A founder can prepare an Irish company application directly through CRO CORE or use a professional formation service such as StartCompany.ie. The official electronic Form A1 fee is currently EUR50, while StartCompany.ie packages begin at EUR240 with that fee included.
The difference is the service scope, preparation and document pack, not access to a different legal type of company. This guide helps a founder decide whether the professional route matches the complexity and time available.
Balanced answer
DIY can suit a founder who understands the CRO requirements and will prepare every document and post-formation step. StartCompany.ie is designed for founders who want the filing, core documents and selected support organised within a clear package.
What DIY Filing Involves
A DIY founder must choose an acceptable name, prepare the registered office, officers, shareholders, shares, activity and constitution, and use the correct identity information. The filing must be submitted through the appropriate CRO route and any query answered.
After approval, the founder must organise share certificates and company records, RBO, tax, banking, accounting and annual returns. CORE access does not remove those responsibilities.
What StartCompany.ie Adds
Every StartCompany.ie package includes a name check, CRO fee, Certificate of Incorporation, constitution, share certificates, consultation and seven-day support. Larger packages add selected identity, address, RBO, annual-return, bond and secretarial services.
The package approach gives the founder a defined deliverable and a place to ask formation questions. It does not transfer director responsibility or guarantee CRO acceptance.
Cost Comparison
The CRO's electronic A1 fee is EUR50. StartCompany.ie Basic is €240, including that fee and the listed service and documents. The difference should be assessed against the founder's time, confidence, required documents and risk of choosing the wrong route.
A DIY filing may be cost-effective for an experienced founder with a simple structure. Professional support can be better value where identity, director residence, secretary, shares or registered office questions are unresolved.
When DIY Is More Realistic
DIY is more realistic where the company has one simple share class, known officers, a valid registered office, an EEA-resident director and all identity details ready. The founder should also understand the constitution and first-year filing calendar.
If the structure involves corporate shareholders, overseas documents, a Section 137 bond, unusual share rights or regulated activity, professional and specialist advice becomes more important.
When StartCompany.ie Is the Better Fit
Use StartCompany.ie when you want the core formation documents organised, the CRO fee included and the package matched to IPN, registered office, RBO, first-return or non-resident bond needs.
The final choice is practical. Filing directly is not inherently wrong, and using a formation service does not make legal and tax planning unnecessary. Choose the route that produces accurate records and leaves enough time for the business itself.
Related StartCompany.ie Guides and Services
Official Sources Used
- CRO company filing fees
- CRO required company formation steps
- CRO registered office requirements
- CRO company officers and EEA-resident director rules
- CRO annual return guidance
- RBO beneficial ownership filing guidance
Package prices and inclusions are current as at 15 August 2026. Review the live StartCompany.ie pricing page before ordering because service scopes can change.