Excellent
| 4.89 out of 5 (677 reviews)
Buy a shelf company through our partner
A GmbH or UG that has already been formed and entered in the commercial register, with no prior history. We do not offer shelf companies ourselves: the purchase and transfer are handled by our partner Startbereit.
Already registered
No prior history
Through partner Startbereit
As seen in
Start a business
Buy a shelf company at a fixed price
A GmbH or UG that has already been formed and entered in the commercial register, with no prior history. We do not offer shelf companies ourselves: the purchase and transfer are handled by our partner Startbereit.
Shelf GmbH or shelf UG through our partner Startbereit
Already entered in the commercial register, never operational
Takeover of the shares at the notary
Why Recht 24/7
Shelf company,through our partner.
Already registered
The company is already entered in the commercial register. You take over the shares at the notary.
No prior history
A shelf company has never been operational: no contracts, no employees, no liabilities.
Through our partner Startbereit
We do not offer shelf companies ourselves. The offer, purchase and transfer are handled by Startbereit.
What's included
What to expect from our partner
from our partner Startbereit · All prices net plus VAT.
Shelf company from Startbereit
Shelf UG or shelf GmbH, already formed and entered in the commercial register.
Purchase and transfer through our partner
The offer, purchase agreement and notarized transfer of the shares are handled by Startbereit. We do not offer shelf companies ourselves.
Not included: The purchase price, notary and register costs depend on Startbereit's offer.
How it works
It's that simple.
4 steps to your shelf company. The purchase and transfer are handled by our partner Startbereit.
Find a company
You choose the right shelf company from our partner Startbereit: UG or GmbH.
Inquiry with our partner
You send your inquiry to Startbereit: desired legal form, time frame, planned business purpose.
Notarized transfer
The transfer of shares and the resolutions on company name, registered seat and management are notarized.
Result
You run a registered company with limited liability. The changes are recorded in the commercial register.
Decision guide
Is this right for you?
A good fit if …
you need a registered company with limited liability right away: for a deal under time pressure, a real estate purchase, an equity investment or because your contracting party requires a registered GmbH.
Not a good fit if …
time doesn't matter: then a new formation is cheaper, for example forming a GmbH with us for €319. Or if you are looking for a company with a track record (credit rating, references): a shelf company can't offer that, it deliberately has no history.
Go to our partner Startbereit
You buy shelf companies through our partner Startbereit. There you receive an offer and advice on the purchase.
Learn moreComparison
New formation vs. shelf company
The decisive point is disclosure: if you activate a shelf company, you must disclose the economic new formation to the registry court and affirm that the share capital is available. If this is neglected, the shareholders are liable as in a defective formation.
Able to act with limited liability
Share capital
Formation risk (acting before registration)
Costs
Provider
Disclosure obligation
Able to act with limited liability
Share capital
Formation risk (acting before registration)
Costs
Provider
Disclosure obligation
Why Recht 24/7
One law firm. One vetted partner.
You buy shelf companies through our partner Startbereit. If you want to form a new company instead, salaried lawyers draft your documents. Since 2003.
Lawyer Christina Schröder
founder and managing director of Recht 24/7
New formation by a lawyer
We form your GmbH or UG at a fixed price. The documents are drafted by a lawyer, not a template.
Documents in 24 hours
For a new formation, you receive all formation documents within 24 hours.
Transparency Register after the purchase
After you take over a shelf company, we update the Transparency Register filing for €129.
Insured up to €2.5 million
Professional liability insurance through HDI. For every case, without exception.
Clients since 2003
60,000+
supported on all legal matters.
Client rating
4.9/5
from 677 Trusted Shops reviews.
Insured amount
€2.5M
Professional liability cover for every matter.
Client stories
They worked with us. Here's what they say.
01 / 13
UG formation
Recht 24/7 helped us form a UG and working with them was excellent. Not only because they live up to their name, but also because they work through everything with you step by step. Questions were answered super quickly by a top-qualified lawyer, and the notary appointment was handled outstandingly fast.
Ahmed Sassi
Signum Label Marketing UG
Translated from German
Client reviews
What our clients say
4.89 out of 5 stars from 677 verified Trusted Shops reviews.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Our awards and reviews reflect the highest level of client satisfaction.
