Question 1

1. What is a shelf company in Croatia?

Accepted Answer

A shelf company in Croatia is a legally incorporated company—usually a Croatian d.o.o. (limited liability company)—that has been registered but never traded. It is created in advance and kept dormant until sold. The company has no assets, liabilities, or commercial history, making it suitable for entrepreneurs who want a faster route to business ownership without waiting for a new incorporation process to complete.

Question 2

2. Is buying a shelf company in Croatia legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, buying a shelf company in Croatia is entirely legal when the transfer is carried out in accordance with Croatian company law. The process involves executing share transfer agreements, appointing new directors and shareholders, and filing updates with the Croatian Commercial Court Registry. Once officially recorded, the company is fully lawful for use by the new owner, provided all compliance obligations are met.

Question 3

3. Who typically uses shelf companies in Croatia?

Accepted Answer

Shelf companies in Croatia are commonly used by international entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and non-resident founders seeking fast access to the Croatian or EU market. They are particularly useful for businesses that need a registered entity quickly for contracts, operational setup, or expansion purposes, while still maintaining full compliance with local and EU regulatory standards.

Question 4

4. What are the main advantages of a shelf company in Croatia?

Accepted Answer

The key advantages include faster availability compared to new incorporation, a clean corporate history, legal registration from day one, and suitability for foreign ownership. Shelf companies help avoid incorporation delays while offering a compliant structure for immediate next steps such as appointing management, opening bank accounts, or preparing for commercial activity.

Question 5

5. Has the shelf company ever traded or held assets?

Accepted Answer

No. All shelf companies provided are dormant and have never conducted business. They hold no assets, liabilities, debts, or contractual obligations. This clean status is confirmed through due diligence checks before transfer, ensuring the company is free from financial or legal exposure related to prior activities.

Question 6

6. How long does it take to transfer ownership of a shelf company in Croatia?

Accepted Answer

The ownership transfer process usually takes a few working days, depending on documentation readiness and registry processing times. The timeline includes document preparation, execution of share transfer resolutions, filing updates with the Commercial Court Registry, and final confirmation. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or additional compliance checks are required.

Question 7

7. Can foreign nationals own a shelf company in Croatia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreign nationals and non-residents are permitted to own Croatian companies, including shelf companies. However, appropriate identification, address verification, and compliance documentation must be provided. Certain regulated activities may require additional approvals, but standard ownership by international entrepreneurs is fully permitted under Croatian law.

Question 8

8. What legal structure do Croatian shelf companies usually have?

Accepted Answer

Most shelf companies in Croatia are incorporated as društvo s ograničenom odgovornošću (d.o.o.), which is the Croatian equivalent of a private limited company. This structure offers limited liability protection, flexibility in ownership, and broad acceptance for domestic and international business activities.

Question 9

9. Can I change the company name after purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the company name can be changed either during the transfer process or after ownership has been completed. The name change must be approved through formal resolutions and filed with the Croatian Commercial Court Registry. Once approved and registered, the new name becomes the company's official legal identity.

Question 10

10. Can I appoint new directors and shareholders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Appointing new directors and shareholders is a standard part of the shelf company transfer process. The necessary resolutions and filings are prepared to ensure the updated management and ownership structure is legally recognised. All changes are officially recorded with the relevant Croatian authorities.

Question 11

11. Does a shelf company in Croatia come with a VAT number?

Accepted Answer

A VAT number is not automatically included with a shelf company. VAT registration depends on eligibility, intended activities, and turnover thresholds. If required, VAT registration can be applied for after the ownership transfer, subject to approval by the Croatian Tax Administration.

Question 12

12. Is a shelf company suitable for immediate trading?

Accepted Answer

While a shelf company is legally registered, immediate trading may depend on additional steps such as bank account opening, VAT registration (if required), and licensing for regulated activities. The shelf company provides a head start structurally, but operational readiness still requires compliance with relevant business and tax regulations.

Question 13

13. What due diligence is carried out before transfer?

Accepted Answer

Due diligence includes verifying that the company has never traded, holds no assets or liabilities, and has complied with all statutory filing obligations. Incorporation documents and registry records are reviewed to confirm lawful registration and clean status before the company is offered for sale.

Question 14

14. Are there risks involved in buying a shelf company?

Accepted Answer

Risks are minimal when the purchase is handled by a verified provider that performs proper due diligence. Potential risks usually arise from undisclosed liabilities or improper filings, which is why compliance checks and transparent documentation are essential before completing the transfer.

