A Private Limited Company (LTD) is the most popular business structure in Ireland. It is a separate legal "person" from you. This means that if the business runs into debt, your personal assets (like your home or car) are generally protected. It also allows you to benefit from Ireland's low 12.5% Corporation Tax rate on business profits.
You can absolutely start a company as a sole director. However, if you are the only director, Irish law requires you to appoint a separate person to act as the Company Secretary. If you have two or more directors, one of those directors can also serve as the secretary.
No, you do not need to be an Irish resident. However, at least one of your directors must live within the European Economic Area (EEA). If all your directors live outside the EEA (for example, in the UK, USA, or UAE), you must purchase a Section 137 Bond. This is a simple insurance policy that allows your company to operate legally without a resident director.
The Section 137 Bond is a financial guarantee required when no director lives in the EEA. It covers the company for up to €25,000 in case of unpaid fines or taxes. You don't pay €25,000; instead, you pay a "premium" (usually between €1,600 and €2,000) which covers the company for two years.
The Company Secretary is responsible for the "legal paperwork" of the company. Their main job is to ensure that annual returns are filed on time with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and that the company’s internal records are kept up to date. They do not need to be a business expert; their role is focused on administrative compliance.
Once we submit your application to the Companies Registration Office (CRO), it typically takes about 3 to 5 working days to receive your Certificate of Incorporation. If you require a Section 137 Bond, the process may take an extra week to arrange the paperwork with the insurance provider.
Yes, once your company is incorporated, you can apply for a business bank account. Most Irish banks will require a face-to-face meeting or a detailed video call. They will ask for your Certificate of Incorporation, your Constitution, and proof of identity for all directors. We can provide all the legal documents you need to make this process smoother.
