How to Register a Company in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Last updated 9 October 2026. General information only, not legal advice.

Setting up a limited company in Ireland is a straightforward process — but getting it right from the start is essential. From choosing the right structure to filing with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and registering with Revenue, this guide walks you through every step of registering a company in Ireland in 2026.

Why Set Up a Limited Company in Ireland?

Before diving into the process, it’s worth understanding why many business owners choose to incorporate rather than operate as sole traders:

• Limited liability: Your personal assets are protected — the company’s debts are the company’s, not yours personally
• Tax efficiency: Corporation tax in Ireland is 12.5% on trading profits — significantly lower than personal income tax rates for higher earners
• Credibility: A registered limited company often projects greater professionalism to clients, suppliers, and banks
• Pension planning: Directors of limited companies have more flexible pension contribution options
• Investment readiness: A limited company can issue shares to investors more easily than a sole trader

Step 1: Choose Your Company Type

The most common type of company registered in Ireland is a Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD). This is suitable for most small and medium businesses. Other types include:

• Designated Activity Company (DAC): Has a specific objects clause in its constitution — used for companies with a defined purpose
• Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG): Common for charities and non-profits — members guarantee a nominal amount rather than holding shares
• Public Limited Company (PLC): Can offer shares to the public — for larger companies

For most startups and SMEs, a standard LTD is the right choice.

Step 2: Choose a Company Name

Your company name must be unique — you cannot register a name that is identical or too similar to an existing registered company. Check the CRO’s company search tool to see if your preferred name is available. The name must end in “Limited” or “Ltd.” (or the Irish equivalents “Teoranta” / “Teo.”). You cannot use certain restricted words without approval — such as “Bank,” “Insurance,” or “National.”

Step 3: Appoint Directors and a Company Secretary

An Irish LTD company must have:

• At least one director: Directors must be at least 18 years old. At least one director must be resident in the European Economic Area (EEA), unless the company holds a bond
• A company secretary: Can be the same person as a director (as long as there are at least two directors) or a separate individual or corporate entity

Step 4: Draft the Company Constitution

Under the Companies Act 2014, every Irish company must have a constitution. For an LTD company, this is a single-document constitution that sets out the basic rules for how the company operates. It typically covers:

• Company name and registered address
• Share capital and share structure
• Directors’ powers and responsibilities
• Shareholder meeting procedures
• Dividend policy

Having a solicitor draft your constitution ensures it’s properly tailored to your business and legally compliant with the Companies Act 2014.

Step 5: Register with the CRO

File your incorporation documents with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). You can do this online via the CRO’s CORE platform or through a solicitor. Documents required include:

• Form A1 (application to register a company)
• The company constitution
• The registration fee (currently €50 for online registration)

Once approved, the CRO issues a Certificate of Incorporation — your company is now legally registered.

Step 6: Register with Revenue

After incorporation, register your company with Revenue for the relevant taxes:

• Corporation Tax: All Irish companies must register for corporation tax within one month of commencing trading
• VAT: Register if your annual turnover exceeds €85,000 (goods) or €42,500 (services), or if you expect to exceed these thresholds
• PAYE/Employer Tax: Required if you take on employees or pay a salary to a director

Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account

A limited company must have a separate bank account in the company’s name. The company’s finances must be kept completely separate from your personal finances.

Step 8: Ongoing Compliance Obligations

Once incorporated, you have ongoing legal obligations under the Companies Act 2014, including:

• Filing annual returns with the CRO (annual return date set at incorporation)
• Preparing annual financial statements
• Holding annual general meetings (or passing a written resolution in lieu)
• Maintaining proper books and records
• Filing corporation tax returns with Revenue annually

Step 9: File Your Beneficial Ownership Details With the RBO

A new company must also tell the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) who its beneficial owners are. The CRO states the deadline for a new company is five months from incorporation, and filings are made online through the RBO portal. Keep this in your compliance diary alongside your CRO annual return.

What Does It Cost to Register a Company?

The CRO fee for filing Form A1 online is €50. You can also reserve a name on the CRO’s CORE system for €25 for 28 days, and if you incorporate within that period the incorporation fee is reduced by €25. If you use a solicitor, accountant or formation agent, their charges are separate, so ask them for a quote. Once you are running, read our guides on when company directors are personally liable and the shareholders agreement if you have more than one owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to register a company in Ireland?

Online CRO registration typically takes about 10 working days (5 on the CRO’s Fé Phráinn scheme). Paper applications take longer. The CRO publishes its current processing dates, so check them before you file.

Can a non-Irish resident register a company in Ireland?

Yes — non-residents can register an Irish company, but at least one director must be EEA-resident, or the company must hold a Section 137 bond (currently €25,000). A regulated solicitor can advise on the options.

Do I need a solicitor to register a company in Ireland?

You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but doing so ensures your constitution is properly drafted, all filings are correct, and you receive advice on the right structure for your business — saving time and potential problems later.

Can one person set up a limited company in Ireland?

Yes. An LTD may have a single director, but it must then have a separate company secretary, because the sole director cannot also be the secretary (CRO Information Leaflet 1).

How much does it cost to register a company in Ireland?

The CRO fee for filing Form A1 online is €50, with any name reservation (€25) deducted if you incorporate within the 28-day reservation period. Professional fees are extra.

What happens after I get my Certificate of Incorporation?

Register with Revenue for the taxes that apply, open a company bank account, file your beneficial ownership details with the RBO within five months, and diarise your annual return and accounts. See our guide to dissolving a company for the end-of-life steps.

Get Started Today

Our Small Business Incorporation Pack and Company Incorporation & Legal Compliance Pack provide everything you need to register and launch your company in Ireland legally and correctly. To find a regulated solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified Irish solicitor.

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