Buy a Shelf Company in Moldova

Below, we present to you the main steps for buying a shelf company in Moldova. With the help of our company registration agents you can start a business here by opening a new company in Moldova or purchasing an existing one.

How can you represent me in the process of buying a shelf company in Moldova?

Our team specializes in proving a wide range of services dedicated to company formation in Moldova, which also includes the purchase of a shelf company. For this particular situation, we can:

• present the legislation in the field and the steps associated with the purchase and post-purchase procedures;
• offer legal representation during the purchase, through the power of attorney;
• help clients in selecting a legal entity that meets their demands;
• address local institutions for the change of ownership and any other changes brought after the sale;
• assist investors in any other registration obligations that may arise after the purchase (VAT registration, corporate bank account setup, acquiring business permits and licenses as per the economic sector in which the company will activate, assist in employment matters, and many others).

What is the definition of a shelf company?

The shelf company is an already-registered entity which has been kept on a shelf with or with no activity for the purpose of being sold. Shelf companies in Moldova are available for those seeking to start a business as soon as possible.

What are the main characteristics of shelf companies?

Shelf companies meet the registration requirements imposed by the Moldavian law, among which:

1. they are entities regulated by the Company Law (in most cases, these are limited liability companies);
2. they have one shareholder and one director (a basic requirement for most business entities here);
3. they have registered addresses in Moldova (this way they are considered domestic entities);
4. they are registered for taxation purposes and have tax identification numbers (some of them also have VAT numbers).

What changes can be brought to a ready-made company in Moldova?

The main changes that will need to be made are:

• the name of shareholder must be amended in the company’s Articles of Association and with the Trade Register;
• the director’s name will also need to be modified in the company’s statutory documents and with the Trade Register;
• when completing certain activities, the share capital of the company will also need to be increased;
• the main activity of the company must also be selected and licenses for it could be required in certain cases.

How long does it take to buy a shelf company in Moldova?

Buying a shelf company in Moldova does not take long, as the procedure can be completed in a few hours.

Why buy a shelf company in Moldova?

Among the reasons why investors purchase ready-made companies in Moldova are:

• saving time with the business incorporation procedure;
• to incorporate the history of an existing business (in another country) in the Moldavian company;
• to obtain loans (banks will verify the activity and the age of the company);
• to gain the trust of local customers and business partners;
• to have access to various contracts, including bids and auctions.

What types of shelf companies can I purchase?

Just like in other European and neighboring countries, shelf companies in Moldova are of 2 types, as follows:

• recently incorporated – we refer to those that have been incorporated for maximum 1-2 years;
• aged shelf companies – they typically refer to legal entities that have been incorporated for at least 2 years (their age can go up to more than 10 years).

What are the costs of a shelf company?

The sale price of a shelf company is influenced by the legal entity under which it is registered, the basic elements it provides, the age it has (aged shelf companies are more expensive). For a detailed presentation on the available prices, our consultants remain at your service.

Do I need to be present in the country for any sale/registration formality?

No, if you have signed the power of attorney and you have granted us full legal representation for all the procedures regarding the sale and other registration obligations arising after the sale is completed, you do not need to arrive in person in Moldova.

Our team can complete all the steps up to the moment when the company can start its business activities (we can represent you in other post-incorporation matters – such as tax compliance, accounting, payroll, etc.).

No matter if you want to open a company in Moldova by buying a shelf company or registering a new one, please contact us if you need help.