Aged vs new shelf companies
Age adds cost. Here is when it adds value too, and where its limits are.
What counts as aged
A new shelf company is normally under twelve months old. An aged or 'vintage' company is older than that: commonly one to five years, sometimes ten or more. Throughout that time it has stayed dormant, with each annual filing made on time.
When age helps
- Tenders and procurement rules that set a minimum company age
- Suppliers, platforms and landlords that prefer established entities
- Group restructurings where an older entity suits the story of the business
- Markets where counterparties habitually check incorporation dates
When a new company is enough
If nobody you deal with cares about the incorporation date, a new shelf company or a fresh incorporation will serve you just as well for less money.
What age does not give you
An aged company has no trading history, no credit history, no accounts showing turnover and no banking relationship. Banks and lenders look at the owners, the business plan and real financial information. Presenting an aged company as an established trading business is dishonest and, in many situations, illegal.
How to check an aged company
- Look up the company number on the official register
- Confirm each year's filing was made and made on time
- Check that accounts were filed as dormant
- Confirm there are no charges, mortgages or insolvency notices
- Ask for written confirmation of non-trading status
Next step
See our aged shelf companies page, or ask us which ages are currently available in your chosen country.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ by country and change over time.
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