A private limited company (LTD) is the most popular business structure in Ireland, offering liability protection and tax efficiency. Here's your complete guide to setting one up.
€50
CRO fee (online)
3-5 Days
Processing time
1 Director
Minimum required
12.5%
Corporation tax
What is a Private Limited Company?
A Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing protection and flexibility for Irish businesses.
Shareholders' liability is limited to their investment
Company can own assets, enter contracts, and sue/be sued
Company continues regardless of ownership changes
Ownership can be transferred by selling shares
Requirements for a Limited Company
Directors
Minimum 1 required
- Must be over 18 years old
- At least one director must be EEA-resident (or obtain Section 137 bond)
- Directors cannot be undischarged bankrupts
- Can also be a shareholder
Company Secretary
Mandatory role
- Every company must have a company secretary
- If only one director, secretary must be a different person
- Can be an individual or a corporate body
Shareholders
- • Minimum of 1 shareholder
- • Maximum of 149 shareholders
- • Directors can also be shareholders
Registered Office
- • Must be a physical Irish address
- • Cannot be a PO Box
- • Official correspondence sent here
EEA Director Requirement
At least one director must be resident in the EEA. If no EEA-resident director is available, a Section 137 bond (€1,500-€2,000) can satisfy this requirement.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Choose Your Company Name
Select a unique and compliant name
- Must end with 'Limited' or 'Ltd'
- Be distinguishable from existing company names
- Not be offensive or misleading
- No restricted words without approval
Prepare Your Constitution
Your company's governing document
- Adopt the model constitution from Companies Act 2014
- Or create a customised constitution for specific needs
Complete Form A1
Application for incorporation
- Company name and registered office
- Director and secretary details
- Shareholder details and share allocation
- NACE code for business activity
- Compliance statements
Submit to CRO
Online or paper submission
- Online (CORE): €50 fee, 3-5 day processing
- Paper: €100 fee, 2-3 week processing
Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Your company now legally exists
- Confirms your company registration number
- Enables you to trade and open bank accounts
Post-Formation Requirements
Critical Deadlines
30 days
Tax registration
5 months
Beneficial ownership
6 months
First Annual Return
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
File Form B1 with CRO each year
File CT1 with Revenue
Maintain directors, shareholders, charges
Hold AGM with shareholders
Keep proper books and accounts
If VAT registered, file bi-monthly
Costs Summary
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| CRO registration (online) | €50 |
| Professional formation service | €299-€799 |
| Registered office (annual) | €100-€200 |
| Section 137 bond (if needed) | €1,500-€2,000 |
| Company secretary (annual) | €200-€500 |
Benefits of a Limited Company
Personal assets protected from business debts
12.5% corporation tax rate on trading profits
Increased credibility with clients and suppliers
Easier to raise investment or secure loans
Pro Tip
Consider using a professional service for incorporation. They ensure all documents are correctly prepared and can handle tax registration simultaneously, saving you time and avoiding costly mistakes.
Company Formation Guides
Need Help Setting Up?
Our team sets up limited companies every day. We handle all the paperwork and ensure everything is done right from day one.
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