At a glance
Buy a shelf company: the essentials
Shelf companies: speed with rules
If you form a GmbH in Germany, you wait for the registry court: usually 5 to 16 days after notarization until registration. During this time, limited liability only applies to a limited extent: anyone who acts for the pre-formation GmbH is personally liable. For many ventures, that is not a problem. For some it is: the real estate deal with a notary appointment next week, the investment with a signing date, the client who only contracts with a registered company.
The solution is as old as it is pragmatic
A provider forms a shelf company in advance, registers it and equips it with fully paid-in share capital, without it ever becoming operational. The buyer takes over the shares at the notary and receives the new structure at the same appointment: their own company name, registered seat, business purpose and management. From notarization, the buyer can act for the company, with the protective shield of a registered corporation.
The legal core: the economic new formation
The Federal Court of Justice treats the activation of an empty company like a new formation. The consequence: the takeover must be disclosed to the registry court, and management must affirm that the value of the share capital is freely available. This disclosure is not a formality. If it is omitted, the shareholders are liable for any difference between the share capital and the company's actual assets, possibly years later when the company runs into a crisis. Reputable providers therefore build the disclosure firmly into the process.
How it differs from a used shell
Shelf companies are often confused with shell companies: used companies whose business operations have ceased. A shell can look attractive, but it carries the risks of its past: liabilities not on the balance sheet, tax back payments, old lawsuits. The shelf company has no past. Its only purpose in life was waiting for its buyer, documented by the opening balance sheet and bank statement.
What the purchase costs and what it saves
The buyer pays the share capital (which they take over with the company) plus a provision markup, as well as the notary and register costs of the takeover. That is more expensive than a new formation. What you are buying is time: the weeks between notarization and registration, and with them the personal liability in the formation phase. Whether it pays off comes down to a simple question: what does waiting cost you?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Not listed? Write to us using the contact form.
No. You buy shelf companies through our partner Startbereit. If you want to form a new company instead, we draft your GmbH or UG documents at a fixed price.
A GmbH or UG that was formed solely for the purpose of being sold later. It is entered in the commercial register, has fully paid-in share capital and has never been operational: no contracts, no employees, no liabilities.
The purchase price is made up of the paid-in share capital (€25,000 for a GmbH) and a markup for formation and provision. Our partner Startbereit will give you the exact price. On purchase, notary fees for the purchase agreement and amendments to the articles of association (approx. €800 to €1,500) and commercial register costs for registering the changes (approx. €200 to €400) are added, plus any costs your bank charges for switching the account. We handle the mandatory Transparency Register update after the change of shareholders for €129.
From the notarized transfer of shares, you can act on behalf of the company. How quickly that happens depends mainly on the notary appointment. Registration of the changes (company name, registered seat, managing director) follows afterward.
By definition, a shelf company has never taken part in business dealings. Before the purchase, ask to see the commercial register extract, articles of association, opening balance sheet and the bank confirmation of the share capital.
The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) treats the activation of a shelf company like a new formation: it must be disclosed to the registry court, together with an affirmation that the value of the share capital is available. Without disclosure, the shareholders are liable for the difference between the share capital and the actual assets.
Yes. A change of company name, relocation of the registered seat, a new business purpose and a new managing director are resolved at the same notary appointment as the transfer of shares.
Yes. With the shares, you take over the company including its bank balance in the amount of the paid-in share capital. It is available to the company for its business operations.
The GmbH comes with €25,000 of fully paid-in capital and the classic legal form suffix: relevant for banks, landlords and business partners. The UG has a lower purchase price, but carries the suffix "haftungsbeschränkt" (limited liability) and the obligation to build reserves. For most purchases with outside visibility, the GmbH is the usual choice.
A shell company (Mantelgesellschaft) is a used company that was previously operational. It can carry legacy burdens: unknown liabilities, tax risks, pending proceedings. The shelf company has never been active, which is exactly why it is the safe option.
With a genuine shelf company, practically none, because there was no business activity. You should still coordinate the takeover itself and the future structure with your tax advisor, for example regarding loss offsetting and real estate transfer tax in real estate transactions.
Yes. After taking over the shares, you are the beneficial owner and the filing under § 20 GwG must be updated within a short period. We handle this for €129.
The company's existing account is switched over to the new management, or you open a new one. Banks require the notarial deeds and current register data for this; depending on the bank, the switch takes a few days.
