Shelf Company in the Netherlands
The pros and cons of buying a shelf company in the Netherlands and/or purchasing shares of an existing Dutch company.
The Netherlands offers the possibility of buying a Dutch shelf company, besides registering a new company. With years of experience in opening a company in the Netherlands, our advisors can counsel foreign investors with respect to the purchase of shelf companies or the incorporation of new ones, in accordance with their needs.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company | – private limited liability company (BV), – public limited liability company (NV) |
Time required for purchasing the company | A few days |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) | – trading name, – legal address, – corporate bank account, – Articles of Association, – director, – VAT registration, – tax number |
| The advantages of a shelf company | – simple and easy acquisition, – variety of legal entities available, – multiple uses, – possibility of obtaining loans with Dutch banks, – option to include history of a foreign business in it |
| Appointing new directors | Yes |
| Capital increase allowed | Yes |
| Certificate of no commercial activities | No |
| Modify the objects of activity | Yes |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer (new owner) or representative and seller (service provider) |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | The cost depends on the age of the company. |
| Legislation applicable to the purchase of shelf companies | BVs and NVs are governed by Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code; share transfers require a notarial deed and the Trade Register and UBO Register must be updated |
Available to purchase for foreign natural persons/companies (YES/NO) | Yes, both natural persons and companies from other countries can acquire Dutch ready-made companies |
Types of shelf companies (if any) | Shelf companies can be categorized by legal entity and also by age |
| Legal address change required (YES/NO) | The original legal address can be kept or changed, based on the buyer's plans |
| Activities to be completed after buying a ready-made company | Shelf companies can be used for all activities that do not fall in an industry that is restricted to foreign investors |
| Restrictions applicable to Dutch shelf companies | There are no restrictions applied to ready-made companies in the Netherlands |
| Risks associated with buying ready-made entities | It is recommended for shelf companies to be verified for debts and for meeting the registration requirements upon purchase |
| Uses of shelf companies | They can be used for: – securing business loans, -for incorporating the history of another business in them for continuity, -for entering various types of partnerships |
| Special tax regime available (YES/NO) | There is no special taxation system available for shelf companies in the Netherlands |
| Support in buying aged companies (YES/NO) | Yes, our local specialists can help investors buy ready-made companies |
What are the steps to complete to buy a shelf company in the Netherlands in 2026?
Here is the procedure explained by our local specialists:
- choose the service provider: you can rely on our Dutch agents for advice;
- select the company that suits your need the most;
- perform a due diligence check: again, this is a step our consultants can help with;
- sign the purchase document;
- complete the transfer of the company in your name: this procedure is completed through a local notary.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It’s now much easier to incorporate new Dutch companies, and therefore, investors do not need to purchase shelf companies anymore. As a result, we don’t advise on the purchase of shelf companies any longer, and we can instead offer a very smooth, straightforward process of new company formations in Holland. We do, however, still advise on the process of purchasing shares in existing Dutch companies.
What do I get when I buy a Dutch shelf company?
Those who want to buy Dutch ready-made companies should consider the following:
- the Memorandum and Articles of Association are already drafted and must only be amended;
- the company already has a registered address with the Trade Register in the Netherlands;
- the company also has a value added tax number and is registered for taxation;
- the ready-made company has a valid certificate of incorporation.
The shares must be transferred by a notarial deed signed before a Dutch civil notary.
What are some common forms of shelf companies in the Netherlands?
The most common types of ready-made companies are the private limited liability company (BV) and the public company (NV). Among these, the BV is often met, as it offers various benefits, among which are more flexible operating rules and that it can be used in many industries.
What is the most important advantage of a ready-made company?
One of the most important benefits of buying a shelf company in the Netherlands is immediate availability for a foreign investor. Because the transfer of the company can be made in just one day, the investor saves time and can start the activity the next day.
Why do I need to perform due diligence checks when buying a ready-made company in the Netherlands?
Due diligence verifications are usually intended to clarify aspects like the year of incorporation (some businesses are newer, while others are older) and whether the chosen entity is suitable for the activities you plan to undertake. So, you do not need to worry about such an enterprise posing any risk, but just make sure you make the right choice.
You can read about the purchase procedure of a Dutch shelf company in the infographic below:
Do I need to make any arrangements with the Dutch Trade Register?
Yes, after completing the purchase of the company, you need to notify the Commercial Register to have the enterprise registered in your name. This implies updating the company’s records and having your name listed as a shareholder.
Does a Dutch ready-made company have a bank account?
Yes, it does. So, you will not have to open another, which is an advantage of this type of company.
Can I buy a Dutch shelf company remotely in 2026?
Yes. You can even rely on our Dutch company formation agents, who have extensive experience in such matters. All we need is a power of attorney to represent you during the process.
Are there mandatory changes that I need to perform on a ready-made company?
Yes, as already seen above, your name as a shareholder will be the first change you will make. Then, you must also appoint a new director.
Do I need to change the name of the company?
No, you are not required to; however, it is recommended to make this change for branding purposes. This way, the company’s name will align with the activities or services you perform through it.
What are the activities that I can perform through a shelf company?
You can engage in any type of activity through a shelf company, as there are no restrictions applicable. However, in certain situations, you need to pay attention to the specific licensing requirements that apply to various industries, as business permits are not something such entities come with.
Do I need to apply for business licenses when buying a shelf company?
Yes, if the object of activity of the Dutch company changes, the owner will need new business licenses.
How long does it take to buy a shelf company in the Netherlands?
The purchase of a shelf company can be completed on the same day when the notarial deed of share transfer is executed.
Can I buy a ready-made company even if I am a foreign citizen?
Yes, you can. As a matter of fact, most of the time, shelf companies are bought by foreign entrepreneurs.
We invite you to watch a short video about buying a shelf company in the Netherlands:
How can a Dutch shelf company be used?
A shelf company in the Netherlands can be used for various purposes, among which the establishment of a business in a certain sector, however, it can also be used for other purposes, among which:
- for incorporating the history of a business in another country and carrying out operations in the Netherlands;
- for obtaining loans from Dutch banks (some banks will verify the activities of a company, and a good history is in favor of such a company);
- to enter into partnerships with the Dutch authorities, under the public-private partnerships regulations;
- to enter into joint venture agreements with other companies in the Netherlands;
- to be used as a subsidiary by a foreign company (this option is seldom employed).
The Dutch shelf company can be used in various projects; however, we advise you to consult with our local agents in order to know if this business form is appropriate for your needs.
If you have any questions about purchasing a shelf company in the Netherlands or need additional information about opening a company in the Netherlands, you can contact our company registration representatives.
Rolf Peter Rothuizen, Attorney at Law · 1 October 2026Rolf Peter specializes in Business Law, Company Law and Tax Optimisation, has an LL.M. in Public, Private and European Law.