- Which company type do you need?
- How to register a company in Ireland, step by step
- The catch: the 30 day Revenue deadline
- The director rule for non-EEA founders
- Trading under a different name
- Why a limited company at all?
- Single member companies
- Taxes a limited company pays
- My advice
- Frequently asked questions
To register a company in Ireland, you incorporate it with the Companies Registration Office (CRO), filing through CORE, the CRO's online system. You choose the company type, prepare a constitution and file the application for incorporation (Form A1). Then you register the company for tax with Revenue, and file a Statement of Particulars (Form 11F CRO) within 30 days of the company starting to trade.
Most small businesses choose a private company limited by shares, the LTD company. It's the only type that can be run by a single director. Every other company type needs at least two directors and a secretary.
Which company type do you need?
| Company type | Who it suits | Name must end with |
|---|---|---|
| Private company limited by shares (LTD) | Most trading small businesses; can have one director | Limited or Teoranta |
| Designated activity company (DAC) | Companies with a specific stated activity | Designated Activity Company |
| Company limited by guarantee (CLG) | Charities, clubs and not-for-profits | Company Limited by Guarantee |
| Public limited company (PLC) | Companies offering shares to the public | Public Limited Company |
| Unlimited company | Owners who accept unlimited liability | Unlimited Company |
Citizens Information's advice is to get help from a solicitor or accountant before you pick a structure, because it decides which taxes you pay and how far you're personally liable for business debts.
How to register a company in Ireland, step by step
- Pick your structure. Sole trader, partnership or limited company. Only the limited company is a separate legal entity from you.
- Choose and check the name. An LTD company must end with Limited or Teoranta. Check the existing registers before you commit to stationery or a logo.
- Prepare the constitution. It follows the format in the Schedules to the Companies Act 2014 for your company type.
- File the application for incorporation (Form A1) through CORE, the Companies Online Registration Environment, with the constitution.
- Add a bond if you need one. The CRO lists a bond as a filing document where there's no European Economic Area-resident director.
- Register for tax with Revenue. Revenue gives your company a Tax Reference Number, which goes on your invoices.
- File Form 11F CRO within 30 days of starting to trade: the Statement of Particulars.
The catch: the 30 day Revenue deadline
This is the step people forget, because it's not a CRO form. Every company that's incorporated or begins trading in Ireland must give Revenue a Statement of Particulars on Form 11F CRO within 30 days after it starts trading, quoting the reference number the CRO gave you. A new one is needed within 30 days if the details change, or if a Revenue inspector asks for one.
If you don't file it, Revenue may notify the Registrar of Companies, who can start the strike-off process. The company and the company secretary are each liable to a separate penalty. If your company hasn't traded and won't, Revenue's advice is to contact the CRO and ask to be struck off rather than leave it sitting there.
The director rule for non-EEA founders
If none of your directors lives in the European Economic Area, the CRO's incorporation document list includes a bond. Plan for this early if you're a UK, US or other non-EEA founder setting up an Irish company. Citizens Information also notes that non-EEA nationals who want to open a business in Ireland may need permission, for example through the Start Up Entrepreneur Programme.
Trading under a different name
If your company trades under a name other than its registered name, you must register that business name with the CRO. Business names are registered online through CORE, and the gov.ie page lists the fee for online registration as €20 (as of October 2026). The place of business address has to be in Ireland.
One warning on the gov.ie page is worth repeating: the CRO doesn't check proposed business names against the registers of companies, business names or trademarks. It's on you to check that nobody else has rights in the name.
Why a limited company at all?
The CRO's own explanation is the clearest reason. A company is a separate legal entity, distinct from the people who run it, so only the company can be sued for its obligations. In a limited company, if it fails, the shareholders' liability is limited to any amount still unpaid on their shares. A sole trader, by contrast, is personally responsible: Citizens Information warns your personal assets could be used to pay business debts.
Single member companies
A company can have just one member, and all company types can be single member companies. The sole member can choose to skip general meetings, including the AGM, but the financial statements and reports still have to be prepared and sent to them.
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Taxes a limited company pays
Citizens Information sets out the difference. As a sole trader you pay Income Tax, PRSI and USC on your profits. For a limited company, it lists Corporation Tax, Income Tax, PRSI and USC on the company profits. Whatever the structure, it says you must charge VAT on the sale of your goods and services, and if you employ staff you pay Employer's PRSI for all employees aged 16 and over. For help, there are 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country.
My advice
Decide the structure first, with an accountant if you can, because switching later means paperwork. If you're unsure whether a company is worth it yet, our comparison of sole trader vs limited company covers the trade-offs. Then put two dates in your calendar on the day you incorporate: the 30 day Form 11F deadline and your first annual return. And write a short business plan while you wait for the CRO, because banks and grant schemes will ask for one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register a company in Ireland?
You incorporate it with the Companies Registration Office through CORE, filing the application for incorporation (Form A1) with the company's constitution, then register the company for tax with Revenue.
Can an Irish company have one director?
Yes, if it's a private company limited by shares (LTD). Other company types must have at least two directors and a secretary.
What is Form 11F CRO?
It's the Statement of Particulars every company that's incorporated or starts trading in Ireland must give Revenue, within 30 days after the company begins trading.
Do I need an EEA-resident director in Ireland?
The CRO lists a bond among the incorporation documents where there's no European Economic Area-resident director.
Does the CRO check if a business name is already used?
No. The CRO doesn't check proposed business names against the registers of companies, business names or trademarks, so you need to check them yourself.
