Before you register a company in Ireland, it helps to know exactly what documents and details are needed. A prepared application is faster, cleaner and less likely to be delayed by missing director, shareholder or address information.
This guide explains what you need before ordering a company formation package.
1. Proposed Company Name
You need a proposed company name and ideally one or two backup names. The CRO can reject names that are identical or too similar to existing companies, misleading or restricted. A name check should happen before the incorporation application is submitted.
Start with our company name check if you are not sure whether your preferred name is suitable.
2. Form A1 Information
Form A1 is the incorporation application. CRO guidance says it includes the company name, registered office, secretary, directors, consent to act, subscribers and share details. It also includes a declaration that the Companies Act requirements have been complied with and states the activity the company is being formed to carry on.
You do not need to prepare Form A1 alone if you use a formation agent, but you do need to provide the correct information.
3. Company Constitution
The constitution is one of the core company documents. It sets out the company's internal rules and should match the company type being incorporated. For most small businesses, the private company limited by shares, or LTD, is the usual structure.
Formation packages from StartCompany.ie include the constitution as part of the company setup.
4. Director and Secretary Details
You need details for each director and the company secretary. A single-director LTD must still have a separate secretary. If the company has no EEA-resident director, you may need Section 137 bond support or another valid exemption route.
If you are forming from outside Ireland, read our US resident guide or the non-resident company formation page.
5. Shareholder and Share Details
The application needs subscribers and share details. In plain terms, this means who owns the first shares and how ownership is split. A simple owner-managed company may have one or two shareholders, but investor or holding-company structures should be planned carefully before filing.
6. Irish Registered Office Address
Every Irish company needs a registered office address in Ireland. This is the address for CRO correspondence and formal notices. If you do not have a suitable Irish business address, use a registered office service.
See our registered office address Ireland page for options.
7. PPSN, IPN or VIF Details
Directors and relevant parties may need identity-number information such as a PPSN or an alternative route where no PPSN is available. This is especially important for non-resident founders who do not already have Irish identity numbers.
Our PPSN, IPN and VIF guide explains the issue in more detail.
Document Checklist Before You Order
- Proposed company name and backup name.
- Business activity description.
- Director details and consent to act.
- Company secretary details.
- Irish registered office address.
- Shareholder/subscriber details.
- Share structure and ownership split.
- PPSN, IPN or VIF information where required.
- Section 137 bond route if there is no EEA-resident director.
Ready to Register?
If you have the checklist ready, you can choose a package and StartCompany.ie will prepare the incorporation filing and company documents. Compare company formation packages or start with registering a company in Ireland.