You have a new business idea, you have received a business offer that is too good to refuse, or you have another reason for needing to set up a GmbH or UG quickly and safely – in these cases buying a shelf company is the perfect solution for you. The formation of a new company usually takes between 1 and 3 months. After the notary appointment, you have to open a business account – depending on the bank, this can take 1 or 2 weeks. The notary cannot submit the GmbH or UG incorporation documents to the commercial register until the share capital has been fully paid up. The registry court reviews the application, often makes an inquiry with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or demands an advance on costs. Only then, once all questions are answered, will the company be entered in the Commercial Register. You can skip this whole procedure by purchasing off the shelf a GmbH or UG that has never been active and is absolutely without debts.
It is important to understand that in Germany there are two different types of ready-made companies: The so-called “Vorratsgesellschaft”, are companies that have never actively operated and were established for the sole purpose of resale to save time for their buyers. On the other hand, there are also companies available on the market known as “Mantelgesellschaft”. The original purpose of the establishment of these companies was to create an active company. However the companies are currently not in operation and the owners have decided to sell them instead of putting them into liquidation.
All ready-made companies offered by GmbH-UG.com are genuine shelf companies incorporated by us for the sole purpose of reselling them.
When purchasing a ready-made company, expect the following costs (regardless of provider):
The purchase price of a ready-made company accounts for the largest part of the costs. It comprises the bank credit balance, normally in the amount of the share capital, which is refunded to the buyer at the end of the transaction either with the company bank account or by order cheque, and the premium or extra fee paid to the seller for his services.
The notary costs for the purchase will be at your charge. The costs are normally higher than for the formation of a new company. Notary costs for a GmbH normally amount to approx. 1,200 EUR (VAT excluded), and for a UG to approx. 800 EUR (VAT excluded).
The costs for a change in the commercial register depends on the nature of the changes that the notary needs to make for the purchase. They amount to about 60 to 300 EUR. Normally, you pay less to the local registry court than you would pay for a new formation, provided that the company keeps its registered office in the same town as before.
Regardless of whether you form a a new company or buy a GmbH or UG off the shelf, you have to submit a business registration to the “Ordnungsamt” (Office of Public Order) or to the municipal authorities (in smaller cities). Business registration costs between 15 and 55 EUR, depending on the municipality. Companies that engage exclusively in asset or real estate management, as well as holdings that do not engage in any business of their own, normally do not require a business registration. We recommend you to seek advice from your local authority or your tax advisor.
We had urgently open our new business in Germany. The whole process was quite daunting but Kristof from GmbH-UG.com was extremely helpful from the first moment I contacted him. Quick to respond, precise and detailed with his instructions. The whole process was made very quick and easy for us. Highly recommended!