If you are a foreign investor who wants to enter the Serbian market without having to wait for company incorporation and the related procedures, you can buy a Serbian shelf company which is a ready-made enterprise. Our company formation specialists in Serbia can help you purchase a shelf company and establish your activities in a fast and reliable manner.
| 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) | – bank account, – tax number, – business name, – legal address |
| The advantages of a shelf company | – fast purchase & ownership transfer, – access to bank loans, – varied activities |
| 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 | Depends on the age and company formation fees |
Table of Contents
What is a shelf company?
Shelf companies are registered companies kept on a shelf and ready to be transferred to entrepreneurs wanting to enter the Serbian market. These are also known as ready-made companies or vintage companies due to their special attributes. Ready-made companies in Serbia are preferred in most of the activities in this country, as long as they are stipulated by the Commercial Code in Serbia.
Which documents are needed when buying a shelf company in Serbia?
A set of documents is needed when buying a shelf company in Serbia in order to make sure that all documents regarding change in ownership are in order and updated accordingly. Among other things, a buyer will usually be asked to provide:
- valid documents of identification (either passport or an ID card for individuals, and certificates of incorporation in case of a business entity);
- notarized decision on the change in the ownership structure;
- agreement on the purchase of the company;
- signatures of the new managers and owners;
- proof of a changed address of the registered office, if any;
- amended Articles of Association;
- additional documentation as per the requirements of the Serbian Business Registers Agency.
Here is an infographic about how to purchase a shelf company in Serbia:
What are the requirements for purchasing a shelf company in Serbia?
Purchasing of a shelf company in Serbia makes it possible to initiate business activity promptly, because the company in question is registered and ready for acquisition. To complete the purchase, the following requirements should be fulfilled:
- Approval of the sale conditions by the present owner and the purchaser, which include price and conditions of transfer;
- Complete transfer of the property, which is confirmed by the responsible parties;
- Selection of new management if the purchaser wishes to make changes in the leadership of the firm;
- Verification of the state of the enterprise, which implies that it has ceased its activities and has no liabilities;
- Modification of the enterprise’s field of activities if the current sphere does not correspond to the strategy of the purchaser;
- Registration of the modification in the legal documents (e.g., in the enterprise’s title, address, or object of activity).
Who can buy shelf companies in Serbia?
Whether you are a big entrepreneur or a small businessman, you can purchase a shelf company and benefit from the advantages of such a structure. Also, vintage companies can be purchased by both nationals or investors from abroad with interests in setting up their operations in a fast manner.
What are the benefits of a shelf company in Serbia?
Being a ready-made company, the buyer won’t have to deal with the hassle of opening a bank account, as this procedure is already done. Furthermore, a shelf company in Serbia is an aged business which offers more credibility on the market compared to the newly registered companies. Also, you can consider the following advantages of such businesses:
- these companies are not subject to debts, loans, and other related obligations;
- investors can commence the activities as soon as the ownership of the business has been concluded with the Serbian Trade Register;
- the accounting history of vintage companies is no less than two years;
- ready-made companies in Serbia are trustworthy in front of the banks.
The following video presentation contains information about shelf companies in Serbia:
Are there any risks when buying a shelf company?
Even though a ready-made company is the type of business which doesn’t have any activities and therefore no liability, it is suggested to have a background check. If the verifications reveal the fact that the company had labor law obligations or particular taxation problems, the new management can be liable for such matters. It is recommended to observe if there are any debts and if the accountancy documents are in order.
How to start tax registration for shelf companies in Serbia?
The registration for taxation of a shelf company in Serbia can be made as soon as the ownership transfer is made. All companies with activities in Serbia must pay taxes on the profits, therefore, whether you want to create a company or buy a ready-made one, the registration is mandatory. The VAT and the corporate income tax are the most important taxes in Serbia.
FAQ about shelf companies in Serbia
Yes, vintage companies are mentioned by the Commercial Code in Serbia and work under the rules of limited liability companies. Ready-made companies come with many advantages.
The ownership transfer of a shelf company is normally acquired in a couple of days or less. Once the documents are accepted, the procedures can commence.
No, shelf companies are only registered and have no activities on the market. Having no financial activities means there are no debts involved, so from this point of view, the acquisition is safe.
Yes, the registration for taxation can be made after the ownership transfer is concluded. Companies in Serbia must pay taxes imposed on profits.
If you want in-depth information about the shelf companies in Serbia, we invite you to contact our team of company formation representatives in Serbia.