The pros of buying a shelf company in Poland

You want to have a company in Poland but dread the red tape, unfamiliar procedures and foreign language challenges? Why not ditch all that and resort to a simpler and smarter solution: buying a ready-made company in Poland.

A ready-made company, also called shelf company, is a regular company that is offered for sale. Usually, it is set up for the sole purpose of selling it off and therefore has no history of operations. It does, however, have everything a working company needs: it is formally registered with the National Court Register (KRS), Central Statistical Office (GUS) and Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). It is likely to have a taxpayer number, or NIP, assigned to it as well. If you are looking for a company with some history, look for “aged” shelf companies.

Buying a shelf company in Poland looks just like buying any other type of enterprise. You need to conclude a share sale agreement in which you declare you will pay a given price for the shares in the company. As a result, you will become the company’s shareholder. You may also be appointed as your company’s president. Another option is naming another person for this position. New Articles of Association need to be drafted stating you own shares in the company. In Poland, they need to have the form of a notary deed signed by a notary public.

Once you buy a company, you are ready to trade, as simple as that. While setting up a company from scratch requires a lot of work and takes several weeks, buying an enterprise is as simple as signing a document.

Buying a ready-made company is a great solution for those who do not want to waste any time. Shelf companies are readily available, are seated in various locations, are offered in different legal forms, and are easily adaptable.

You do not like the name of your new company? Do not worry. Such details as company name, share capital amount or field of activity can be easily amended by filing appropriate application to register court.

The most popular type of ready-made companies in Poland is spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością. It offers limited liability to its shareholders. The minimum share capital of such company is 5,000 PLN.

Is there any difference between a shelf company and a new company? No. A shelf company in Poland has just the same rights and obligations as any other legal entity.