How to get a Shelf Company in South Africa
(plus the benefits)

In this post, we discuss how to get a Shelf Company in South Africa. We also discuss all the other questions we regularly get from South African entrepreneurs about Shelf Companies like:

• What are Shelf Companies?
• Why get a Shelf Company? What are the advantages? (including INFOGRAPHIC: 5 REASONS AN OLDER COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER IS BETTER)?
• What’s the difference between a Shelf Company and a normal Pty Company?
• Is it legal to get one in South Africa?
• What documentation do I need to get a Shelf Company in South Africa?
• What are the steps to acquire one in South Africa?
• VIEW OUR SHELF COMPANIES ON SALE (Special offer)

Only interested in some of these questions? Simply scroll down to the question, for e.g. “How to get a Shelf Company in South Africa” is number …

 

Did you know: We at Company Partners offer you a selection of Shelf Company options to give you a CIPC-registered Company Registration Number IMMEDIATELY. 

Click here to learn about our Shelf  Company options.

Here is everything you need to know before you buy a Shelf Company in South Africa:

What are Shelf Companies?

In short, a Shelf Company is a normal Pty Company that’s been registered with the CIPC but has never been used to trade with before.

The sole purpose is to have a registered company available for anyone who needs a company ASAP. Company registration is not an instant process; documents need to be processed before you’ll be issued a company registration number. Buying a Shelf Company (or a new, but registered company) allows you to get an instant Company Registration number. 

It’s essentially various registered companies, registered with generic names like ABC Construction, on a “shelf” available to buy from whoever registered the companies.

Although these companies have existing names, it’s really easy to change the company name. If you change the company name, the Company Registration number will stay the same and be usable from day 1. This is really helpful for anyone who needs a new Company or a Company Registration number to apply for Tenders.

Why should you get one? What are the advantages of a Shelf Company?

Here are the two most significant advantages when you buy one:

1) IMMEDIATELY GET A COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR UPCOMING TENDERS

If you’re interested in buying an instant Company in South Africa, chances are you want to apply for a Tender ASAP.

If you need a Company Registration instantly, buying a Shelf Company is usually your best option.

Buying one allows you to get the legally registered Company Registration Number (as required by most Tenders, RFQs, and Contracts) you need, almost immediately.

2) YOU SKIP THE REGISTRATION ADMINISTRATION – BECAUSE IT’S ALREADY COMPLETE

An instant Company is a legal Pty company that’ has already been registered at the CIPC but has never been used before to trade. That means there’s no need to wait for the legislative process before you can trade or apply for Tenders, RFQs, or contracts with it.

You can just buy an instant Company in South Africa and then change the company name and add directors whenever you get the chance. The Company Registration Number will be 100% in order from the get-go.

What’s the difference between a Shelf Company and a normal Pty Company?

There is no technical difference between a Shelf Company and a Pty Company. A Shelf Company is a Pty Company that’s already been registered at the CIPC for the purpose of reselling it, purely to save customers the time of going through the registration process.

When you buy an Instant Company in South Africa you get a completely new and registered Pty Company with a Company Registration Number that you can use almost instantly. You simply need to change the name to something you like and add the directors later.

When you register a Pty Company from scratch you get to pick the name from the get-go, but you also have to wait for the registration process to be completed before you get a legal Company Registration number.

Is it legal to get one in South Africa?

Yes, absolutely. A registered Pty Company and a Shelf Company are exactly the same. Both are a Pty that is legally registered at the CIPC with Company Names and documentation and a Company Registration Number.

The term ‘Shelf Company’ simply refers to a Pty Company that’s been registered for the purpose of reselling it. Entrepreneurs and businesses often need Company Registration Numbers within 24 hours. The only way of getting that is by buying a Pty that’s never been traded with, but that’s already registered at the CIPC.

It’s really easy to change the name of the Shelf Company you buy after your purchase.

It also helps establish the credibility of your business, because an older Company Registration Number seems more credible.

What do you need to get a Shelf Company in South Africa?

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to get a Shelf Company in South Africa:

How do I get a Shelf Company in South Africa?

You can buy a legally CIPC-registered Shelf Company from Company Partners by making one Toll Free call on 0800 007 269. Alternatively just complete the shelf company registration form here. One of our experts (we have over 50 Specialists) will walk you through the quick and easy process.

Here’s how it works:

Call our Shelf Company Experts tollfree and a designated expert will walk you through the offer, the pricing and the signup process:

Or simply book a call-back time and a designated expert will call you when it suits you best. 

OUR LIMITED SPECIAL OFFER WHEN YOU BUY A SHELF COMPANY FROM US

We’re offering major discounts on our Shelf Companies:

• • 2014-2023 Shelf Companies.
  • Add an Active Bank Account.
  • Add Tax Clearance.
  • Add an Active VAT Number.
  • Add Imports/Exports License.

Our Shelf Company options include the following:

• • Free Name Change (included in price for all options).
  • Free Director Change (included in price for all options).
  • Free Address Change (included in price for all options).
  • Free Share Transfer (included in price for all options).
  • Free Share Certificates (included in price for all options).
  • Free Income Tax Number (included in price for all options).
  • Free BEE Affidavit (included in price for all options).
  • Tax Clearance (included with selected options).
  • Business Bank Account (included with selected options).
  • VAT Number (optional @ additional cost).
  • SARS Registered Representative Update (included with selected options)

Sign up below and speak to one of our Shelf Company Experts.