When a shelf company makes sense
Speed, age or a name you like
A new incorporation takes 5–7 business days. For most clients that is fast enough. But there are situations where having a company today — or a company with history — is worth a modest premium.
A contract that can't wait
You need a company number and Business Registration to sign a supplier agreement, tender or lease this week.
Age and credibility
Some tenders, marketplaces, payment providers and counterparties prefer companies incorporated at least 1–2 years ago.
Deal or restructuring deadlines
An SPV is needed before a financial year-end, a closing date or a visa application deadline.
A good name, already registered
Our shelf companies carry neutral, professional names — and you can rename the company if you prefer.
What you receive
A complete, compliant company — guaranteed clean
- Certificate of Incorporation and valid Business Registration Certificate
- Articles of Association and all statutory registers
- Share transfer executed and stamped by the IRDStamp duty included in the fee
- Appointment of your director(s); resignation of our nominee
- Updated Significant Controllers Register
- Company chop, seal and corporate kit
- Company secretary and registered address for 12 months
- Written warranty of no trading, no liabilities, no bank account
- All Annual Returns and Business Registration renewals filed to date
- Dormant-period accounts or dormancy declaration, where applicable
Our guarantee. Every shelf company we sell was incorporated by iCorp.HK, has been under our control since day one, has never traded, never opened a bank account and never entered into any agreement. We provide a signed warranty and indemnity with each transfer.
Comparison
Shelf company vs. new incorporation
| Criteria | Shelf company | New incorporation |
|---|---|---|
| Time to own the company | 1–2 business days | 5–7 business days |
| Company name | Pre-set neutral name; change possible (+5 days) | Your choice, subject to availability |
| Incorporation date | In the past — months or years ago | Today |
| Share capital & structure | Standard (e.g. HK$10,000); adjustable after transfer | Fully tailored |
| Articles of Association | Standard; can be amended | Tailored |
| First Annual Return / BR renewal | Based on original incorporation anniversary | 12 months from now |
| Audit obligation | From transfer; dormant period covered by us | From incorporation |
| Bank account opening | Same process; age can help with some banks | Same process |
| Fee | from US$1,350recent companies; aged companies higher | from US$1,350Basic package |
Need a specific name, share structure or Articles? A new incorporation may be the better choice — we will advise honestly.
How it works
Four steps to ownership
- Choose a companyWe send the current list with names, incorporation dates and fees. You pick one and we reserve it.Same day
- KYC & documentsPassport and proof of address for new directors and shareholders; we prepare the transfer pack for e-signature.Day 1
- Transfer & appointmentShare transfer stamped with the IRD; new director appointed and ND2A filed; registers updated.Day 1–2
- Kit & next stepsDocuments delivered digitally and by courier; optional name change, bank introduction and accounting set up.Day 2+
Current availability
Our inventory changes weekly. Typically we hold companies incorporated within the last 3–12 months and a smaller number of aged companies of 2–5 years. Request the list and we will send it within a few hours on any working day, together with the fee for each company.
FAQ
Shelf companies — frequently asked questions
A shelf company (also called a ready-made or off-the-shelf company) is a limited company incorporated by a service provider and kept dormant — no trading, no bank account, no contracts — so it can be transferred to a buyer who needs a company immediately. In Hong Kong, the transfer is done by selling the shares and changing the directors; the company itself continues unchanged.
Usually within 1–2 business days once we have your KYC documents and signed transfer forms. The share transfer is stamped with the Inland Revenue Department (same or next day), the new director is appointed and Form ND2A is filed with the Companies Registry. You can start acting for the company as soon as the appointment is effective.
Recently incorporated shelf companies (under 12 months) cost roughly the same as a new incorporation — from US$1,350 including secretary and registered address. Aged companies carry a premium that reflects the government fees and maintenance we have already paid over the years. Prices are listed next to each company on the current list.
Yes. A change of name requires a special resolution of the shareholder (you) and filing Form NNC2. The Companies Registry issues a Certificate of Change of Name in about 5 business days. The company keeps its number and incorporation date, so you retain the age while getting the name you want.
No — and it should not. A company sold with an existing bank account would raise serious compliance concerns. You open a new account after the transfer; our banking desk supports the application in the same way as for a newly incorporated company. Some banks view an older incorporation date favourably.
We take care of the period before the transfer: dormant companies are covered by a dormancy declaration or nil accounts, and any Profits Tax Returns issued for that period are filed by us. Your obligations start from the transfer date, and we set up your compliance calendar accordingly.