Question 15

15. What documents will I receive after purchase?

Accepted Answer

You will receive updated corporate documents confirming your ownership, including share transfer records, director appointment resolutions, registry extracts, and incorporation documents. These documents establish you as the lawful owner and enable you to proceed with banking, contracts, and regulatory registrations.

Question 16

16. Is a shelf company better than a new incorporation in Croatia?

Accepted Answer

A shelf company is often faster than new incorporation, making it suitable when timing is critical. However, both options are legally valid. The choice depends on urgency, business needs, and whether immediate availability outweighs the flexibility of starting a new company from scratch.

Question 17

17. Can a shelf company be used for EU business activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Croatia is an EU member state, and a Croatian shelf company can be used for EU-based activities, subject to compliance with applicable regulations. This makes it a practical structure for businesses looking to operate or expand within the European Union.

Question 18

18. Is a registered office included with the shelf company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a registered office address in Croatia is included as part of the shelf company setup. This address is required for official correspondence and registry records. Additional virtual office or mail-handling services can be arranged if needed.

Question 19

19. Are shelf companies compliant with Croatian AML laws?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The transfer process follows Croatian and EU AML regulations, including identity verification and source-of-funds checks. Buyers are required to complete KYC documentation to ensure compliance with applicable anti-money laundering standards.

Question 20

20. Can I open a bank account with a Croatian shelf company?

Accepted Answer

Bank account opening is possible but subject to the bank's internal approval process. While assistance can be provided, account approval is not guaranteed and depends on factors such as business activity, ownership structure, and compliance checks conducted by the bank.

Question 21

21. Are there ongoing compliance obligations after purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Like any Croatian company, a shelf company must meet ongoing obligations such as annual filings, accounting, tax reporting, and statutory maintenance. These requirements apply once ownership is transferred, regardless of whether the company is actively trading.

Question 22

22. Can a shelf company be used for regulated activities?

Accepted Answer

Some regulated activities may require additional licences or approvals before trading can begin. The shelf company itself provides the legal structure, but sector-specific authorisations must still be obtained from relevant Croatian authorities where applicable.

Question 23

23. Is the purchase process confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The process is handled discreetly and in line with data protection regulations. Ownership details are updated in official registries as required by law, but client information is handled professionally and securely throughout the transaction.

Question 24

24. Can I convert a shelf company into an active trading company later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once ownership is transferred, the company can be activated at your discretion by opening bank accounts, registering for VAT if required, and commencing business operations. There is no restriction on future use, provided compliance obligations are met.

Question 25

25. How do I get started with buying a shelf company in Croatia?

Accepted Answer

The process typically begins with a consultation to understand your requirements, followed by company selection and document preparation. Once due diligence is completed and paperwork is signed, ownership transfer can proceed efficiently under Croatian law.

Shelf Company in Croatia	New Incorporation
Already registered entity	Registration starts from zero
Faster ownership transfer	Longer setup timeline
Clean, dormant history	No operational advantage
Ideal for urgent business needs	Suitable when time is not critical

Company Name	Inc. Year	Entity Type	Status	Action
Adria Commerce d.o.o.	2024	d.o.o.	Available	Let's Chat
Dalmatia Ventures d.o.o.	2023	d.o.o.	Available	Let's Chat
Istria Holdings d.o.o.	2022	d.o.o.	Available	Let's Chat
Kvarner Trade d.o.o.	2021	d.o.o.	Available	Let's Chat
Slavonia Business d.o.o.	2020	d.o.o.	Available	Let's Chat
Zagreb Capital d.o.o.	2019	d.o.o.	Available	Let's Chat

Package	Key Features	Our Recommendation
Basic	Ready-Made Shelf Company in Croatia (d.o.o.) Clean, dormant company with no trading history Ownership transfer & share transfer documentation Registered office in Croatia Due diligence review Starting from £2,500	Suitable for quick and compliant entry into the Croatian market
Standard	Everything in Basic Director and shareholder change Company name change (if required) Filing updates with Croatian Commercial Court Registry Initial compliance support Starting from £3,200	Ideal for businesses preparing to trade actively
Comprehensive	Everything in Standard Virtual office solution (if required) Ongoing company secretarial support Assistance with Croatian statutory requirements Priority documentation handling Starting from £4,100	Best for expanding operations and foreign founders
Ultimate (Best Value)	Everything in Comprehensive Bank account assistance (subject to bank approval) Enhanced compliance guidance Fast-track ownership transfer Dedicated account manager Starting from £4,900	Best for international entrepreneurs seeking a turnkey EU setup

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