Shelf companies, also known as ready-made companies, are legal entities which were registered in the previous years and have stayed inactive. When an investor decides to acquire a shelf company in Bahrain, the time needed for purchasing it is much shorter than if they were to set up a new legal entity. Also, such a company enables its owners to avoid a number of inconveniences.
Quick Facts |
|
Legal entities available for shelf company |
- limited liability company,
- shareholding company
|
Time required for purchasing the company
|
A few days |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc)
|
- trading name,
- registered address,
- director,
- company bank account,
- tax number
|
The advantages of a shelf company |
- simple acquisition,
- possibility to use it for various activities,
- full foreign ownership
|
Appointing new directors |
Yes
|
Capital increase allowed |
Yes
|
Certificate of no commercial activities |
Yes
|
Modify the objects of activity |
Yes |
Participants in the purchase procedure |
Buyer or representative and seller |
The cost of buying a shelf company |
The cost depends on the type of company purchased and its age. |
Most common forms of shelf companies in Bahrain
According to new amendments made by the local authorities, it is now possible to acquire shelf companies in Bahrain.
These companies can be in any form and are valid for one year, in which time the appropriate approvals and licenses have to be obtained.
A shelf company in Bahrain can be sold, however, its operations have to be approved by the government.
The most common types of legal entities in Bahrain are the closed joint stock company and the limited liability company.
For setting up such a company in Bahrain, the following documents have to be submitted:
• an online application;
• a pre-approval from the appropriate government ministries, which is effectuated through an online portal called Sijilat;
• the draft memorandum or the Articles of Association;
• the in-kind capital evaluation, which is done by an auditor, if necessary;
Advantages of shelf companies in Bahrain
Shelf companies in Bahrain bring their investors numerous advantages, such as:
• They save time, since their purchase procedure takes less time than if they decided to set up a new company ;
• They enable an easier access to bank credits;
• Since they have a history, they are able to provide a greater credibility to local partners, investors and clients;
• They confer the opportunity to be able to bid for contracts.
The shelf company may need to be registered for
VAT purposes in Bahrain. One of our agents can provide more details.
If you want to set up a
shelf company in Bahrain, or if you need any
company registration advice
in Bahrain, please feel free to
contact our friendly staff.