LTD Company in Ireland, the standard choice for trading businesses
An LTD is the company most Irish founders end up with, and for good reason. Your personal assets stay separate from the business, one director is enough, and there is no restriction on what the company can do. Here is how it works, who it suits and what you need to register one.
At a glance
What an LTD is
A private company limited by shares is a separate legal person created under the Companies Act 2014. Shareholders only risk any amount still unpaid on their shares, so a business debt does not normally reach your home or savings. Personal guarantees you sign, and your own duties as a director, are separate matters.
A good fit for
- Trading businesses, consultancies and start-ups
- Subsidiaries of Irish or foreign groups
- Founders who want to bring in investors later
Probably not the right type if
A charity, club or management company
A CLG has no shares and is built for non-profit use.
A lender or regulator wants fixed objects
A DAC writes the company's activities into its constitution.
You want to offer shares to the public
Only a PLC can do that.
Not sure? Compare all five company types.
The rules that shape an LTD
Six points cover what most founders need to know.
A single-document constitution
An LTD files one constitution instead of a memorandum and articles. It is shorter, easier to read and easier to change than the older two-document version. Company setup guide
Name ending
The name must end in Limited or Teoranta. Check naming rules
Directors and secretary
At least one director, aged 18 or over, and a company secretary. Secretarial services
Shareholders
From one up to 149. A single-member company can pass written resolutions and skip the AGM.
Registered office
A real address in Ireland, held on the public record. Dublin address service
Audit exemption and filing
Small companies that meet the Companies Act size tests can claim audit exemption. An annual return is due every year, even if the company never traded. Accounts & tax returns
How to register it
Most of the work is in the preparation, so a clean filing goes through without fuss.
LTD or DAC?
| LTD | DAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Activities | Any lawful business | Only those in the objects clause |
| Minimum directors | 1 | 2 |
| Constitution | One document | Memorandum and articles |
| Authorised share capital | Not required | Required |
| AGM | Can be dispensed with | Required unless one member |
| Name ending | Limited or Teoranta | DAC or Designated Activity Company |
General guide only. Your own facts can change the answer, so ask us before you file. Read full company types comparison
What you take on once it's registered
Three things to put in the diary on day one.
Questions about LTD companies in Ireland
How many directors does an LTD need?
One. A sole director must appoint a separate company secretary. With two or more directors, one of them can also act as secretary. See company secretarial services.
Can an LTD have just one shareholder?
Yes. One shareholder is the minimum, and the same person can also be the director. The maximum is 149.
What is the difference between an LTD and a DAC?
An LTD can do any lawful business. A DAC is limited to the objects in its constitution and needs at least two directors. Most trading businesses choose an LTD unless a lender or regulator asks for a DAC. Compare company types.
How much does it cost to register an LTD?
The CRO fee is €50 for online incorporation. Professional fees depend on what you need, such as a secretary or registered office. Ask us for a quote on our pricing page.
Ready to register your LTD?
Tell us about the business and who the directors are. We'll check the name, prepare the filing and look after the paperwork that follows.
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