6-Step Process for Creating a Company in Ireland

Step 1 - Choose Your Company Structure

The first step to setting up a company in Ireland is selecting the right legal structure. This decision will shape how your business operates, your tax obligations and your level of personal liability. Whether you're a sole trader, a startup or an international business expanding into Ireland, choosing the right setup is essential for long-term success.

There are several business structures available in Ireland, each with distinct advantages:

• Private Limited Company (LTD):
  The most popular option in Ireland, an LTD offers limited liability and flexibility. It can be managed by a single director and accommodate up to 149 shareholders, making it ideal for most businesses.
• Designated Activity Company (DAC):
  Introduced under the Companies Act 2014, a DAC suits businesses that require a clearly defined purpose and more structured governance. It must have at least two directors and hold annual general meetings (AGMs).
• Sole Trader:
  A simple structure where one person owns and runs the business. While easy to set up, the owner is personally responsible for all debts and liabilities.
• Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG):
  Typically used by nonprofits, CLG  has members instead of shareholders and is suited to charities or voluntary organisations.
• Public Limited Company (PLC):
  Designed for larger businesses that intend to offer shares to the public, a PLC must meet specific share capital and governance requirements.
• Partnerships: An option for multiple individuals sharing business responsibilities, though they offer less protection than limited structures.
  

Key considerations when choosing your company structure include liability, taxation and regulatory obligations. If you're unsure which structure best suits your goals, Nathan Trust is here to advise and guide you every step of the way.

Step 2 - Select Your Company Name and Official Address

Once you’ve selected your business structure, the next step is choosing a company name and establishing a registered office in Ireland. 

Your company name is how customers and partners will recognise you, so it should reflect your business clearly while remaining unique. You’ll need to ensure that the name hasn’t already been taken by another company or is too similar to an existing one. This can be checked using the name search tool on the Companies Registration Office (CRO) website. Nathan Trust can assist in verifying and securing your chosen name if needed.

When selecting a name, make sure it complies with CRO guidelines. It must not be misleading, offensive or include restricted terms unless approved. Also note that registering a company name does not give you trademark protection. This must be filed separately if needed.

Equally important is designating a registered office, your business’s legal address in Ireland. This is where all official documents and legal correspondence will be sent. You cannot use a P.O. Box; the address must be a real, physical location within the country. In some cases, a home address may be used, but it must still meet CRO standards.

Nathan Trust offers registered office services in both Dublin and Cork, giving you flexibility and peace of mind. Should your address change, you’ll need to notify the CRO by filing a Form B2.

Together, your business name and registered office form the legal foundation of your company. Getting this step right ensures smoother communication and regulatory compliance from the outset.

Step 3 - Appoint Directors, Shareholders and a Company Secretary

After selecting your company name and registered office, the next step is to appoint the key individuals who will be responsible for managing and owning the business. These are the directors, shareholders and company secretary.

Directors
Every Irish company must have at least one director who is a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA). If no EEA resident director is available, a Section 137 bond must be obtained to satisfy CRO requirements. Directors must be individuals (not corporate entities), over 18, and free from disqualification. For example, undischarged bankrupts cannot serve.

A company with a single director must also appoint a separate individual as company secretary. The same person cannot occupy both roles.

Shareholders
Shareholders are the owners of the company and can be either individuals or corporate entities. A Private Limited Company (LTD) must have at least one shareholder. At Nathan Trust, we typically recommend authorising 100,000 shares and issuing 100 shares at €1 each to structure ownership clearly and keep liability manageable. Shareholders must also comply with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks, including identity verification and proof of address.

Nathan Trust can guide you through share structuring and capital planning with expert support.

Company Secretary
The company secretary is responsible for maintaining compliance with Irish company law. This includes filing returns, keeping statutory registers and maintaining board and Annual General Meetings (AGM) minutes. While there are no specific qualifications required, this person must have the competence to perform the duties.

Nathan Trust can act as your professional company secretary, ensuring you meet all legal obligations efficiently.

Making the right appointments at this stage is critical for compliance, good governance and long-term business success. Let our team guide you through it with confidence.

Step 4 - Draft the Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association

Once your directors and shareholders are appointed, the next step in setting up a company in Ireland is preparing your company’s governing documents, either a Constitution or a Memorandum and Articles of Association, depending on your company type.

For Private Companies Limited by Shares (LTDs), the most common company structure in Ireland, only one document is required: the Constitution. This single document outlines the company’s internal rules, its objects (business purpose) and details on authorised and issued share capital. It must be signed by all shareholders and submitted to the Companies Registration Office (CRO) as part of the process.

For other company types, such as Designated Activity Companies (DACs) or Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLGs), the legal structure still requires two separate documents:

• The Memorandum of Association sets out the company’s name, objectives, registered office and share capital.
• The Articles of Association define the internal management rules, including shareholder rights and director responsibilities. These can be tailored to your business needs, particularly for companies with more complex governance structures.

These documents serve as the legal foundation of your company and must be compliant with Irish corporate law. They clarify how the company operates, how decisions are made and how responsibilities are shared among stakeholders.

Because accuracy and legal compliance are critical at this stage, it’s strongly recommended to work with experienced professionals. Nathan Trust can assist you with drafting and filing these documents correctly, ensuring your company is registered efficiently and with full legal clarity.

Step 5 - Register for Tax and Open a Business Bank Account

Once your company has been incorporated, you’ll need to register it for tax and open an Irish business bank account, two essential steps before you begin trading.

Tax Registration
All Irish companies must register with the Revenue Commissioners to remain compliant with local tax laws. This is done online through the Revenue Online Service (ROS). To begin the process, you’ll need key documents such as company details, proof of address and director identification.

The main tax types to register for include:

• Corporation Tax, mandatory for all companies.
• VAT (Value Added Tax), required if your turnover exceeds the relevant threshold.
• PAYE (Pay As You Earn), necessary if you plan to hire employees.

After submission, you’ll be issued a tax number, which is essential for all tax-related activity. If you're a non-resident company, Nathan Trust can guide you through additional requirements specific to foreign-owned businesses.

Business Bank Account
Opening a dedicated Irish business bank account is crucial for managing company finances, maintaining transparency and building credibility with suppliers and clients. You’ll need to provide your company registration details and valid ID to proceed.

Nathan Trust works with leading Irish banks and can support both traditional and digital account openings, including remote onboarding via video call. Most accounts are set up within five to 10 working days.

Having both your tax and banking setup completed correctly from the outset ensures smoother financial management and long-term compliance. Our team can assist you in navigating these formalities quickly and professionally, so you can focus on growing your business.

 Step 6 - Register as an Employer in Ireland

If your company intends to hire employees, you must register as an employer with the Revenue Commissioners. This is a legal requirement and ensures that your business complies with Irish tax law from the outset.

The process involves completing the PAYE/PRSI registration form that allows you to operate Ireland’s employee tax system. This form is typically used by PAYE employers or foreign companies that are already registered for corporation tax.

Steps to Register as an Employer:

• Complete the PAYE/PRSI employer registration form.
• Submit it through the Revenue Online Service (ROS).
• Wait for confirmation before onboarding employees.

You must complete this registration before paying any employees, including company directors who receive a salary. It’s also important to have your company’s documents ready, including director identification and proof of address.

Once registered, you’ll be responsible for keeping accurate records of employee payments, deductions and tax submissions. This applies not only to staff but also to directors where income tax applies.

Registering as an employer is a vital part of running a compliant business in Ireland. Nathan Trust can guide you through the process to ensure you meet all requirements and avoid unnecessary penalties.