Setting Up a Company in Ireland

Starting a company in Ireland can unlock real opportunities, particularly for international founders. Yet with so many steps involved, the process can feel overwhelming without expert support. That’s where Citizenship Index steps in.

As our team emphasizes, we specialise in helping international clients establish companies in Ireland with confidence and ease. We handle the entire process from start to finish, ensuring compliance while saving you time and stress.

At Citizenship Index, we don’t just create companies — we build long-term partnerships that support clients as they grow in Ireland and beyond. From choosing the right structure to registering employees, we provide everything you need to get started on the right foot.

6-Step Process for Creating a Company in Ireland

Step 1 – Choose Your Company Structure
The first decision is selecting the right legal structure. This will define how your business operates, its tax obligations, and your personal liability. Options include:

• Private Limited Company (LTD): Most popular, offering flexibility and limited liability.
  
  

• Designated Activity Company (DAC): Ideal for businesses with a clearly defined purpose.
  
  

• Sole Trader: Simple but owner is personally liable.
  
  

• Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG): Best for charities and nonprofits.
  
  

• Public Limited Company (PLC): Suitable for large businesses offering public shares.
  
  

• Partnerships: Shared responsibilities but less protection.
  
  

Not sure which structure fits your goals? Citizenship Index can guide you step by step.

Step 2 – Select Your Company Name and Registered Office
Choosing a unique company name and establishing a legal address in Ireland are essential. Your name must meet CRO rules and be distinguishable from existing companies.

Equally, your registered office must be a real physical address in Ireland (no P.O. Boxes). Citizenship Index provides registered office services in Dublin and Cork for your convenience.

Step 3 – Appoint Directors, Shareholders, and a Company Secretary
Every Irish company must appoint directors, shareholders, and a company secretary.

• At least one director must be resident in the EEA, or else a Section 137 bond is required.
  
  

• Shareholders (individuals or corporate entities) own the company and must comply with AML checks.
  
  

• The company secretary ensures compliance with Irish law.
  
  

Citizenship Index offers professional company secretary services and expert advice on structuring shares and governance.

Step 4 – Draft Governing Documents
Depending on your company type, you’ll need either:

• Constitution (for LTDs), or
  
  

• Memorandum & Articles of Association (for DACs, CLGs, etc.).
  
  

These documents form the legal foundation of your company. Citizenship Index ensures they are drafted and filed correctly, fully compliant with Irish law.

Step 5 – Register for Tax and Open a Bank Account
After incorporation, you must:

• Register with the Revenue Commissioners for Corporation Tax, VAT (if applicable), and PAYE.
  
  

• Open a dedicated Irish business bank account for transparency and credibility.
  
  

Citizenship Index partners with leading Irish banks and supports traditional and digital onboarding, including remote account opening.

Step 6 – Register as an Employer in Ireland
If you plan to hire employees, you must register as an employer with Revenue. This allows you to operate PAYE/PRSI and remain compliant.

Citizenship Index handles the process to ensure smooth onboarding and ongoing compliance.

Free Resource – Company Creation Roadmap

Looking to set up a company in Ireland but don’t know where to begin? Download our free checklist covering the 10 essential steps, from CRO filing to tax registration.

[Download Company Creation Roadmap]

Our Tailored Packages

Standard Company Setup Package
Perfect for clients who need a compliant Irish company with the essentials:

• Full incorporation
  
  

• Registered office address
  
  

• Company secretary service
  
  

• Annual return preparation
  
  

• UBO register setup & AML compliance
  
  

Complete Company Setup Package
Best for businesses ready to trade and scale in Ireland:

• Everything in the Standard Package
  
  

• Business bank account setup
  
  

• Corporation Tax & VAT registration
  
  

• Extended AML support
  
  

Additional Services We Offer

At Citizenship Index, we know starting a company abroad is a big step. That’s why we provide clear, practical, and compliant services tailored to your needs:

• Annual return compliance
  
  

• Registered office address
  
  

• Professional company secretary services
  
  

• Non-resident bond arrangement
  
  

• Corporate services
  
  

• Beneficial ownership register management
  
  

• Bank account setup
  
  

With Citizenship Index, your company setup in Ireland becomes simple, compliant, and future-proof.

