Real estate SPV? Acquire an already incorporated shelf GmbH. With a business account, a clear structure, and vetted documentation. Ideal for acquisition vehicles, project developments, and existing properties.


Our customers’ experiences speak for themselves: company registration Germany has never been easier. From the swift transfer of a GmbH or UG to personalized support – Startbereit stands for easy, seamless, and reliable company formation. Learn how we’ve supported founders on their journey and why they continue to recommend us.
Alan Baker
Carolin Neumann

Henrik Johansson

Stefanie Marczok

Torsten Daus
A shelf company is a company that has already been founded but is not yet active and is just waiting to be taken over. It enables a quick start as all the legal formalities have already been completed. Simply buy it, rename it and get started straight away! Ideal for a quick business start.
The main reason for purchasing a shelf company is the ability to act immediately, excluding personal liability, especially if a contract or property acquisition is imminent and there is therefore not enough time for the company to be founded. In the area of M&A, flexibility plays a particularly important role.
Yes, shelf companies are fully legally secure. They are already entered in the commercial register and have fulfilled all legal requirements. As they have not yet been active, there are no legacy issues or legal problems. However, a small check after the purchase is recommended.
When you book startbereit service, you will receive all the necessary documents to ensure that everything is in order. You also have access to the commercial register to check the company’s history.
In a glance: A shelf company is newly formed, unused, and ready for immediate deployment. It has no operational history, no previous activities, and no liabilities, making it an ideal choice for a quick and uncomplicated start. In contrast, a shell company comes with a history—it has been active in the past and may carry legacy burdens, such as previous business activities or existing liabilities. This makes thorough due diligence essential when considering a shell company to identify any potential risks or obligations. Shelf companies are specifically created for immediate sale. Since they have never been active, they are entirely new, free of liabilities, and unencumbered by any past commitments.
When purchasing a shelf company, it is crucial that the share capital is fully paid. The seller should guarantee that the company has been properly founded and does not have any inherited liabilities or encumbered assets. With our shelf companies, you are on the safe side: they are 100% legally compliant, founded in Berlin, have an impeccable history and the share capital is fully paid. You can start your business with peace of mind.
By purchasing a shelf company, you are able to act immediately without the risk of personal liability. You avoid the time-consuming incorporation process and remain flexible until the last moment. You receive the bank account directly with the purchase and it is yours as soon as you successfully pass the verification process at Berliner Volksbank.
When founding a GmbH on your own, it is possible to initially deposit only €12,500 in share capital instead of the full €25,000 required for a shelf company. While this approach reduces upfront capital requirements, it results in additional effort and higher costs for notaries, lawyers, and tax advisors. Moreover, personal liability remains in place until the full share capital has been paid. In summary: less capital tied up, but significantly more risk, time and effort required for the incorporation process.
The purchase price depends on the legal form of the shelf company. You can find an overview above. A GmbH with fully paid-up capital of 25,000 euros costs 28,500 euros. A UG with paid-up capital of 1,000 euros costs 2,900 euros. There are no further costs from our side. However, notary and court costs are added to the purchase price.
We offer super fast founding in just a few days — completely paperless! Even though we are still new on the market, we guarantee full legal certainty and work with reliable partners such as Berliner Volksbank. You also get a business account that is free of charge for the first three months. We take care of everything, including opening a bank account.
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12621 Berlin
info@start-bereit.com
+49 30 41734256
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