Company formation in Ireland is a straightforward process, and the country is known for its business-friendly environment. Here are the steps to form a company in Ireland:
Choose your Company Type:
Decide on the type of company you want to form. The most common types are Private Limited Companies (LTD) and Designated Activity Companies (DAC). The LTD is the most popular choice for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Company Name Reservation:
You need to check the availability of your chosen company name with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). It’s essential that your name is unique and not already in use by another company. You can do this online through the CRO website.
Registered Office Address:
You must have a registered office address in Ireland where official correspondence can be sent. This address will be publicly available.
Directors and Shareholders:
Appoint at least one director (individual or corporate entity) and at least one shareholder. Directors can be residents of any country, but at least one director should be an EU resident. Shareholders can also be of any nationality.
Company Constitution:
You’ll need to draft a company constitution, which outlines the rules and regulations governing your company. Many companies use the standard constitution provided by the CRO.
File the Required Documents:
Prepare the necessary incorporation documents, including the constitution and a completed Form A1, which is the application form for company registration. You can submit these documents online through the CRO website.
Pay the Applicable Fees:
There are fees associated with registering a company in Ireland. The fees can vary depending on the type and share capital of the company. You can find the fee schedule on the CRO website.
Tax Registration:
You’ll need to register your company for tax purposes. This typically includes getting a tax number (TIN) and registering for Value Added Tax (VAT) if applicable.
Bank Account:
Open a business bank account for your company to handle financial transactions.
Statutory Registers:
Keep proper records and maintain statutory registers, such as the Register of Directors and Register of Shareholders, at your registered office.
