Shelf Companies in Singapore: Fast-Track Your Business Setup

What Is a Shelf Company?

A shelf company (also known as a ready-made company) is a legally registered entity that has no prior trading activity. These companies are created in advance and “shelved” until someone purchases them for immediate use.

In Singapore, shelf companies are often used by local and foreign investors who need a registered entity quickly for contracts, bank account opening, or regulatory purposes.

Why Consider a Shelf Company?

Immediate Business Presence
Skip the time needed for company name reservation and ACRA processing. Shelf companies are ready to go immediately.
Faster Bank Account Opening
Some banks prefer working with older companies. A shelf company with prior incorporation history may improve credibility.
Eligibility for Tenders or Contracts
Government or corporate projects sometimes require entities to have a minimum operational age — which shelf companies can fulfil.
Perceived Longevity
An older incorporation date may signal stability and experience, even if the company was inactive.
Ideal for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Shelf companies allow foreigners to bypass initial registration delays and focus on operational setup.

What’s Included in a Shelf Company Package?

Shelf company packages from Excellence Singapore typically include:

Company registration with ACRA
Clean corporate history with no liabilities
Valid company registration number (UEN)
Existing Constitution and business profile
Nominee director service (if needed)
Transfer of ownership and company update filings
Company secretary and registered office address

We handle all necessary compliance filings to ensure you are the rightful legal owner upon purchase.

Who Should Use a Shelf Company?

Shelf companies are ideal for:

Entrepreneurs who need an urgent setup for contracts or regulatory filings
Foreign investors with tight deadlines or incorporation limitations
Business owners wanting an older incorporation date for credibility
Individuals expanding into Singapore from overseas markets

However, they are not suitable for those who want a custom business name or specific constitution terms from day one.

Shelf Company vs New Incorporation: A Comparison

Feature	Shelf Company	New Incorporation
Speed of Setup	Immediate	1–3 working days
Custom Business Name	No (already set)	Yes
Flexibility in Constitution	Must be amended post-purchase	Fully customisable
Perceived Longevity	Higher	Starts fresh
Bank Account Setup	May be easier	May require more justification

Compliance Requirements After Purchase

Once you acquire a shelf company, you’ll still need to:

Appoint new directors and shareholders
Update the company profile with ACRA
Set up a corporate bank account
Register for GST (if applicable)
Ensure statutory compliance with company secretary filings and accounting

Our team handles all transitions and ensures your company remains fully compliant from day one.

Why Choose Excellence Singapore for Shelf Companies

Clean, verified, and compliant shelf company listings
Immediate transfer and ACRA updates
Nominee director services available
Registered address and virtual office options
Ongoing support for corporate secretarial, accounting, and tax

We make shelf company acquisition seamless, compliant, and quick — saving you time and avoiding setup headaches.

Conclusion: Launch Fast, Operate Confidently

Shelf companies offer a strategic shortcut for entrepreneurs and foreign investors who need a business entity without the wait. With Excellence Singapore, you get not just speed — but complete support and peace of mind.