Buy a Shelf Company in the UK
Purchase a UK-registered shelf company to save time on incorporation, boost business credibility, and start trading immediately.
A UK Ready Made Company includes
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UK Company Registration Process
Procedure to acquire a ready made company
Your chosen directors and shareholders of the new company sign official documents that allow us to make them the directors of your ready made company. We transfer the company into your power and it is ready to trade immediately.
Changing the company name of the Ready Made Company
We can also file a company name change the same day.
Appointing the new Directors
To appoint the directors of your new company you will need to sign official forms that state this. This can also be done through giving us a power of attorney to do this on your behalf.
We will be removed as directors of the company and it will be transferred over to you. You then receive the Certificate of Incorporation , Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company and the Company secretarial Forms.
Established Ready Made Shelf Companies, sometimes called old shelf or established companies, are dormant / inactive companies that were incorporated in the previous years but have never been active.
FAQs
Why should I choose a readymade company in the UK?
Choosing a readymade (shelf) company in the UK allows you to bypass the time-consuming registration process and start operating immediately. These companies are legally registered but have never traded, making them ideal for entrepreneurs or investors who need:
- Instant business credibility with an established incorporation date
- Faster access to contracts, banking, and credit
- A head start on compliance and documentation
- Anonymity or discretion in setup (in some cases)
- The ability to present a more mature business profile for tenders, partnerships, or financing
Readymade companies are fully compliant, clean, and ready for transfer giving you speed, convenience, and flexibility when entering the UK market.
Is it legal to use nominee directors and shareholders?
Yes, using nominee directors and shareholders is legal in the UK as long as it is done transparently and for legitimate purposes. Nominees are often appointed to protect the privacy of the actual (beneficial) owner while ensuring the company remains compliant with UK corporate laws.
However, under UK regulations, especially anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) laws:
- The identity of the beneficial owner must still be disclosed to the appropriate authorities (e.g., Companies House).
- Nominees must not be used to conceal illegal activity or evade tax obligations.
When structured properly and with full disclosure, nominee services are fully compliant and commonly used in international business structuring.
Can I open a bank account with a UK shelf company?
Yes, you can open a bank account with a UK shelf company, but it is subject to the bank’s due diligence and compliance checks. While owning a shelf company can help demonstrate business maturity and credibility, banks will still require:
- Full KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation
- Disclosure of the beneficial owner(s)
- A clear explanation of the company’s planned activities
- Proof of address and identity for directors/shareholders
- In some cases, a UK business address or local presence
Do I need to visit London to complete the process?
No, you do not need to visit London to purchase a UK shelf company or complete the company transfer process. The entire procedure can be handled remotely, including:
- Company name change (if required)
- Appointment of new directors and shareholders
- Transfer of ownership
- Filing of necessary documents with Companies House
- Optional nominee or virtual office setup
However, if you plan to open a corporate bank account with certain UK banks, some may require an in-person meeting depending on their compliance policies. That said, many international or fintech banks offer remote onboarding options, especially for non-residents.
Are there annual requirements for UK companies?
Yes, all UK companies — including shelf companies — must meet certain annual legal and financial requirements to remain compliant with UK law. These typically include:
- Confirmation Statement (formerly Annual Return):
Filed yearly with Companies House to confirm your company’s key details (directors, shareholders, registered office, etc.) - Annual Accounts:
A set of financial statements filed annually, even if the company has not traded. Dormant companies must still submit a simplified version. - Corporation Tax Return:
Required by HMRC, even if no tax is due. Non-trading or dormant companies may still need to submit a nil return. - Registered Office Maintenance:
A valid UK address must be maintained for official correspondence.
Looking to Buy a Shelf Company in UK? We’re Here to Help
We have several UK shelf companies available for immediate purchase. Please fill out the form below, and we’ll arrange a detailed discussion with you regarding current availability and pricing.