Our specialists incompany formation in China can assist investors who plan to buy a shelf company. We offer the necessary legal support to complete the procedure.
| 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?
A shelf company represents a legal entity that has been incorporated for the sole purpose of being sold to any interested party. It provides the basic elements that are required under the law, such as:
- trade name;
- registered address;
- bylaws;
- objects of activity, etc.
What types of shelf companies can I purchase in 2026?
In China, just like anywhere else in the world, investors can purchase recently incorporated shelf companies or aged ones.
What is an aged shelf company?
Aged ready-made companies are registered firms in China kept on a shelf. 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.
How old can an aged shelf company be?
It is any legal entity that has been incorporated for several years (at least 2-3). Some of the available aged shelf companies have been registered more than 10 years ago.
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 local businessman can purchase a shelf company in China, a firm for which there is no need to wait for incorporation. Such a company is ready for activities on the market and the ownership is transferred in approximately 2 days.0000000000000000000000
What are the 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 on the market means there are no debts for a shelf company in China.
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.
Below, we invite you to read our infographic presenting how to buy a shelf company in China in 2026:
Is it necessary to register for the payment of taxes of a shelf company in China in 2026?
Of course, the shelf company will operate like any other entity in China, and once it starts its business activities it will be required to pay taxes. This can be explained by our company formation agents in China.
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 companybefore purchase. We are here to offer you the proper solutions for your future business.
Can I make changes to the shelf company?
Yes, once you have legally become the new owner of a shelf company, you have the right to make various changes. A mandatory one that must be reported to the authorities is the change of ownership, but optional ones can refer to:
- the company’s trade name;
- its objects of activity;
- its registered address;
- bank account, etc.
Are there any costs when making company changes?
It depends on the modifications brought by the owner. For example, if you want to open a new bank account, fees can apply. For instance, if you will berepresented by our team, this service can cost USD200 to USD650, depending on the type of account you need. If you don’t want to change the account, you can simply maintain the current one, but update the shareholding information.
Are there any KYC policies imposed on the procedure?
Yes, if you want to buy a shelf company in China, you are required to comply with the Know Your Customer (KYC) policies applicable in this country.
Do I have to visit China to buy a shelf company?
You do not need to travel to China to purchase a shelf company.
What are the advantages of a shelf company in China?
A shelf company in China has 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;
- following the purchase, only several legal matters have to be completed, even if the company has been registered with the local authorities;
- shelf companies in China can operate in the import & export sector, the retail field and manufacturing without any restrictions.
Do you provide other legal services once the shelf company becomes operational?
Yes, you can easily rely on our team of consultants in company formation in China, who can offer a wide range of services necessary for the proper functioning of any company. In the list below, you are invited to observe some of the post-incorporation services (and the applicable fees) we can offer:
- opening a company account for social insurance – USD 150;
- offering accounting services and submission of tax documents – depending on the workload (which is influenced by the size of the company), our prices range from USD 120/month to USD 450/month;
- VAT refund services – they vary from USD 100 to USD 400;
- annual audit services – USD 900;
- payroll services – USD 850- USD 1,000;
- we also offer copyright services – prices vary from USD 200 to USD 400.
Can your team assist me in purchasing shelf companies elsewhere?
Businessmen interested in purchasing shelf companies in other jurisdictions, for example in Brazil, are invited to contact our partners – CompanyFormationBrazil.com. If you want to buy a shelf company in another country, such as UAE, we can put you in touch with our local partners from BridgeWest Dubai. They can help you buy a shelf company in Dubai in just a few days.
For more information about the shelf companies in China, please do not hesitate to contact our Chinese team of company incorporation representatives.
