Buy a Shelf Company in Australia

The shelf company available for sale in Australia has already gone through the entire incorporation procedure and it is ready to be purchased by investors who want or need to begin their operations here as soon as possible, or who want to avoid the incorporation procedure. Those who want to buy a shelf company in Australia can request information on the procedure from our team of consultants.  

Why buy a shelf company in Australia?

The shelf company provides a set of advantages for both local and foreign investors. The main advantage is that the company has already gained legal personality and it is available for purchase. It also provides all the characteristics of any other company, but it is worth knowing that the shelf company has never had commercial activities. 

Can you offer due diligence services?

Our specialists in company formation in Australia will verify matters such as:

1. compliance – our team will check if the company meets the basic legal registration requirements with ASIC;
2. liability situation – a complete background check on the company’s documents will be made.

Do I need to be present in Australia for the sale procedure in 2026?

No, it is possible to buy a shelf company in Australia without having to arrive in person in the country. For this, you have to be legally represented by a third party, such as our team of specialists in company formation in Australia. Of course, if you want to be physically present, you can arrive here, but it is not a prerequisite of the procedure.

How can I obtain legal representation?

By granting us the power of attorney, the sole legal instrument through which we can act on behalf of our clients, regardless if they are local or foreign investors/natural persons.

What types of shelf companies can I acquire in Australia?

Businessmen can purchase 2 main categories of shelf companies:

1. newly incorporated legal entities (registered in the last 1-2 years);
2. aged shelf companies (incorporated for minimum 2-3 years).

What is the most common legal entity under which shelf companies are incorporated?

In Australia, shelf companies are usually incorporated as proprietary limited companies (Pty Ltd), which represents the equivalent of a limited liability company. This is the most common business form you will find when searching for a shelf company available for sale because this legal entity is the preferred company type for engaging in business activities in Australia (it is suitable for small and medium sized companies).

How long does it take to purchase a shelf company in Australia in 2026?

The purchase formalities can be completed in just 1 business day, once you have decided on the shelf company you want to acquire and we have gathered the necessary documentation required for the sale procedure.

What is the cost of a shelf company for sale in Australia?

The price can vary based on the company type under which the shelf company is registered, but also based on the date at which it was incorporated (recent shelf companies are cheaper, while aged shelf companies for sale in Australia will have a higher cost).

We invite you to find out the basics on how to purchase an Australian shelf company, presented in the video below:

Is it possible to make changes to a shelf company?

Yes, regardless if you open a company in Australia following the standard registration procedure or if you choose to purchase a shelf company, in the case in which you will bring various changes to the company the data with which it was initially registered, you have certain obligations. 

What changes can one bring to a shelf company in Australia? 

In the list below, our specialists in company formation in Australia present some of the changes that can be made to a shelf company after its purchase:

• first, you will have to inform the local authorities on the new ownership;
• the investor may want to establish a new business address or a new trading name;
• matters related to the directors of the company will also be considered modifications;
• according to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the documents attesting the modifications that are brought to the shelf company in Australia must be submitted in a period of maximum 28 days since the modifications were applied.

Do I need to pay any processing fees when reporting the mandatory company changes in 2026?

No, ASIC does not charge any fees to those who must report company changes. However, in the case in which you submit the paperwork at a later date than the maximum stipulated by law (28 days), you will be charged with fees of $102 or $428.

What forms must I use to report changes?

When you buy a shelf company in Australia you must use the same form that is used whenever company changes appear in a business – this is Form 484 Change to company details.

In the infographic below, you can find out some of the basic steps involved in purchasing an Australian shelf company in 2026:

What should investors do after the sale procedure is completed?

The obligations appearing in this case may vary based on the elements with which the shelf company was sold with (not all shelf companies available for sale have the same elements in their offer package and this can also influence the sale price):

1. for instance, the new owner may need to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN);
2. it may also be necessary to open a corporate bank account at a local commercial bank;
3. local businesses also need to register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) if their GST turnover is $75,000 or more.

Can you provide business immigration services?

Yes, in case you need legal assistance for moving to Australia and starting a business, we can put you in contact with our partners.

You can rely on our consultants for guidance in any matter that may appear after the legal entity starts trading (accounting, compliance, employment, payroll, signing commercial contracts, etc.).