A shelf company is a legal entity which has already been set up and registered, however it has never actually done any business. These ‘ready-made’ companies are often kept ‘on the shelf’ to age months or even years. The age comes into play as a major benefit when doing business. Our team of specialists in companyincorporation in Albania can help investors purchase a shelf company.
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What information will I receive about the shelf company of interest?
A specialized company formation agentwill present the ‘portfolio’ containing all shelf companies available. Once a company is selected, the provider will assure the buyer that the company has never traded, has no liabilities, no debts and no contracts. The buyer will be presented with all the internal records needed to attest to this.
How can you assist me in buying a shelf company in Albania in 2026?
Our team of specialists in company formation in Albaniacan provide a set of dedicated services to local and foreign investors who want to buy a shelf company, some of which are:
- assistance in selecting one of the available shelf companies for sale;
- completing due diligence formalities, through which we will verify the legal situation of the company;
- reviewing and signing the sale agreement;
- addressing the local authorities, once the transfer of ownership has been made, to report the new modification;
- assistance in making any changes the investor wants;
- completing any other formalities mandatory for company formation in Albania(while shelf companies have the basic standard features, some of them may not be sold with certain features that are necessary for an active legal entity – for instance, business permits for a specific industry).
How can I conclude the purchase of a shelf company?
Through an agreement between the current shareholders and the buyer, which will ensure the transfer of the shares of the company.
Can I make any changes to the shelf company?
Yes. There are also documents that need to be prepared by the buyer in order to change the company director and administrator from the current ones. The name of the company, the business activity code and the registered address can all be changed at this stage. All documents need to be signed and certified by a public notary in Albania.
What are the benefits of buying a shelf company in Albania?
There are multiple reasons why someone would choose a ready-made company when considering setting up a company in Albania:
- the company is ready for business immediately after being purchased;
- a shelf company that has been incorporated for years helps the image of the business and can help investors obtain loans (banks usually prefer to work with companies that have been on the market for many years);
- this type of company offers the possibility of starting business operations faster than if you would have opted to begin the process of company formation in Albania;
- investors have the right to make a variety of changes, in accordance with their business needs and perspectives.
What is the company type under which a shelf company is incorporated?
Shelf companies are generally incorporated as limited liability companies (LLCs). The LLC is the most common way to open a company in Albania and this is why shelf companies usually take this form.
How long does it take to buy a shelf company in Albania in 2026?
The procedure does not take a long period of time. In general, the sale formalities can be completed in around 1 business day.
What are the taxes charged to a shelf company in 2026?
The shelf company in Albania is liable to all the taxes charged to all other businesses operating in this country, unless exemptions can be granted (based on the size of the company, the object of activity, etc.). In 2026, companies are charged with taxes such as:
- the corporate tax rate is 15%;
- standard VAT rate is 20%, with 10% and 6% applicable for certain products and services;
- dividend tax is charged at a rate of 8%;
- social and health insurance taxes – they are charged in accordance with the salary of the employee, however the minimum contribution is EUR 112;
- municipal annual tax – it ranges from EUR 80 to EUR 150;
- foreign investors operating a company in Albania can also benefit from the provisions of the double tax treaties signed in this country.
If you are interested in opening a company in Albania, don’t hesitate to contact us.