One of the first questions every entrepreneur asks is: how much does it cost to register a company in Ireland? The answer depends on whether you do it yourself, use a professional formation agent, and which ongoing services you need. This guide provides a completely transparent breakdown of every cost involved in company formation Ireland in 2026, so you can budget accurately and avoid hidden surprises.
CRO Filing Fee
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) charges a filing fee for processing your incorporation. This is a mandatory government fee that applies regardless of whether you file yourself or use an agent. The standard CRO filing fee is included in all StartCompany.ie packages — you don't pay it separately.
Professional Formation Agent Fees
Using a professional company formation agent like StartCompany.ie saves significant time and ensures everything is filed correctly the first time. Mistakes on Form A1 or in the Constitution can result in delays or rejection.
Our 2026 packages:
| Feature | Basic — €240 | Standard — €490 | Premium — €798 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRO filing fees | Included | Included | Included |
| Company Constitution | Included | Included | Included |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Included | Included | Included |
| Share Certificates | Included | Included | Included |
| Free Consultation | Included | Included | Included |
| IPN Number (if needed) | — | Free | Free |
| First Annual Return (B1) | — | Free (worth €119) | Free (worth €119) |
| RBO Registration | — | Free (worth €129) | Free (worth €129) |
| Registered Office Address (Year 1) | — | — | Free (worth €300) |
| Corporate Documents Pack | — | — | Included |
View our full pricing comparison to find the right package for your needs.
How We Compare to Competitors
Our €240 Basic package is one of the most competitive prices for company formation Ireland. Many competitors charge €300–€500 for basic formation, and some add hidden fees for items that should be standard. Here's what to watch out for when comparing:
- CRO fees charged separately — some agents quote a low headline price but add the CRO fee on top. Ours is always included.
- Constitution charged extra — your company constitution is a legal requirement, not an optional add-on. We include it in every package.
- No free consultation — many agents charge for advice. We include a free consultation with every formation.
- "From" pricing that increases — some competitors start at a low price but require you to add essential items, pushing the total well above our €240.
IPN Number Cost
A director without a PPSN may need an Identified Person Number (IPN) for CRO filings. The Standard and Premium packages include IPN support; check the current package comparison for the standalone service and any identity-verification requirements.
Non-Resident Director Bond
If none of your directors are resident in the EEA, Irish law requires a Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond. This is a two-year insurance bond that typically costs around €2,200 when purchased separately. Our combined formation + bond package is available for €2,499, which includes everything in the Standard package plus the bond. Learn more about non-resident company formation in Ireland.
Registered Office Address
Every Irish company must have a registered office address — a physical location in Ireland where official CRO and Revenue correspondence is received. If you don't have a suitable Irish address (or prefer to keep your home address private), our registered office service costs €300/year. It's included free for year one in the Premium package.
Ongoing Annual Costs After Formation
After your company is formed, you'll have recurring annual compliance costs. Understanding these upfront helps you budget properly and avoid costly surprises:
- Annual Return filing (B1) — from €258 through our annual return service. Filing late incurs penalties of €100 + €3/day and can cost you the audit exemption. Read our annual return guide.
- Corporation Tax return (CT1) — filed annually by your accountant with Revenue
- Accountancy fees — typically €1,500–€3,500/year depending on complexity. See our accountant services.
- Registered office renewal — €300/year if using our service
- Company secretary — from €438/year if using our nominee secretary service
- Business name renewal — if you registered a business name, this renews every 5 years
Total First-Year Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic formation only (Irish resident, own address) | €240 |
| Standard formation + first annual return | €490 |
| Premium formation + registered office + all extras | €798 |
| Non-resident formation + director bond | €2,499 |
Is It Worth Paying for a Formation Agent?
Absolutely. While you can technically file with the CRO yourself, the process involves preparing a legally compliant Constitution, correctly completing Form A1 (which has many fields and requirements), and ensuring all director/shareholder details are accurate. Errors cause delays and can result in rejection.
At €240, the Basic package includes preparation of the core documents and the CRO filing fee. Processing time depends on the application and current CRO workload.
Start Your Company from Just €240
Ready to register your company in Ireland? StartCompany.ie offers the cheapest company formation Ireland packages with no hidden fees. Everything you need is included. Compare all packages or get started today.