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Business Name Registration Process

1. Check Availability

Search CRO database for existing names and trademarks

FREE - 2 minutes

2. Reserve Name

Secure your chosen name for 28 days while preparing documents

€25 - Same day

3. Prepare Documents

Complete Form A1 and gather required incorporation documents

1-3 days prep

4. Submit & Launch

File incorporation application and receive company number

€100 - 5-7 days

Total Cost: €125 | Total Time: 7-10 days

This covers your complete business registration. Add VAT registration (free) and business banking to be fully operational.

Step 1: Check Name Availability

Before you fall in love with a name, make sure it's available. Irish company names must be unique and follow specific rules.

Where to Search

CRO Database

Search all existing Irish company names

Trademark Registry

Check for existing trademarks in your sector

Domain Names

Secure matching .ie and .com domains

Social Media

Check handle availability across platforms

Name Requirements

Must include "Limited" or "Teoranta"
Cannot suggest government connection
Must not be offensive or misleading
Should reflect business activity

Pro tip: Choose 3-5 name options. Similar names may be rejected even if not identical.

Step 2: Reserve Your Name

Name reservation gives you 28 days to complete your incorporation while protecting your chosen name from other applicants.

Reservation Process

1

Submit online application

Through CRO website with proposed name

2

Pay €25 reservation fee

Credit card payment processed immediately

3

Receive confirmation

Usually within same business day

4

Begin document preparation

28-day countdown starts from approval

What Happens Next

If Approved

  • • Name reserved for 28 days
  • • Proceed with incorporation documents
  • • Begin business setup (banking, VAT, etc.)

If Rejected

  • • Full refund processed automatically
  • • Feedback provided on rejection reason
  • • Submit alternative name immediately

Extension possible: If you need more time, you can extend the reservation for another €25, up to maximum 12 months total.

Step 3: Document Preparation

Proper document preparation ensures smooth incorporation. Get these right to avoid delays and queries from the CRO.

Required Documents

Form A1 (Incorporation Application)

Complete company details and officers

Memorandum of Association

Company objects and share capital

Articles of Association

Internal rules and procedures

Statement of Compliance

Declaration by qualified person

Officer Requirements

Directors

  • • Minimum one director (EU resident)
  • • Must be over 18 years old
  • • Cannot be an undischarged bankrupt
  • • Provide PPS number and ID

Company Secretary

  • • Can be individual or corporate body
  • • Cannot be sole director
  • • Must have Irish address
  • • Responsible for compliance

PayVat helps: We can connect you with qualified professionals for company secretarial services and ensure all documents are CRO-compliant.

Step 4: Submit & Launch

Final submission to the CRO and immediate next steps to get your business operational and compliant.

Submission Process

1

Submit complete application

Online via CRO portal with €100 fee

2

CRO review (5-7 days)

Automated checks and manual review

3

Receive company number

Certificate of incorporation issued

4

Begin trading

Company legally exists and can operate

Immediate Next Steps

Get Tax Reference Number from Revenue
Register for VAT (if required)
Set up ROS access for tax filing
Open business bank account
Get business insurance
Create PayVat account for VAT management

Annual Obligations

  • • Annual Return (Form B1) - due by anniversary
  • • Audited accounts filing - 28 days after AGM
  • • Corporation tax returns - 9 months after year-end

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1

Not checking similar names

CRO may reject names too similar to existing companies, even if not identical

2

Incomplete or incorrect Form A1

Errors cause delays and may require resubmission with new fees

3

Missing EU resident director

At least one director must be resident in EU/EEA for all Irish companies

4

Forgetting about domain names

Secure .ie and .com domains before finalising company name

5

Delaying tax registration

Get TRN and VAT setup immediately to avoid compliance issues

6

Poor registered office address

Use a permanent Irish address where official mail can be received

Ready to Register Your Business?

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Last updated: August 12, 2025