How long does it take to set up a limited company in Ireland?

Typically, company formation via the Companies Registration Office (CRO) takes between 3 to 5 working days using digital processing frameworks. This is subject to current CRO backlogs and the completion of correct documentation.

What are the requirements for an Irish Company Director?

An Irish company must have at least one director who is a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA). If no director is resident in the EEA, the company must post a Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond or establish a continuous economic link in Ireland.

Do I need a PPSN or VIF to register an Irish company?

Yes, under current identity verification frameworks, all directors must provide their Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to the CRO during incorporation. Non-resident directors without a PPSN must submit a Verified Identity Form (VIF / Form V1) certified by a notary.

Can a single person be both Director and Secretary?

A private limited company (LTD) can have a single director, but that person cannot also act as the Company Secretary. A separate individual or a corporate secretarial body must be designated as the Company Secretary to ensure statutory separation of duties.

What is the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO)?

The RBO is a separate statutory register introduced under anti-money laundering regulations. Every new Irish company must submit details of its ultimate beneficial owners (anyone holding >25% shares or voting rights) to the RBO within 5 months of incorporation.

What tax heads must a new Irish company register for?

Following CRO incorporation, a company must activate its relevant tax registrations with Revenue via the ROS portal. This typically includes Corporation Tax (CT), Value Added Tax (VAT) if thresholds are met, and Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) or PAYE/PRSI if employing staff.

What are the annual filing obligations for an Irish company?

Every Irish company must file its first Annual Return with the CRO exactly 6 months post-incorporation (no financial statements required). Subsequent annual returns require full financial statements matching the requirements of the Companies Act 2014, filed alongside statutory Corporation Tax returns.

Company Formation Ireland

Expert, Accountant-Led Company Formation for Irish Businesses

Setting up a Limited Company (LTD) in Ireland involves far more than simply submitting forms to the Companies Registration Office (CRO). True legal compliance under the Companies Act 2014 requires choosing the optimal corporate structure, drafting a legally sound Company Constitution, executing mandatory Register of Beneficial Owners (RBO) filings, and structuring your Revenue tax heads correctly from day one.

At Shelbourne Accountants, we provide a complete, compliance-first pathway through the entire incorporation lifecycle. Whether you are an Irish start-up, a contractor transitioning to a corporate structure, or a non-resident founder looking to establish an Irish corporate entity, our qualified accountants ensure your corporate setup is flawless, compliant, and primed for immediate commercial trading.

Our Company Formation Services

Company Formation

If you only require basic administrative filing, our standalone Company Registration Service handles your core CRO Form A1 submission, company name validation, and the drafting of your official corporate Constitution. Note: This basic tier does not include mandatory RBO declarations or Revenue tax registrations.

€149.00Add to cart

Company Registration Bundle

For immediate trading readiness, our all-inclusive Company Registration Bundle structures your CRO documentation, mandatory RBO beneficial ownership declarations, and your essential Revenue tax heads (Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE) simultaneously. Includes a physical company seal and a premium Registered Office address.

€549.00Add to cart

Non-EU/EEA Directors Company Formation

If you are setting up an Irish company from outside the EU or EEA, our specialist Non-EU/EEA Corporate Formation Service handles your entire cross-border setup. This premium package manages the mandatory Section 137 Revenue Bond or resident director requirements, RBO declarations, and specialized corporate tax registration to ensure 100% legal compliance for international founders.

€2,398.00Add to cart

Company Secretarial

Satisfy the Companies Act by utilizing our professional Company Secretarial Services to safeguard your annual returns and legal updates.

€249.00Add to cart

Registered Office Address

Protect your privacy with a premium Registered Office Address Service providing a verified, physical Dublin location to fulfill mandatory CRO requirements.

€149.00Add to cart

CRO Compliant Incorporations & Director Verification Requirements

Setting up a corporate entity in Ireland requires total adherence to statutory regulations. To ensure your application is successful, verify that you fulfill these mandatory prerequisites:

✓

Unique Company Name

Must be distinctly checked and validated against the existing CRO register. Generic or overly similar names face immediate rejection. If you only require basic administrative filing, our standalone Company Registration Service includes a full name availability check.

✓

Director Identification

A mandated Irish PPSN or a Verified Identity Number (via Form VIF) is required for all resident and non-resident directors. For international founders operating outside the EU, we specialize in Non-EU/EEA Directors Company Formation, including sourcing the mandatory Section 137 Revenue Bond.

✓

Company Secretary

A distinct, mandatory statutory officer role required for ongoing legal compliance. If your structure doesn't have an individual to fulfill this, our professional Company Secretarial Services can safeguard your annual returns and legal updates.

✓

Physical Registered Office Address

Every Irish company must hold a physical location within the Republic of Ireland for official statutory mail; P.O. Boxes are strictly rejected. Protect your personal privacy by utilizing our premium, secure Registered Office Address Service in Dublin.

What Our Company Formation Support Includes

Why Choose Shelbourne for Company Formation?

Our Company Formation Process

Initial consultation

Document preparation

CRO submission

Incorporation

Tax setup advice

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most companies are incorporated within 10 – 12 working days once all required details and documents are submitted to the CRO.

What information do I need to set up a Limited Company?

To fully align with CRO guidelines, you must provide:

Proposed unique company name
Director Identification (Mandated Irish PPSN or Form VIF)
A separate Company Secretary
Physical Registered Office Address
Description of business activity
Share allocation and shareholder details

We provide a simple setup form to collect these mandatory details securely.

Do I need an EEA-resident director?

Yes, at least one director must be resident within the EEA. If you do not have a resident director, a Section 137 Revenue Bond is legally required. We handle this cross-border requirement through our specialized Non-EU/EEA Directors Company Formation package.

Can I be the only director and shareholder?

Yes, you can be the sole director and shareholder. However, a single-director company **cannot** act as its own secretary. You must legally appoint a separate Company Secretary. If you do not have an individual to fulfill this statutory role, you can utilize our professional Company Secretarial Service.

What tax registrations do I need after incorporation?

Most active Irish companies require:

Corporation Tax (mandatory)
PAYE (for director salaries or employees)
VAT (if crossing trading thresholds)

We handle all of these setups simultaneously within our comprehensive Company Registration Bundle.

Do you help with opening a business bank account?

Yes. We provide the mandatory digital statutory packs and direct guidance on recommended corporate banking options in Ireland to streamline your account opening process.

Is a Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) filing mandatory?

Yes. Under statutory AML regulations, all new companies must file a declaration to the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) within five months of incorporation. Failure to file triggers severe penalties. This critical step is fully managed within our Company Registration Bundle.

What happens after my company is incorporated?

Once approved by the CRO, you receive your official corporate pack:

Certificate of Incorporation & Company Number
Official Company Constitution
Digital statutory documentation pack
Reminders for your first mandatory 6-month Annual Return deadline

Can I use my home address as the Registered Office?

While technically allowed if it's a physical location, your registered address becomes a permanent matter of public corporate record. To protect your personal data privacy, we recommend using our premium Registered Office Address Service based in Dublin.

Is this service suitable for non-residents?

Yes, we specialize in cross-border setups. We systematically handle identity tracking details like VIF (Verified Identity Number) filings and Section 137 Revenue Bonds for international founders.