Ireland Company Formation – Set Up a Business in Ireland with Citizenship Index

Starting a company in Ireland opens the door to one of Europe’s most attractive business destinations. With its pro-business tax system, access to the EU market, and reputation as a global hub for innovation, Ireland offers real opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, and international investors.

However, the company formation process in Ireland involves several legal and regulatory steps. Without the right guidance, it can feel complex — especially for non-resident founders. At Citizenship Index, we specialise in helping international clients set up a company in Ireland smoothly, ensuring compliance while saving you time and effort.

We don’t just register companies — we create long-term partnerships that help you grow and succeed in Ireland and beyond.

6 Simple Steps to Register a Company in Ireland

Step 1 – Choose the Right Company Structure
Selecting the correct legal structure is the foundation of your business. Whether you need a Private Limited Company (LTD), Designated Activity Company (DAC), Sole Trader setup, Public Limited Company (PLC), or a structure for a nonprofit (CLG), Citizenship Index provides expert advice tailored to your business goals.

Step 2 – Secure Your Company Name & Registered Office
Your company name must be unique and approved by the Companies Registration Office (CRO). In addition, every Irish company must have a physical registered office address in Ireland. Citizenship Index offers registered office services in Dublin and Cork, making compliance easy.

Step 3 – Appoint Directors, Shareholders & a Company Secretary
Irish law requires at least one EEA-resident director or a Section 137 bond. Shareholders and company secretaries also need to be appointed. Our experts ensure proper structuring, AML compliance, and governance.

Step 4 – Draft the Constitution or Articles of Association
These governing documents define how your company operates and must comply with Irish corporate law. We prepare and file them on your behalf, ensuring smooth Irish company registration.

Step 5 – Register for Taxes & Open a Business Bank Account
To trade legally, your company must register for Corporation Tax, VAT (if applicable), and PAYE. A dedicated Irish business bank account is also required. We work with leading Irish banks and can facilitate both in-person and remote account openings.

Step 6 – Register as an Employer in Ireland
Planning to hire employees? You must register as an employer with the Revenue Commissioners. We take care of the entire process so you can start hiring compliantly.

Free Download – Ireland Company Formation Roadmap

Want a step-by-step guide to setting up a business in Ireland? Download our free roadmap covering all key stages, from CRO registration to tax compliance.

[Download the Company Creation Roadmap]

Our Company Formation Packages in Ireland

Standard Company Setup Package – Ideal for entrepreneurs who want a fully compliant Irish company with the essentials:

• Full incorporation with the CRO
  
  

• Registered office address in Ireland
  
  

• Company secretary service
  
  

• Annual return preparation
  
  

• UBO register & AML compliance
  
  

Complete Company Setup Package – Best for businesses ready to trade immediately:

• Everything in the Standard Package
  
  

• Business bank account setup
  
  

• Corporation Tax & VAT registration
  
  

• Extended AML support
  
  

Additional Corporate Services in Ireland

At Citizenship Index, we make Ireland company formation simple and stress-free with ongoing support, including:

• Annual return compliance
  
  

• Registered office address services
  
  

• Professional company secretary
  
  

• Non-resident bond arrangement
  
  

• Beneficial ownership register
  
  

• Bank account setup
  
  

• Corporate governance services
  
  

Why Choose Citizenship Index for Irish Company Formation?

• Expertise in non-resident company setup in Ireland
  
  

• Full compliance with CRO and Revenue requirements
  
  

• Transparent packages with no hidden costs
  
  

• Long-term support for scaling your business
  
  

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or global business, Citizenship Index is your trusted partner to set up a company in Ireland quickly, compliantly, and with confidence.