The first-year cost of an Irish company is not one universal number. A simple consultancy run from an existing Irish address has different needs from an ecommerce importer, employer or company with all directors outside the EEA.
StartCompany.ie keeps the incorporation line clear: Basic company formation is €240 total with the CRO fee and core documents included. Founders can then budget the remaining items based on actual activity instead of buying an inflated one-size-fits-all bundle.
One-off setup costs
Formation is the first one-off cost. The Basic package includes name checking, CRO submission, the €50 filing fee, certificate, constitution and share certificates. A complex share structure or regulated activity may need additional legal or specialist advice.
Other possible setup costs include an IPN application, professional registered office, company seal, tax registration, insurance, website, licences and banking or payment onboarding.
Recurring compliance costs
Every company should plan for bookkeeping, statutory accounts, corporation tax filings and CRO annual returns. Payroll, VAT and RCT create further work when they apply. Fees vary with transaction volume, staff, complexity and the quality of records supplied.
Ask an accountant for a written annual scope. Confirm whether payroll runs, VAT returns, director tax returns, software and CRO filing are included or charged separately.
- Bookkeeping and accounting software.
- Annual accounts and corporation tax return.
- CRO annual return and filing fee.
- Payroll, VAT or RCT filings where applicable.
- Insurance, licences and renewable address services.
Compliance dates that affect cost
The first annual return is generally made up six months after incorporation. Beneficial ownership information generally must be filed with the RBO within five months of incorporation. Tax registration and payment dates depend on the business and accounting period.
Missing deadlines can cause penalties, loss of audit exemption or expensive corrective work. A simple calendar and early adviser engagement are among the cheapest controls a company can adopt.
Use packages to group known needs
Basic keeps the initial formation at €240 total. Standard adds IPN and first-return support. Premium includes the registered office, RBO and broader company-secretarial services shown in its package scope.
Compare the cost of each package with the standalone services you already know you need. Do not purchase a premium scope merely to feel covered, and do not choose Basic when essential extras will immediately be required.
StartCompany.ie service
Irish Company Formation Packages
Current listed price: From €240 total
Official information and next steps
StartCompany.ie provides preparation and filing support for the service described above. Final acceptance, registration, tax treatment or court approval remains with the relevant authority. Check the current official guidance before acting, particularly where a deadline, tax position, dispute or unusual transaction is involved.