ranked 31st out of 190 world economies in terms of simplifying business conditions.
- Construction, the energy sector, services, and real estate are other sectors to which a large part of foreign investment is directed.
- Japan, Germany, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong are the largest investors in China and long-term business partners.
Beijing, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are among the cities with business potential. Thus, those interested can open a WFOE in China and benefit from simple and fast formalities, with specialized help from our local agents. It is necessary to open a bank account for the minimum share capital, but also for the future financial operations of the company. Also, where required, we will help you apply for a business license.
For more information about the shelf companies in China, please do not hesitate to contact our Chinese team of company incorporation representatives.