Forming a limited company in Ireland costs more than just the CRO filing fee. Here's the complete picture — from the €50 government fee to the real first-year total that most guides don't mention.
€50
CRO online fee
€99–€295
Agent fee
3–5 days
Standard turnaround
The CRO Filing Fee
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) charges a mandatory government fee to register your company. This is paid regardless of whether you use an agent or self-file.
Online Filing (CORE)
Recommended method
- Processed in 3–5 working days
- Confirmation email issued
- Certificate downloadable from CORE
Paper Filing
Not recommended
- Takes 4–6 weeks to process
- Higher fee than online
- Higher rejection risk
What the CRO fee covers
The CRO fee covers registration of your company name, issue of your Certificate of Incorporation, and your company number. It does not include: registered office address, company secretary, Revenue registrations (VAT, PAYE, CT), or any legal or accountancy work.
What You Actually Pay — Formation Agents
Unless you're confident preparing all CRO documents yourself, most people use a formation agent. Here's what the market looks like in 2026:
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (self-filed) | €50 CRO only | Confident, experienced |
| Basic agent | €99–€150 + VAT | Simple LTD, budget-conscious |
| Good Company StandardPopular | €299 incl. | Most new companies |
| Good Company Professional | €499 incl. | Custom constitution, VAT setup |
| Good Company Premium | €799 incl. | Complex structures |
CRO fee included?
Always check whether the quoted price includes the €50 CRO fee. Good Company's packages include it. Many online agents quote a low agent fee but add the CRO fee separately at checkout.
First-Year Ongoing Costs (The Hidden Costs)
Formation is just the start. Every Irish limited company has mandatory ongoing costs that many first-time company owners don't plan for:
| Item | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered office address | €199–€375/year | Required by law |
| Company secretary | €199–€329/year | Required by law |
| Corporation Tax registration | Included or €50–€195 | Revenue requirement |
| VAT registration | Free (Revenue) | Only if VAT-registered |
| Bank account opening | Free–€50 | Varies by bank |
Total First-Year Cost Example
Typical new Irish limited company — 2026
Excluding VAT. Based on Core Compliance accountancy package. Varies by company activity.
What Affects Your Formation Price?
Company type
LTD (private limited company) is cheapest to form. DAC, PLC, CLG, and Unlimited companies have additional requirements and cost more to set up.
Non-EEA resident directors
If all directors are non-EEA residents, a €25,000 bond is required (or an insurance policy costing ~€1,957.50/year). One EEA director eliminates this.
Adding VAT/PAYE at formation
Registering for VAT and PAYE at the same time as company formation adds complexity but saves time. Good Company's Professional package includes both.
Urgency
Standard formation is 3–5 days. Express same-day or next-day formation typically costs €50–€150 extra depending on the agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to form a company in Ireland?
Self-file directly with the CRO via CORE online — €50 fee only. However, if you make errors, your application will be rejected. A basic agent (€99–€150) is worth it for most people. Good Company's Standard package (€299 incl.) provides full document preparation, filing, and first-year registered office.
Do I need a registered office for my Irish company?
Yes — all Irish limited companies must have a registered office address in Ireland. You can use your home address or a registered office service (€199–€375/year). Using your home means your home address appears publicly on the CRO register.
How long does company formation take in Ireland?
Online (CORE): 3–5 working days. Express same-day or next-day formation is available for an additional fee. Paper applications: 4–6 weeks. Good Company standard formation is 3–5 working days.
Can a non-Irish resident form an Irish company?
Yes. Non-EEA residents can be directors but if ALL directors are non-EEA, a €25,000 bond (or ~€1,957.50 insurance policy) is required under the Companies Act 2014. At least one EEA-resident director removes this requirement.
What is included in Good Company's formation package?
Standard (€299): all CRO documents, Form A1, company constitution (model form), CRO submission, certificate of incorporation, registered office address (year 1), and company secretary service (year 1). Professional (€499): adds VAT registration, PAYE setup, custom constitution. Premium (€799): adds complex structures, non-resident director requirements.
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Get Your Company Formed from €299
All documents prepared, CRO filed, and registered office included. 3–5 working day turnaround.
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