Aged shelf company in Luxembourg: what the incorporation date means
Why buyers look at the age of a Luxembourg shelf company, and what that age does and does not tell you.
Request informationWhat is an aged shelf company in Luxembourg?
An aged shelf company in Luxembourg is a company that was incorporated some years ago and has not been used for a business activity of its own. It is an existing company, registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (RCS), with its own incorporation date, registration number and filing history. Shelf companies in Luxembourg can therefore be recent or older, and the difference is the date shown on the register.
Why buyers ask for an older Luxembourg shelf company
Some buyers prefer a company that has existed for several years. A longer record can be easier to present to certain counterparties, such as a partner, a supplier or a bank, who look at the incorporation date when they open a relationship. Others simply want a company that already exists and is registered, whatever its age. A shelf company in Luxembourg can answer either need.
What the age of the company does not change
- It does not decide whether a bank opens an account. Every bank carries out its own review of the company and of its beneficial owners.
- It does not replace an activity. A company that has existed for years and is used for a new purpose still has to be run properly from the day of the transfer.
- It does not remove the annual obligations. Annual accounts, filings with the RCS and the declaration of beneficial owners remain required for every Luxembourg company.
New company or older shelf company: comparison
| Point | New company | Older shelf company |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation date | The day of incorporation | A date already shown on the register |
| Registration number | Issued at incorporation | Already issued |
| Filing history | None yet | Visible on the public register |
| How you obtain it | Incorporation before a notary | Transfer of the shares between identified parties |
How an existing company is transferred
The shares of the company are transferred from the seller to the identified buyer by a written deed, then the change of shareholder and of managers is registered. The steps are described in our guide on how to buy a shelf company in Luxembourg and, for the most common legal form, in the article on the share transfer of a Luxembourg S.à r.l.
How we present the shelf companies
Each shelf company is presented with its legal form, its incorporation date and its registered office, as they appear on the public register, so that you can compare them yourself before any discussion. To decide between an existing company and a new one, read shelf company in Luxembourg or new incorporation, then use the contact form with your project.
General information only. It is not legal, tax or accounting advice. This site introduces you to independent professionals and provides no such service.
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