Setting up a company in Ireland the complete guide
You set up a company in Ireland by registering with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). It’s less daunting than it sounds. You need a name, at least one director, a company secretary, an Irish registered office and a few details about who owns what. This guide walks you through every step, what it costs, and what happens once you’re registered.
At a glance
THE BASICSWhat you need to set up a company in Ireland
Eight pieces of information are all the CRO needs. Get them right first time and registration is mostly admin. Get one wrong and the form bounces back, which is where most delays come from.
Company name
Distinctive, and not too close to one already on the register.
Company type
Most trading businesses choose an LTD.
Constitution
The rulebook. An LTD needs just one document.
Registered office
A real address in Ireland, not a PO box.
Directors
At least one for an LTD, aged 18 or over.
Company secretary
Always required, and separate from a sole director.
Share capital
No statutory minimum for an LTD.
Shareholders
One is enough. We need names, addresses and shares.
TIMINGHow long does it take to set up a company in Ireland?
Most companies are registered within a few working days of a complete, correct application. The waiting usually happens before the filing and after it, not during it.
Name check
Usually the same day.
Day 1Director details
A few extra days if an IPN is needed.
Days 1 to 5CRO registration
A few working days, then your certificate arrives.
Next few daysBank account
Often several weeks, as banks run anti-money-laundering checks.
After registrationRushing a deadline? Read how long registration really takes.
BUDGETHow much does it cost to set up a company in Ireland?
Your total depends on the package you choose and which extras you genuinely need. Here’s what to budget for.
One-off costs
- Your formation agent’s fee, which is on our pricing page
- The CRO incorporation fee (currently €50 online)
- An IPN, only for directors without a PPS number
- A Section 137 bond, only if no director lives in the EEA
- A registered office, if you can’t use your own address
Ongoing costs
- The CRO annual return fee (currently €20 online)
- Accounts preparation
- Company secretarial support
- Corporation tax return, and VAT or payroll if they apply
THE PROCESSHow to register a company in Ireland, step by step
CHOOSING A STRUCTUREWhich type of company should you set up?
For most trading businesses, a private company limited by shares (LTD) is the answer. The others exist for specific situations.
| Type | Min. directors | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| LTD | 1 | Trading companies, consultancies, start-ups and most subsidiaries |
| DAC | 2 | Regulated businesses, special-purpose vehicles, or where a lender wants stated objects |
| CLG | 2 | Charities, clubs and management companies with no shareholders |
| PLC | 2 | Companies offering shares to the public |
| ULC | 2 | Specific group, corporate or legal structures seeking financial privacy |
Comparing a subsidiary with a branch? Read our branch versus limited company guide.
SOLE TRADER OR COMPANYShould you be a sole trader or a limited company?
If you’re testing an idea with small profits and little risk, a sole trade can be enough. Most growing businesses choose a company.
| Sole trader | Limited company | |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Unlimited, so personal assets are exposed | Limited, so your assets are generally protected |
| Tax on profits | Income tax up to 40%, plus USC and PRSI | 12.5% corporation tax on trading profits |
| Public filings | None | Annual return and accounts |
| Investors | Not practical | Shares can be issued |
Remember that paying yourself from a company is taxed too, so the saving isn’t automatic. Our tax tip on picking a structure
LIVING ABROAD?Setting up a company in Ireland as a non-resident
You don’t need to live in Ireland, hold an Irish passport or visit to own or direct an Irish company. The whole process runs remotely. What you need is an Irish registered office, plus one of three routes for the director rule.
An EEA-resident director
Appoint at least one director who lives in the European Economic Area.
A Section 137 bond
If no director lives in the EEA, a bond can meet the rule. Learn more
A real link to Ireland
Show real, continuing economic activity here. Learn more
Northern Ireland: an Irish company doesn’t get a Northern Ireland registration. They’re separate jurisdictions, so you’d register a UK establishment or form a separate company there.
Tax residence: it follows where decisions are really made. If the 12.5% rate is part of your plan, build genuine presence in Ireland and take advice first.
Our guide for non-EEA directors · Moving a UK company to Ireland
THE BIG PICTUREWhy set up a company in Ireland?
Very large multinational groups face a 15% minimum rate. For an owner-managed company, 12.5% on trading profits is what applies. Corporation tax explained
REVENUERegistering for tax after you incorporate
Corporation tax
Register with Revenue when you start trading, within about 30 days.
VAT
Register once turnover passes €42,500 for services or €85,000 for goods in 12 months. VAT help
PAYE
Register before you pay your first employee, including yourself as a working director. Payroll
AFTER REGISTRATIONKeeping your Irish company compliant
Most avoidable damage happens here. The rules aren’t hard, but the deadlines are unfamiliar in year one and nobody sends a reminder.
| Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Beneficial ownership (RBO) | Within 5 months of incorporation |
| First annual return | Falls 6 months after incorporation, then 56 days to file. No accounts needed the first time. |
| Later annual returns | Every year, with accounts attached |
| Corporation tax return | 23rd day of the 9th month after your year end |
| Accounting records | Keep them for six years |
Common mistakes to avoid
QUICK ANSWERSFrequently asked questions
Can a non-resident set up a company in Ireland?
What is the minimum share capital for an Irish LTD?
Can one person set up a company in Ireland?
Do I need an Irish bank account to register?
Do I need an accountant?
Can I change my company name later?
Ready to set up your company in Ireland?
Tell us about your business and we’ll take you from name check to certificate, then keep you compliant afterwards.
This guide is for general information and isn’t legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so please check your own situation with a professional.
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