Shelf Companies — Ready to Use, Transfer Completed in 1–2 Working Days

A shelf company (also known as a shell company) is a Hong Kong limited company that has completed registration but has never traded. Buyers take over through a share transfer and change of directors, typically completed in 1–2 working days — faster than a new incorporation for signing contracts, submitting tenders, or opening bank accounts. Alpha’s shelf companies start from $10,800, with the list updated regularly; all are guaranteed to have never traded and have no debts.

Is a Shelf Company Right for You?

A shelf company is more worthwhile than a new incorporation in the following situations

You urgently need to sign a contract or submit a tender and can't wait for new company registration and document printing

A counterparty or tender requires the company to have a certain length of incorporation history

You want to start operating and taking orders under a company name immediately

If you’re not in a hurry and want to customise your company name, incorporating a new limited company ($6,980 all-inclusive) is usually more cost-effective.

Shelf Company Fees

Shelf company (incorporated this year)

$10,800

Each additional year of incorporation history

+$3,800

Company name change

$1,500

After the transfer, you can add company secretary, registered address, or company name change services as needed.

Included in the fee

Process for Buying a Shelf Company

Request the List

Due Diligence

Once you’ve confirmed your choice, submit identification documents for the new shareholders and directors for KYC.

Sign the Transfer Documents

Alpha prepares the share transfer instrument, director appointment and resignation documents, and handles the stamp duty procedures.

Take Over the Company

Completed in 1–2 working days; receive the full set of company documents and start operating under the company name immediately.

Is Buying a Shelf Company Safe?

All of Alpha’s shelf companies are self-registered and held by us, with clear provenance and clean records

Never Traded

All companies are self-registered and held by Alpha and have never conducted any business.

Never Opened a Bank Account

No bank account, no employee records — a certificate of inactivity can be provided.

No Debts or Litigation

No debts, contractual liabilities, or litigation records — a written guarantee can be provided.

100% Control

Once the transfer is completed, control of the company belongs entirely to the buyer, and you can verify records yourself before purchase.

Once the Transfer Is Complete, Start Banking and Operating Immediately

After taking over a shelf company, you can immediately sign contracts, submit tenders, and apply for a bank account under the company name. Alpha can also arrange company secretary, registered address, account opening document preparation and accompaniment, and follow up on subsequent annual returns and accounting/tax filing.

Shelf Company FAQ

How much does it cost to buy a shelf company?

Alpha’s shelf companies start from $10,800 (incorporated this year), with $7,800 added per additional year of incorporation history. The price includes the full set of documents for share transfer and change of directors.

How long does it take to buy a shelf company?

With complete documents, the transfer is typically completed in 1–2 working days, after which the company can be used to sign contracts and apply for account opening.

Can a shelf company be renamed?

Yes. After the transfer, you can submit an NNC2 form at any time to change the name (Alpha’s fee is $1,500, government fee charged separately); the new name typically takes effect in 5–7 working days.

Could a shelf company have hidden debts?

All of Alpha’s shelf companies have never traded or opened a bank account, and have no debts or contractual liabilities — a written guarantee can be provided, and you’re welcome to verify records yourself before purchase.

What's the difference between a shelf company and a new company?

A shelf company is ready to use immediately and comes with an incorporation history; a new company allows you to customise the name and share capital structure, at a lower cost ($6,980 all-inclusive) but takes about 3 working days to register. Choose a shelf company if you’re in a hurry or need incorporation history; choose a new company if you’re not in a rush.