Shelf Companies on Sale

Your Guide on how to buy a Shelf Company in South Africa.

Shelf Companies might seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s the definition, why it’ll benefit your business and how you can get one in South Africa.

In this post, we’ll talk about the specifics of buying Shelf Companies in South Africa. We’ll discuss what Shelf Companies are and also, how it’s beneficial to your business. Our experts also answer various other questions relating to obtaining an older, already registered Company in South Africa.

This post is for you if you’re interested in getting a Shelf Company, however, it’s also for you if you’re not 100% sure, because you still have a few questions.

If you have any questions, click HERE to get free consultation.

Our experts have been assisting South African entrepreneurs since 2006 with all their business-related questions, for example Shelf Companies for sale in South Africa. If you have a few questions regarding Shelf Companies, don’t worry, because our experts have compiled all the questions they frequently get from South African entrepreneurs, and they’ve answered them all below.

Expert Tip: Save time by calling our Toll-Free number below to get your Shelf Company and our Experts will assist you with all your questions.

It is essentially just a Pty Company, but the only difference is that Shelf Pty Companies are pre-registered companies. The reason it’s already registered at the CIPC is to save you time. The aim of a Shelf Company is getting a legally registered company in South Africa, along with its registration number, as soon as possible.

So, it is just a Pty company that has already been registered using a generic Company name, which means that you can start using it ASAP and don’t have to wait for registration. In short, whether you’re buying a Shelf or a new Pty Company, you’re buying a Pty Company that’s officially been registered at the CIPC and has never been traded with before. Shelf Companies are the perfect option for businesses who need a Company Registration number immediately.

Read our Guide for SA Entrepreneurs on What is a Shelf Company and more.

The sole purpose is having a registered company available for anyone who needs a company ASAP. Company registration is not an instant process, because documents need to be processed before you’ll be issued a Company Registration number. Buying a Shelf PTY or CC allows you to get a Company Registration number instantly.

You can, for example, buy a company with the name AB Security Services if your company is a security service company. You can apply to Tenders immediately using that Company Registration number and if you don’t like the name you can simply change the name. The Company Registration number will stay the same.

A Shelf Company IS a Pty Company or a Closed Corporation. There is no legal difference. It has just been registered in the past to resell again.

Essentially Shelf PTY or CC’s carry a great benefit when you want to apply for Tenders. Here’s why buying a Shelf Company in South Africa can be beneficial to you:

1. YOU GET AN INSTANT REGISTRATION NUMBER

As Shelf entities are pre-registered companies, there’s no need to wait for the registration process.

You can INSTANTLY get a Company Registration number to use to apply for Tenders where you can always change the name of the company if you don’t like the generic name, but the Company Registration number will always stay the same.

2. IT’S THE FASTEST WAY TO GET A LEGALLY CIPC-REGISTERED COMPANY

Shelf Companies are normal Pty (Ltd) Companies that have already been registered at the CIPC. That means you don’t have to wait for any documentation to be processed. Once you buy a Shelf Company, the PTY is legally registered; it’s yours; and it’s ready for use.

3. IT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO GET A NEW COMPANY (ALMOST NO ADMINISTRATION NEEDED)

As Shelf entities are already registered, you don’t have to go through all the Company Registration red tape; that’s already completed.

Also, even though it’s already registered, it is a company that’s never been used by another business before. So even though you’re buying an existing company, it’s a clean slate for you to trade with for the first time.

4. IT’S THE FASTEST WAY TO GET TENDER-READY

If you need a Company NOW, a Shelf Company is your only option. Especially if you have an upcoming Tender or contract for which you need to apply for ASAP.

Yes, it’s 100% legal to buy an already registered Company in South Africa. A Shelf PTY or CC is a company that has already been legally registered as a Pty Company or Closed Corporation at the CIPC. Buying that Pty/CC means you legally buy that Pty/CC, along with the Registration number. It also offers you the legal right to change your company name after you’ve purchased it.

You can buy a Shelf PTY or CC from any person or organization who have registered Shelf Companies for sale in South Africa.

We specialise in South African Company Registration and Company Documentation, so our experts have registered multiple Shelf Companies for various industries that you can purchase.

We have many different Shelf package options for sale.

Speak to one of our Experts about Shelf Companies for sale in South Africa.

You need to be 18 or older; you need to have a South African residence; and an ID / Passport. That’s it!

Do you have any more questions? Directly call one of our experts for a free consultation on 0800 007 269 during office hours (free to dial us from Cellphones and Landlines).

No, shelf companies don’t have existing bank accounts. This is due to the nature of the Shelf Company, which is not active or used for trading. However, Company Partners offer assistance through our partner banks,to open bank accounts in no time at all. Thus, streamlining the account opening process.

No, shelf companies are dormant entities with no history of trading or financial activity. Meaning they wont have any financial records or financial statements. This allows you to start your business with a clean slate and avoid inheriting any past financial obligations.

Updating a shelf company with your details such as your Company Name or transferring the Directorship typically takes 5-7 working days. However, the exact timeframe can vary depending on the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and how quickly we receive your document submission.

Yes you can! While shelf companies initially have generic names which reflect the Shelf Company registration number, you can choose and register your own unique company name. Please note this will depend on the availability of the name at the CIPC.

Shelf companies are generally registered with a “not restricted” industry classification. That being said Company Partners can assit with Shelf Companies registered for specific industry compliance (subject to availability). This provides you with the flexibility to adapt the company to your specific business sector without needing additional changes or approvals.

Yes, it’s crucial to declare any changes in ownership and beneficial ownership to the CIPC within 10 days of acquiring the company. Taking ownership of a Shelf Company will fall squarely into the framework of the law. Beneficial Ownership requires information about all individuals who hold more than 5% of the company’s shares or have significant control over its operations. Failing to comply with this regulation can result in penalties and legal repercussions.

No, a South African address is mandatory for foreigners to be appointed as directors of a South African company.  Additionally, a South African address is a prerequisite for opening a bank account. Speak to one of our 50+ experts to determine the best solution for your needs.

While both shelf and shell companies are non-trading entities, they differ significantly in purpose and use:

• Shelf Company: A company that has been registered but has never traded, owned assets, or incurred liabilities. It is kept “on the shelf” to be sold to a new owner, who can use it to start trading immediately. Shelf companies are legal and often used for legitimate business purposes, such as expediting business setup.

• Shell Company: A business entity that exists only on paper, with no significant operations, assets, or employees. Shell companies are often created for holding assets or facilitating certain transactions. While they can serve legitimate purposes, they are sometimes associated with less transparent practices.

At Company Partners, we specialise in providing legitimate shelf companies that adhere to South African laws, helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses seamlessly.

A shelf company is a pre-registered business entity that has never conducted any trading or held any assets or liabilities. The primary purpose of a shelf company is to provide business owners with a fast and convenient way to acquire a company that is already registered.

By purchasing a shelf company, entrepreneurs can save time and bypass the initial registration process with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This makes shelf companies particularly useful for those who need a company with an existing registration number for urgent business transactions or tender applications.

At Company Partners, we offer a wide selection of pre-registered shelf companies tailored to meet your business needs quickly and efficiently.