Looking for an existing company without assuming that VAT or customs registration comes with it? Vatco helps you discuss basic shelf-company options, understand the records and planned changes, and compare the purchase with registering a new company for your business.
Your requirements · A clear scope · Your next step
A basic shelf company is an existing registered company offered for purchase, commonly described as having been kept without trading. That description should be checked against the actual records of the entity being considered. The useful starting point is the company registration, its history and the changes needed for your ownership and intended activity.
“Basic” should not be read as a promise that every registration or operational arrangement is already in place. VAT, customs, employer registrations, bank access and supplier onboarding need to be considered separately. Ask for the written scope of the particular offer so you know what exists now, what will be changed and what remains your responsibility.
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| Cost item | Amount or pricing basis | Inclusions and separate work |
|---|---|---|
| Existing company purchase | Company-specific written offer | Confirm the entity, disclosed history and ownership-transfer work included. |
| Optional changes and registrations | Quoted by requested amendments | Name, address, directors and additional registrations may involve separate work or authority charges. |
| Evidence review or legal advice | Separate scope where required | Agree what is checked and whether the sale terms need independent advice. |
| New-company comparison | CIPC: R125 without a name; R175 including a name | Official new-registration fee via BizPortal, checked 30 September 2026. This is not a shelf-company purchase price or Vatco fee. |
Vatco confirms the professional fee and included work in writing after reviewing the records and scope. Any published authority amount is dated 30 September 2026 and should be checked against the applicable payment instruction.
Check the company’s identity, history and purchase terms. A basic company should not be assumed to hold tax or sector registrations that the offer does not specify.
Compare a new incorporation with the purchase and amendment work. An older incorporation date alone does not create revenue, experience or customer acceptance.
Explain the ownership arrangement and who may instruct the transaction. The records need to identify the actual buyer and decision makers, not only the person who contacts Vatco.
Start with the records relevant to your situation. We confirm the exact scope and any authority-specific attachments before submission; briefing information is not automatically a mandatory filing document.
Confirm the registered name, company number, incorporation documents and current company status. Check that the entity described in the offer is the entity shown in the documents.
Ask what activity, filings, accounts, liabilities or agreements exist. A statement that a company has not traded should be supported by an appropriate review rather than treated as a substitute for one.
Establish who is entitled to sell the interest and what documents are needed for the transaction. Director appointments and share ownership are different matters.
Request a clear list of documents, amendments and support included in the quote. A name change, registered-address update or additional registration may carry separate work and charges.
Tell the team why you want an existing company, who will own and manage it and whether a customer or other party has a specific requirement.
Once a suitable option is identified, review the entity information, required checks, price and scope. Clarify conditions, responsibilities and the documents needed from each party.
Arrange the purchase documentation and company updates required for the transaction. Different changes may involve different records or authorities.
Check banking arrangements, tax administration, invoices, contracts and record keeping for the company you will use. Your first trading documents should identify the right entity.
Provide the requested identity and contact information for the relevant buyers, directors and owners through the agreed process.
Confirm the business address, contact information and intended activity.
Keep the purchase agreement, company documents and evidence of the agreed updates together. Record which person is responsible for outstanding steps.
An older company registration should not be presented as proof of revenue, completed projects or experience that the business does not have. A bank, customer or tender issuer can assess its own requirements and request evidence beyond the company’s age. Buying a company does not guarantee acceptance by any of those parties.
Do not assume it does. The offer should state which registrations exist and which are excluded. If VAT is essential for your intended activity, discuss the dedicated VAT option and the specific company’s position before deciding on a basic shelf company.
The company has its own historical incorporation date. The purchase should not be described as creating a new backdated registration or proof that you traded from that date. Use the company’s actual records and distinguish its registration history from your business’s operating history.
A name change can be discussed as a separate part of the scope. The chosen name, applicable process and completion need confirmation. Keep track of when records are updated so contracts, invoices and other documents use the correct company details.
Not by itself. Directors manage the company, while shares represent ownership interests. The purchase needs the appropriate transaction documents and ownership records as well as agreed director changes. Relevant beneficial ownership information also needs to reflect the actual position.
A company registration is only one possible requirement. The issuer may assess tax status, experience, financial capacity, industry registration or other conditions. Provide the actual tender requirements for discussion, and do not assume a shelf purchase guarantees qualification.
Only if the specific agreed offer says what banking support is included. A bank applies its own onboarding and verification requirements. Existing bank arrangements should be reviewed carefully; possession of company documents does not automatically grant access or bank approval.
Explain why you need an existing company, your intended activity, proposed ownership and any required registrations. Mention relevant external requirements and preferred timing. The team can then discuss suitability, available options, checks and a quote based on the actual work.
Go deeper with guidance from the relevant authorities.
Official company records, shares and maintenance guidance.
Open the resource OFFICIAL RESOURCECompany ownership information and related filing guidance.
Open the resource OFFICIAL RESOURCEOfficial source supporting the dated cost information and its scope.
Open the resourceShare your requirements with Vatco.
Confirm the scope, documents and fees before proceeding.
