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Essential Company Formation Documents in Ireland

8 min read December 2023

Company formation requires specific documents to be filed with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). Understanding what's needed helps you prepare properly and avoid delays.

8

Key documents needed

€50

CRO online filing fee

3 Months

Max age for address proof

Core Formation Documents

Form A1 - Application for Registration

Primary application form

Essential

The main application form containing all key company details.

Section A - Company name and typeSection B - Registered office addressSection C - Directors' detailsSection D - Secretary's detailsSection E - Share capital & shareholdersSection F - NACE codeSection G - Compliance statements

Company Constitution

Governing document

Essential

Your company's governing document, replacing the old Memorandum and Articles of Association. Must comply with Companies Act 2014.

Model Form (standard)Custom Constitution (tailored)Durable paper, black ink

Supporting Documents

Proof of Identity

Valid passport, national ID, or driving licence for each director and secretary

Proof of Address

Utility bill, bank statement, or government letter dated within 3 months

PPS Number / VIF Form

Irish directors: PPS number. Non-residents: Verification of Identity Form

Director Consent Forms

Written consent from each person agreeing to act as director

Common Document Mistakes to Avoid

  • - Outdated proof of address (must be within 3 months)
  • - Incomplete Form A1 sections
  • - Missing signatures from all directors
  • - Incorrect NACE code selection
  • - Constitution not compliant with Companies Act 2014

Optional Documents

Shareholders' Agreement

Not filed with CRO, but recommended for multi-shareholder companies. Covers:

Decision-making proceduresShare transfer restrictionsDividend policiesExit provisions

Complete Document Checklist

1

Form A1 (completed and signed)

Primary application with all sections filled

2

Company Constitution

Model form or custom version, Companies Act 2014 compliant

3

Passport/ID for Each Director

Valid photographic identification

4

Proof of Address for Each Director

Utility bill or bank statement within 3 months

5

PPS Numbers or VIF Forms

Tax identification for all directors

6

Director & Secretary Consent Forms

Written agreement to act in role

7

CRO Filing Fee

€50 (online) or €100 (paper submission)

Documents You'll Receive

  • Certificate of Incorporation - Official proof your company legally exists
  • Company Number - Your unique CRO reference number
  • Certified Constitution - Stamped copy of your filed constitution

Pro Tip

Keep digital copies of all documents in a secure location. You'll need them for bank account applications, tax registration, and ongoing compliance. A professional formation service ensures all documents are correctly prepared first time.

Need Help with Formation Documents?

We prepare all formation documents for you, ensuring everything is correct and complete for CRO submission.

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