The purchase process in three short steps

FAQs about the process of acquiring a shelf company

• How can I dispose of the account or the company’s share capital?

  You can deal with your shelf company’s account at your leisure following the acquisition: Depending on the account model you choose, you can take over the shelf company’s existing account or open a new account at your own bank, and cash the order cheque there. We will provide you with a checklist for the details of the account takeover or use of the order cheque. 

• Will someone from VRB attend the notary appointment?

  We do not personally attend the notary appointments, but are represented by a person who you state in the questionnaire as a holder of a power of attorney. We send our seller’s power of attorney with the sales documents directly to the notary’s office, and additionally by e-mail in advance, so that they can be authenticated immediately at any location in Germany.

• Who on behalf of the buyer needs to be present at the notary appointment?

  As a matter of principle, the purchasers and new managing director attend the notary appointment. However, a simple process is possible, including if not all persons involved are present. 

  The purchasers can be represented. If they are private individuals, or a German company, a power of attorney signed in a private capacity is usually sufficient. 

  If foreign companies are involved, the certificates of representation and, if necessary additional powers of attorney that are required, should be clarified in advance with the notary’s office. Depending on the country of origin of the acquiring companies, certificates of representation with an apostille may be required. 

  The new managing director must personally sign the commercial register application before a notary public. The managing director cannot be represented because of the assurances contained therein. However, this application may be signed at a later date and at a different location, irrespective of the sale date. The managing director may also provide a signature abroad. 
   

• Do I need to wait for the amendments to be entered in the commercial register?

  You will immediately have full legal capacity after acquiring a shelf company and the amendments have been registered with the commercial register. You can commence business activities and enter into contracts in the name of the company –  without the risk of personal liability. Consequently, there is no need to wait for the amendments to be entered. 

• How long does it take for the amendments to be entered in the commercial register?

  The period for entering amendments varies depending on the competent registry court. As a matter of principle, it can be accelerated if the notary’s office agrees to pay the court costs. Otherwise, you will need to wait for, and settle, an invoice for the court costs, which slows down the process. 

  Delays may occur if the registered office is simultaneously transferred. If a quick entry is required in a particular case, delays can be prevented by amending the commercial register application. Please discuss the details directly with the notary’s office.