Shelf companies in North Macedonia are ready-made companies which are available for local and foreign entrepreneurs interested in starting their businesses without having to wait for the incorporation procedure. Even though the ownership transfer of such type of company is an easy process, we recommend you talk to our company formation agents in Macedonia for complete information and assistance for your future business. We can help with a ready-made company or with starting a new company from scratch.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company |
Limited liability company (DOO) |
|
Time required for purchasing the company |
A few days |
|
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) |
– tax number, – bank account, – legal address, – trading name |
| The advantages of a shelf company |
– fast purchase & ownership transfer, – no debts, – varied activities, – easy access to bank loans |
| Appointing new directors |
Yes |
| Capital increase allowed |
Yes |
| Certificate of no commercial activities |
No |
| Modify the objects of activity | Yes |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer (or representative) & seller |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | Depending on age of shelf company |
|
Who can buy shelf companies? |
Local and foreign individuals. Our specialists in company formation in Macedonia can help in both cases. |
|
Documents needed to buy shelf companies |
– ID documents of the buyer, – buyers’ signatures, – statutory documents of the shelf company, – details about the new company, etc. |
| Associated risks with purchase (YES/NO) |
No, shelf companies have no debts or liabilities. |
| Physical presence required (YES/NO) |
No, you do not have to be physically present in Macedonia to purchase an aged company. Our company incorporation agents can handle this for you remotely. |
| Virtual office available (YES/NO) |
YES |
| VAT registration |
Some shelf companies might require VAT registration. Our specialists in company formation in Macedonia can help you with the registration. |
| Can hire employees (YES/NO) |
YES |
| Corporate income rate |
– 10% (standard), – 1% (simplified if annual income falls between MKD 3 million and MKD 6 million, with some exceptions) |
| Common industries for shelf companies |
– restaurants and hospitality, – IT, – financial, – e-commerce, – advertising agencies, etc. |
| Shelf companies with specific licenses |
For specific industries such as: healthcare, hospitality, transport, construction, etc. |
| Shelf company vs. newly opened company |
Opening a new company in Macedonia requires more time and effort; Business activities and history start from the date of registration for new companies; Costs might be higher with opening a new company. |
| Process of purchasing vintage company |
– select shelf company, – prepare documents, – sign the agreement, – make amendments to the company’s statutory documents, – notify the relevant government authorities |
| Additional services | Once you start a company in Macedonia, we can also assist with tax registration, opening bank accounts, legal consultancy, trademark registration, etc. |
| Assistance (YES/NO) | YES, we provide full assistance when opening a shelf company, including remotely. |
Table of Contents
Ready for starting a company in Macedonia
A ready-made company is a registered company „kept on a shelf” and prepared for business at any time. Such a company has a history behind it, but no activities on the market. It is directed at investors wanting a fast start on the market with their activities. Entrepreneurs can buy ready-made companies and commence a wide range of activities, as agreed by the Companies Act in Macedonia.
Who can purchase shelf companies in North Macedonia?
Both local and foreign business persons are allowed to acquire shelf companies in Macedonia, as long as they respect the rules of the ownership transfer and the preparation of documents. We can handle the entire procedure of purchasing ready-made companies in Macedonia, therefore, please feel free to address to our company incorporation specialists in Macedonia.
Documents for buying a shelf company in Macedonia
The Central Registry of the Republic of Macedonia oversees the registration of shelf companies in this state for both nationals and foreigners interested in this type of purchase. Future owners need to file the statutory documents of the company and need to submit their identification documents, plus their signatures. We remind you that such a company will have a board of managers for which their signatures are mandatory.
Process of buying a shelf company in Macedonia
When purchasing a shelf company in Macedonia, the first step involves transferring ownership of the company’s shares to the buyer.
Next, the registered address of the shelf company is updated to a new location chosen by the buyer. This address is used for official correspondence and legal documents.
Following this, the company’s current directors need to be changed, and the new directors appointed by the buyer will take their positions. Additionally, the new name of the shelf company in Macedonia can be changed so that it reflects the brand and business identity.
Finally, the company’s statutory documents need revisions. Our specialists in company formation in Macedonia can help through the entire procedure.
Are there any risks linked to a shelf company purchase?
No, there are no risks to think of when deciding on buying a shelf company in North Macedonia because such a company has no debts or liabilities, it is only registered and kept until someone decides to purchase it.
Ready-made companies have no risks at all, however, you are entitled to verify them before any purchase. Let our team of consultants tell you more about the features of shelf companies in Macedonia and about the ways you can purchase one.
How fast can I buy a shelf company in Macedonia?
The ownership transfer of a shelf company in Macedonia is made within a few days, as soon as you get in touch with our team of consultants in Macedonia. It is good to know that there is no need for you to travel to Macedonia to buy a ready-made company. The only thing for you to do is to get in touch with us and send us notarized copies of your identification documents. As for our part, we will manage the registration of the shelf company in your name and send you the documents which need to be signed by you. Shelf companies can be established in any sector of interest and can have all sorts of activities.
Choosing the right shelf company in Macedonia
Before buying a shelf company in Macedonia, it is important to define your business objectives and goals. Entrepreneurs should take into account factors such as the industry they’re entering, the size of the company they need, and any specific legal or operational preferences.
