Requirements for starting a business in Ireland: what you really need
Launching a consulting firm, a life sciences start-up, a fintech or an online business? The rules for an Irish limited company are the same for all of them, and shorter than most people expect. Here’s the full list, in plain English.
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Ireland limited company requirements, step by step
Eight things, in the order most founders tackle them. Not sure about one? That’s what we’re here for.
Company name requirements for Irish incorporation
Your name has to be genuinely different from every company already on the Companies Registration Office (CRO) register. The CRO will turn down names that are misleading, offensive, or too close to an existing one, and it’s the most common reason first applications stall.
We check yours before we file. If you’re setting up from abroad, we’ll also steer you through the naming rules, which are harder to read from a distance. Tips on choosing a name
Choosing the right company type
For most founders, the private company limited by shares (LTD) is the answer. Your personal assets stay separate from the business, running it is flexible, and trading profits qualify for the 12.5% corporation tax rate. It suits consultants, fintechs, life sciences start-ups and online businesses alike.
Company constitution and your NACE code
Since the Companies Act 2014, an LTD no longer needs a Memorandum and Articles of Association. One simple constitution does the job, and it lets the company carry on any lawful business.
You do still have to pick a NACE code, the classification for your main business activity. Choose it carefully, because it can matter when you apply for supports. We’ll match your constitution and code to what you actually plan to do.
The Irish registered office address requirement
Every company needs an official address in the Republic of Ireland, and this is where the CRO, Revenue and other authorities send their post. It can differ from where you actually work.
Living in Ireland? A director’s home address works. Based overseas? We can provide a compliant one. Our registered office service
Company directors and the Irish director residency requirement
You need at least one director, aged 18 or over. For each, we’ll ask for:
The company secretary requirement in Ireland
Every LTD must have a secretary. They keep the statutory records in order and file your annual return with the CRO on time. The role can be filled by:
With only one director, the law requires a separate person as secretary. We can act for you.
Shareholders: who owns the company
Shareholders are the legal owners, and the number of shares each one holds sets their stake. You need at least one, holding at least one share. For each shareholder we’ll need their full name, their ordinary home address and the number of shares to be issued in their name.
Minimum share capital for an Irish LTD
The legal minimum is a single issued share, so your starting share capital can be as little as €1.
Legal and financial things to plan for
Registering the company is the start. These three catch founders out later.
12.5% on trading profits
Ireland’s corporation tax rate on trading income is one of the lower rates in Europe, which is a big part of why founders choose it. Other kinds of income, such as passive income, are taxed differently, so it helps to plan your structure early.
Data protection from day one
If you collect personal data, even just customer emails or user sign-ups, GDPR applies to you. Start with a clear privacy policy, a lawful reason for each piece of data you hold, and a simple way to handle requests from people about their data. It matters most for online businesses and fintechs.
Non-resident company set-up in Ireland
You don’t have to live in Ireland to own an Irish company. You’ll need to meet the director residency rule, have an Irish registered office, and sort out the paperwork for tax registration. We handle all of it remotely.
Grants and funding worth looking at
Starting here opens doors to several Irish supports. These are the three founders ask about most.
Trading Online Voucher
A scheme through the Local Enterprise Offices that helps small businesses build their online presence and start selling digitally.
Enterprise Ireland
The state agency behind high-potential, export-minded start-ups, particularly in innovative, high-growth sectors like tech and life sciences.
Local Enterprise Office
The first stop for micro and early-stage businesses, offering grants, mentoring and training close to home.
Schemes, eligibility and amounts change, and funding is never guaranteed. We’ll help you check the current terms for your business.
Why start your business in Ireland?
A busy start-up scene, an English-speaking base and full access to EU markets. It’s a natural home for businesses that want to grow beyond one country.
Questions we hear all the time
What is the minimum share capital for an Irish LTD?
Do I need to live in Ireland to be a director?
Does my company need a secretary?
What is a NACE code and why do I need one?
Can I set up an Irish company from abroad?
Planning to set up a company?
Tell us about your business and we’ll make sure it meets every requirement, from incorporation to your first filing.
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Email: moh@tasconsulting.ie
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