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Home/ Start Your Business/ Shelf Corporations
Shelf Corporations, IncorpDirect

Shelf Corporations

Buy an established, ready-to-use corporation and launch with instant business history, a large inventory available online.

Browse available companies

A large inventory available online, exceptionally fast service, with a 3 business-day turnaround or less.

What is a shelf corporation?

A shelf company is a corporation that has been formed but never used, hence it is “sitting on the shelf.” Owning one means purchasing business history: image, credibility and visibility that strengthen with age.

Banks and financing companies view the age of a corporation favourably when you apply for loans, trade lines and bank accounts, and business credit becomes easier as the corporation ages. Age also inspires more confidence with clients, suppliers and financial institutions.

Want to change the legal name, add a trade name, or move a federal corporation’s head-office jurisdiction? Review and select from the options at time of purchase.

Available right now, 13 companies

Inventory changes as companies are sold, these counts update automatically.

Residency requirements

JurisdictionCanadian-resident director requirement
OntarioNot required
QuebecNot required
Federal25% Canadian-resident directors (or 1 if fewer than 4 directors)
Federal flexibility. All federal shelf corporations can be moved to a different province of head office. For example, a federal Ontario shelf company can be moved to British Columbia, just choose that option when you select your company. All government transfers and preparation of a customized deluxe minute book are included. Minute books normally ship 5–7 business days after the company is transferred.
Shelf Companies – FAQ
  1. What are the advantages of buying a shelf company?
  2. How old are the shelf companies you sell?
  3. Do you have specific requirements for buyers of your shelf companies?
  4. Can I change the name of the shelf company?

Credibility – A company with a history is more likely to be selected as a business partner and is viewed as more credible by lenders and suppliers.

Government Contracts – Certain government contracts are only available to companies that have been in business for a specific number of years.

Recognition – Generally, the older the company, the better its standing in the business community.

No Waiting Period – No need to wait for your new company’s incorporation to become effective or for required business registrations. The company is ready to operate immediately. Basic incorporation can take up to 15 days depending on the required documentation. Additionally, you can’t obtain your sales tax numbers until the company is incorporated, nor can you open a merchant account without first opening a bank account. Buying a shelf company saves you time and energy.

Established Relationships – Some of our shelf companies come with existing bank accounts. You benefit from pre-established relationships with these financial institutions.

Age – Our shelf companies are up to 5 years old.

Pricing by Age – The price of our shelf companies increases according to their age, as older companies require more years of maintenance and have greater credibility due to their age.

Anyone can purchase one of our shelf companies provided they meet the residency requirements of the governing body. The exception is shelf companies with existing bank accounts. When a shelf company has an existing bank account, the bank performs its own due diligence and determines how the transfer will proceed. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of a shelf company.

Yes – It’s easy to do. We can prepare the necessary documents and submit the applications on your behalf. Fees vary depending on the jurisdiction of the company.

Why entrepreneurs choose IncorpDirect

  • Real people on every file. A specialist personally handles your order, phone or live chat, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.
  • Prepared by our legal team. Documents drafted and reviewed by specialists, not auto-generated.
  • Transparent pricing. Every fee listed before you pay; government fees always shown separately.
  • Fast because it’s our specialty. 24,000+ incorporations since 2003, same-day service on most orders.
24,000+incorporations since 2003
Thousandsof satisfied customers
Need help? 1-877-292-0130 weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern

Why an IncorpDirect shelf company?

  • Faster launch, avoid delays
  • Instant business history
  • No debts or liabilities
  • Fully organized minute books
  • Up-to-date resolutions
  • Annually filed with the government
  • In good standing
  • Never in default or revoked

Available pre-incorporated companies

Select a company below to see its incorporation date, jurisdiction and options.

Quebec Jurisdiction
Since Federal Age Price
2021-07-23 5 yrs $5,161.95
Select
2025-03-15 1 yr & 5 mo $2,339.95
Select
2025-05-01 Included 1 yr & 3 mo $2,428.95
Select
2025-05-15 Included 1 yr & 3 mo $2,428.95
Select
2025-05-25 Included 1 yr & 2 mo $2,428.95
Select
2025-06-01 Included 1 yr & 2 mo $2,428.95
Select
2025-08-31 11 mo $2,041.95
Select
Ontario Jurisdiction
Since Federal Age Price
2023-05-17 3 yrs & 3 mo $4,039.95
Select
2023-08-29 Included 2 yrs & 11 mo $3,089.95
Select
2023-10-13 Included 2 yrs & 10 mo $3,089.95
Select
2023-12-18 Included 2 yrs & 7 mo $3,089.95
Select
2024-06-14 Included 2 yrs & 2 mo $2,789.95
Select
2024-07-15 Included 2 yrs & 1 mo $2,639.95
Select

Shelf corporation FAQ

Are shelf corporations legal in Canada?

Completely. A shelf corporation is simply a company that was properly incorporated and never used. Buying one transfers its shares to you, a routine share transfer we prepare as part of the sale.

What do I actually get?

The corporation’s articles and history, a resolution transferring the shares to you, updated director and officer registrations, and its minute book. You can change the name and structure after purchase, ask us about an amendment.

Why buy an aged corporation instead of incorporating new?

Age. Banks, lenders and procurement processes often look at how long a corporation has existed. An established incorporation date can help with credit applications, trade lines and credibility with clients and suppliers.

How fast is the transfer?

3 business days or less.

Please note: IncorpDirect is a private document-filing service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any federal or provincial registry. Prices shown are IncorpDirect service fees; government filing fees are separate. You can also file directly with the appropriate government office.