A shell company (also called a shelf company or ready-made company) is a Hong Kong private limited company that has been incorporated but has never traded. It is dormant, has no liabilities, and is ready for immediate transfer to a new owner.
Buying a shell company saves you time. Instead of waiting weeks for new incorporation and bank account opening, you can have an operational company in as little as 3-5 business days.
Key Benefits
- Speed: Transfer completed in 3-5 business days vs. 2-4 weeks for new incorporation
- Age & Credibility: An aged company (3, 5, or 10 years old) signals stability to partners, banks, and clients
- Bank Account Included: Our premium shells come with active bank accounts at major HK banks — skip the 2-3 month account opening wait
- Contract & Tender Eligibility: Many government and corporate tenders require companies of a minimum age
- Immediate Use: Start operations, sign contracts, and open accounts right away
Shell Company vs. New Incorporation
| Feature |
Shell Company |
New Incorporation |
| Time to ready |
3-5 business days |
2-4 weeks |
| Bank account |
Available immediately (premium shells) |
2-3 months additional |
| Company age |
1-10 years (adds credibility) |
0 (brand new) |
| Annual returns |
All filed by us |
You handle from year 1 |
| Cost |
From HKD 12,000 |
From HKD 8,000 + secretary fees |
Available Shell Types
Standard Shell
Clean dormant company. No bank account. Annual returns filed. From HKD 12,000.
Shell + Bank Account
Dormant company with active bank account at a major HK bank. From HKD 38,000.
Aged Premium (10yr+)
10+ year old company with bank account. Maximum credibility. From HKD 65,000.
What's Included in the Transfer
- Share transfer agreement and filing with Companies Registry
- Change of directors, shareholders, and company secretary
- Updated Business Registration Certificate
- Full statutory books and records
- Bank account signatory change (if applicable)
- Referral to TCSP-licensed corporate secretary service providers
Documents You Need
- Passport or HKID copy (for each shareholder/director)
- Proof of residential address (within 3 months)
- Completed KYC/AML forms
- Bank reference (may be required for bank account change)
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a shell company?
A shell company is a legally registered Hong Kong private limited company that has been incorporated but has never conducted any business. It is completely dormant with no assets, no liabilities, and no employees. Think of it as a pre-registered company waiting for a new owner.
Is it safe to buy a shell company?
Yes, as long as you buy from a reputable provider. All Easy Biz shell companies come with verified nil liabilities, all annual returns filed on time, clean Companies Registry record, and indemnity from the seller for any pre-transfer issues.
How does the bank account transfer work?
For shells with bank accounts: after the share transfer is completed, we arrange a meeting with the bank to change the authorized signatories. The bank conducts their own KYC on the new owners. This typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Can an overseas buyer purchase a shell company?
Yes. Overseas buyers can buy Hong Kong shell companies. You need passport copies, proof of address, and KYC documentation. For bank account signatory changes, the bank may require an in-person meeting or video call.
What ongoing costs should I expect after buying?
Annual costs: Companies Registry Annual Return (~HKD 105), Business Registration (~HKD 250), Corporate Secretary (~HKD 3,000-6,000/year), Registered Address (~HKD 2,000-3,000/year). Even dormant companies must file annual returns.