Some entrepreneurs prefer an older shelf company because it can enhance credibility. It is a good idea to compare multiple options for shelf companies in Macedonia to analyze which one best fits your needs.
Lastly, consulting with legal professionals, such as our company formation specialists in Macedonia, is a recommended step. We can offer advice to help you make an informed decision. Professional guidance can ensure that you select a shelf company that meets all legal requirements and aligns with your business strategy. We also offer post-purchase support so that you can get your company started effectively.
The differences between a shelf company and a traditional one
A foreign or a local investor has a multitude of business opportunities in Macedonia, and among these is the possibility of starting and registering a company from scratch or buying a ready-made company. There are certain differences between these two, meaning that a shelf company is already registered and there is no need to wait for complex formalities compared to a new company for which the registration procedure might be prolonged.
A ready-made company in Macedonia can be activated as soon as the ownership documents are signed by the new proprietor, whether local or from abroad. As for a traditional company, an entrepreneur will have to respect a few important steps like: opening a bank account, applying for special licenses and permits, registering for tax purposes, applying for company seal, hire staff, and register for social contributions. In the case of a shelf company, things are simplified by a large percentage.
Company due diligence, for your safety
Even if a vintage company is risk-free, especially from a financial point of view, there are people who want to make sure that they will make a good and fair purchase. A ready-made company in Macedonia can be checked in detail, and this can be done using company due diligence procedures. Aspects such as previous activities, debts, non-payment, or litigious order issues can be discovered using the method mentioned above.
This is an optional step to make sure the company is free of any legal issues or financial liabilities that could affect the business. Additionally, due diligence might also be recommended for checking the shelf company’s seller. Our company incorporation agents in Macedonia can help with due diligence.
Even if these services cost, it is recommended to consider them if you want to buy a ready-made company in Macedonia. In addition, you will be able to benefit from the support offered by our local agents, who can take care of checking a shelf company before purchasing.
If you want to be 100% sure and have no second thoughts, you can ask for company due diligence from our team of company incorporation agents in Macedonia.
The cost of a shelf company in Macedonia
Investors buying a shelf company in Macedonia are certainly interested in the costs involved. The price depends on several factors, including: the company’s age, reputation, and the services provided by our company formation agents. However, the overall price of buying a shelf company is often lower than the cost of setting up a new company in Macedonia.
In general, newly registered shelf companies in Macedonia are less expensive because they have been registered recently and have minimal history. Older shelf companies are more expensive and their price can increase based on the company’s age, credibility, and any additional features the company has.
Additional services, such as due diligence, notary fees, and administrative fees (such as changing the company’s name or address) can increase the overall costs.
Our team offers multiple options for entrepreneurs, suitable for their budget. We can give you the exact prices based on your business needs.
FAQ about shelf companies in Macedonia
1. Do I need to travel to Macedonia for purchasing a shelf company?
No, there is no obligation to travel to Macedonia and buy a ready-made company. All the requirements in this sense can be handled by our team of consultants in Macedonia.
2. What are the benefits of a shelf company in Macedonia?
There is no need for you to consider the incorporation procedures for such a company as it is already registered in Macedonia. Moreover, you can commence the activities in a fast manner, once the ownership transfer is concluded.
3. Is a shelf company in Macedonia trustworthy?
Yes, you do not need to consider any risks at all because a shelf company has no debts involved, and that because it has no activity. Nevertheless, you may request a company due diligence for further verifications, in order for you to be sure about the company purchase.
4. Do I receive support in matters of documents for my shelf company?
Yes, our company formation agents in Macedonia are at your service and can help you with drafting the documents for purchasing such a company. The notarized copies of your identification documents are necessary for buying a shelf company. Once they are accepted, the only thing for you to do is to sign the ownership transfer and send us the documents. Our team can also help you register for VAT purposes.
5. Why should I purchase a shelf company in Macedonia?
If you are the type of investor who doesn’t want to wait for all the registration formalities of a normal company, you may direct your attention to a ready-made company which is already incorporated. This kind of company can be ready for business as soon as you receive the document showing the ownership.
The advantages of ready-made companies in Macedonia
There are many reasons why foreigners decide on a ready-made company purchase instead of creating a new one from zero. The following benefits usually stand at the base of shelf company acquisition in Macedonia:
- these companies do not have debts or liabilities and are ready to be used;
- there is no need to wait for incorporation, as this type of company is already registered;
- the financial institutions can easily offer credit loans for shelf companies in Macedonia, as they are trustworthy on the market;
- this type of firm may have a notable business address in Macedonia and a registered bank account;
- a ready-made company in Macedonia has an accounting history for at least two years;
- the ownership transfer can be issued in approximately one or two days.
We can help you buy a shelf company in Macedonia and take advantage of these benefits.
Statistics about the companies in Macedonia
If you are interested in purchasing a shelf company in Macedonia, the following statistics may help you make an informed decision:
- In 2022, most companies in Macedonia (59,965) employed between 1-9 workers;
- In the same year, 21,621 companies were engaging in the Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles sector;
- In the same year, 5,659 companies were engaging in the Construction sector;
- 8,065 companies were activating in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities sector in 2022.
If you are interested in more details about how you can buy a shelf company in Macedonia or if you want to register a company in Macedonia, we invite you to contact our team of advisors at any time.