Types of Companies in Ireland Explained – LTD, DAC, PLC, CLG, UC, LP

With a diverse array of options, Irish business owners benefit from many flexible company structuring possibilities falling under the category of private limited companies.

Each company type is treated as a separate legal entity, distinct from its owners or directors. Whether you're establishing a limited or unlimited liability company, there are several options available, tailored to your objectives and level of liability comfort. Among these, the Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) stands out as the most widely used structure.

Refer to the information below for details on the various types of companies Nathan Trust can help you establish. Irish companies operate under the Companies Act 2014.

Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) is the most popular choice among these. Its shareholders are liable only to their investment and it can be run with one director if an appointed secretary is present. For LTDs, up to 149 shareholders may be allowed in Ireland but complete 100% ownership over shares remains possible for single persons as well.

For further in-depth information, you can refer to our Private company limited by shares (LTD) in Ireland guide.

The Designated Activity Company (DAC) is an Irish limited company under the New Companies Act 2014 for those wishing to strictly define responsibilities in their constitution. It has a memorandum and articles of association that detail business activities, with up to 149 members required.

Like LTD entities, DAC companies may pass written resolutions unless stated otherwise; however, they have other key requirements such as authorised share capital, two minimum directors and annual general meetings when applicable.

For further information, read our guide: Comprehensive Guide to a Designated Activity Company (DAC) in Ireland

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a type of limited company that has been introduced to the stock exchange, making it available for public investment.

This model welcomes an unlimited number of shareholders but requires at least seven in number and relieves them from any losses incurred beyond their invested amount in the PLC itself. To qualify as such, two directors must be appointed alongside presenting documents outlining its constitution with memorandum and articles of association; however, audit exemptions are not applicable under this structure.

All three types of companies must file annual and tax returns with the Companies Registration Office. For more information on company registration in Ireland, visit the CRO website.

To learn more, visit our page on Public Limited Company in Ireland (PLC).

A Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) is a private company without share capital where members act as guarantors rather than shareholders, typically agreeing to pay a nominal sum (often €1) towards company debts in the event of liquidation.

A CLG operates as a distinct legal entity separate from its members, making it ideal for non-profit organisations, charities, and social enterprises. This structure provides the benefits of limited liability while focusing on purposes other than generating profits for distribution. CLGs are particularly common among professional bodies, sports clubs, and community organisations throughout Ireland.

Key Features of CLG:

• No share capital or shareholders – instead has members who act as guarantors

• Members’ liability limited to the amount they guarantee to contribute (typically €1-€10)

• Separate legal entity with perpetual succession

• Must have at least one director and a company secretary

• Required to file annual returns with the Companies Registration Office

• Particularly suited for non-profit activities, charities, and organisations focused on community benefit

To learn more, refer to our page on Irish Companies Limited by Guarantee CLG. 

An Unlimited Company (UC) is a private company where members have unlimited liability for company debts, meaning their personal assets can be used to settle business obligations if the company cannot meet them.

Despite the unlimited liability aspect, UCs offer several advantages that make them attractive for specific business scenarios. They provide greater privacy than limited companies as they’re not required to file public accounts. This structure is often chosen by professional service firms, family businesses, or as subsidiaries within larger corporate groups where financial privacy is valued over liability protection.

To learn more about the types of unlimited companies, filing requirements and advantages/disadvantages of an unlimited company,  refer to our guide here on Unlimited Company Ireland: Avoid Filing Financial Statements.

A Limited Partnership (LP) is a business structure combining at least one general partner with unlimited liability and one or more limited partners whose liability is restricted to their investment in the partnership.

LPs in Ireland operate under the Limited Partnership Act 1907 and must register with the Companies Registration Office. Unlike companies, they are not separate legal entities.

This structure balances the operational control of general partners with the investment protection for limited partners, making it particularly suitable for investment funds, venture capital, and family businesses where different levels of involvement and liability are desired.

Regardless of which type you choose to set up your business as, all companies in Ireland are subject to legislation contained within the Companies Acts 2014 - 2019. To ensure you are compliant with the law, it is important to read and understand these regulations before registering your business.

Below is a table comparing all the company types in Ireland:

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What types of companies are there in Ireland?

Ireland offers several business structures including Private Companies Limited by Shares (LTD), Designated Activity Companies (DAC), Public Limited Companies (PLC), Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG), Unlimited Companies, Branch/External Companies, and Limited Partnerships.

What are the 4 main types of companies in Ireland?

The four most common types of companies in Ireland are:
1. Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) - The most popular structure
2. Designated Activity Company (DAC)
3. Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) - Common for non-profits
4. Public Limited Company (PLC) - For larger companies seeking public investment


What is the most common company type in Ireland?

The Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) is the most common company type in Ireland, representing over 90% of all registered companies due to its simplified structure and flexibility.

If you are looking to set up an entity or limited company in Ireland, you can reach out to our experts at Nathan Trust using the contact options below.