Instead of incorporating a BV, you may prefer to acquire a shelf company.

A shelf company is an empty BV, which may or may not have been involved in previous business transactions.

Buying a shelf company does require a notarial deed, but the transfer procedure is less complicated and time consuming than the incorporation procedure of a new BV. Consent of the Ministry of Justice (certificate of no objection) is in general not required, unless it concerns a BV not older than one year.

The advantage of buying a shelf company is usually the time factor. Technically a shelf company can be acquired in one day. The disadvantage is that shelf companies are sold with a premium which makes the acquisition of a shelf company in general more expensive than incorporating a new BV.

We do emphasize that shelf companies have a financial, legal and tax history. Sometimes shelf companies are offered for sale, which have been involved in previous business activities. We therefore recommend a cautious approach.

We have access to various parties in the market who offer shelf companies for sale. If you require more information, please feel free to contact us via e-mail or to call us at our office at +31 (10) 2010466.