Buy a Ready-Made Company in Estonia

For many investors, buying a shelf company in Estonia is a convenient choice, as the business is already registered and the new owner can immediately begin operations. If you are interested in buying a ready-made company in Estonia, our consultants can help you throughout the entire procedure.

Quick Facts
Legal entities available for shelf company	The private and public limited liability companies can be used to acquire shelf companies in Estonia
Time required for purchasing the company	The procedure can be completed in several days, depending on the availability of the desired structure
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc)	An Estonian trading company must have: – a trading name, – a bank account, statutory documents, – company director, – and a tax identification number
The advantages of a shelf company	– Easy and quick purchase process, – bank account number, – possibility to be used for various activities
Appointing new directors (yes/no)	YES, it is recommended for the company director to be replaced
Capital increase allowed (yes/no)	YES, amendments are recommended to be made after buying a shelf company in Estonia
Certificate of no commercial activities (yes/no)	NO, there is no need to obtain a certificate of no commercial activities
Modify the objects of activity (yes/no)	Depending on the activity to complete, special licenses may be required
Participants in the purchase procedure	The buyer or appointed representative through a power of attorney can represent the investor in the relation with the seller
The cost of buying a shelf company	The cost depends on several factors: – the age of the company, – legal form, the share capital, – whether the company has a VAT number
Documents necessary for the purchase	The sale-purchase agreement or share transfer deed is required to acquire a shelf company
Taxes applied to a shelf company	Corporate tax of 22% on distributed profits (the reduced 14% rate for regular distributions was abolished from 2025) and 0% on retained or reinvested profits
Changing the registered address (yes/no)	YES, the address of the company can be altered
Aged shelf company available (yes/no)	YES, aged companies are available for sale in Estonia
The institution where corporate changes are registered	The Companies Register is the authority in charge with business amendments

What are the main characteristics of Estonian shelf companies?

Ready-made or shelf companies in Estonia are already recorded and are available for immediate purchase. This type of company has not made any transactions; there are no contractual relations or obligations, and maybe the most important aspect of a shelf company is that it has not appointed the directors or shareholders.

Also, this type of company does not have an open bank account and a company seal /stamp, which proves that the company has not been used in the past and has no activities or debts.

Can I buy a shelf company remotely in Estonia?

Yes, through our Estonian company formation agents.

How can I purchase a ready-made company in Estonia?

You can research several service providers and choose the entity that suits best for you, and then start the acquisition formalities through our specialists.

IMPORTANT! Our agents can also advise on what to ask for when searching for a company for sale, as well as what to pay attention to when choosing it.

What are the documents required to buy an Estonian ready-made company?

We will need a copy of your passport.

Here is also a video on Estonian shelf companies:

What types of entities are usually available for sale as shelf companies in Estonia?

The private limited liability company is the most common.

What do I receive when acquiring an Estonian ready-made company?

You will receive:

the Memorandum and Articles of Association;
the certificate of incorporation;
the tax registration number (in some cases, it can even have a VAT number from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board).

Is it easier to buy a shelf company in Estonia if I am an e-resident?

No. Having e-residency in Estonia does not interfere with the purchase of a ready-made company.

How are shelf companies categorized in Estonia?

You can choose between:

new companies that have been registered recently;
aged or vintage companies that are on the market for several years.

How do I choose a shelf company to purchase in Estonia?

Here is what you should be looking for:

the share capital of the entity (companies with higher share capital are usually more expensive);
the age of the company is one of the most important aspects to consider;
the use of the entity also matters when buying a ready-made company in Estonia.

How long does it take to buy a shelf company in Estonia?

2 or 3 days in some cases.

What are the regulatory requirements to comply with after purchasing a ready-made company in Estonia?

The most important aspect is to make the necessary changes to the company after purchasing it. These are:

the name of the shareholder, which must be replaced with yours;
the amendment of the Articles of Association.

Then, you can also change the name, legal address, and appoint a new director.

It is also common for the new owner to alter the share capital of the shelf company. This change is usually made to be able to complete specific activities. In this case, applying for special business licenses or permits may also be needed.

IMPORTANT!

All changes must be reported to the Trade Register along with the submission of the amended Articles of Association.

Provided you give us the information about the changes you want to make, we can proceed as soon as the transfer of shares is completed, so you can start operating as soon as possible.

How much does a shelf company cost in Estonia?

The price can start from less than 1,000 euros. However, the cost can also exceed 4,000 euros in some cases.

Our company formation experts in Estonia can provide you customized information and guidance if you are interested in opening a shelf company in Estonia; please contact us. If you are interested in buying a ready-made company in Estonia, our consultants can help you throughout the entire procedure.