Instead of incorporating a BV, it is possible in The Netherlands to acquire a shelf company.

A shelf company is an existing 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 still less time consuming than the incorporation procedure of a new BV. 

The advantage of buying a shelf company always was 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.

In 2012 the incorporation procedure for standard BV's has been significantly simplified, with amongst other the abolishment of the minimum capital requirement, the bank declaration and the governmental consent procedure. Consequently, the need for shelf companies dramatically declined and the market for such companies almost dissappeared. Shelf companies are therefore very scarce nowadays.

We have access to various parties in the market who offer shelf companies for sale. 

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.

What can we do for you?

Please feel free to contact us via e-mail or call us at our office in Amsterdam at
+ 31 (20) 5709440 or our office in Rotterdam at +31 (10) 2010466 for more information.

We will make time for you!