Call Us +1-555-555-555

A company’s registered office is its official address. In Ireland, the registered office must be located in the state.

A company’s registered office is important because it is the address at which the company is officially located. This address is used for legal and official correspondence. The registered office must be located in Ireland, and the address must be displayed at the registered office and made available to the public. The company must also notify the Companies Registration Office of any change to the registered office address within 21 days.

What is a Registered Office?

A Registered Office is an address where certain legal documents for a company must be sent. It is the company's official address. The Registered Office is also the address that is used on public record, such as the Companies Register. A Registered Office is not necessarily the same as the company's trading address.

What are the benefits of having a Registered Office in Ireland?

A significant number of businesses choose to set up a registered office in Ireland for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the key benefits:


1. Easier access to the European market: As an EU member state, Ireland provides businesses with easier access to the 500 million consumers in the European market. This is particularly advantageous for businesses looking to export goods and services.


2. Access to a skilled workforce: Ireland has a young and educated population, which provides businesses with a skilled workforce. In addition, the country has a history of attracting international talent, which further enhances the talent pool available to businesses.


3. Low corporate tax rate: Ireland has a corporate tax rate of just 12.5%, which is one of the lowest in the EU. This makes Ireland an attractive destination for businesses looking to minimise their tax liability.


4. Favourable taxation regime for foreign companies: Foreign companies setting up in Ireland can avail of a number of tax incentives, including the Foreign Earnings Deduction, which allows businesses to deduct up to 30% of their foreign earnings from their Irish taxable profits.


5. Robust infrastructure: Ireland has a modern and efficient infrastructure, which includes an excellent transport network and a world-class telecoms infrastructure. This makes doing business in Ireland easier and more efficient.


6. pro-business environment: Ireland has a generally favourable environment for businesses. For example, the country ranks highly in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ report and ranks first in the EU for the number of days required to start a business.


7. English-speaking country: As an English-speaking country, Ireland provides a smooth transition for businesses expanding into Europe. This can save businesses time and money in terms of training staff and communicating with customers and suppliers.


8. Gateway to the US market: Ireland is well-positioned to act as a gateway into the US market. Numerous US companies have chosen to locate their European operations in Ireland, taking advantage of the country’s pro-business environment and skilled workforce.


9. Competitive cost of doing business: Ireland is a relatively low-cost country in which to do business. This is due to a number of factors, including low energy costs and relatively low wages.


10. Supportive government: The Irish government is supportive of businesses and offers a range of initiatives to help businesses grow and succeed. For example, the Enterprise Ireland agency provides financial and technical assistance to businesses looking to expand in Ireland.

What are the requirements for a company to have a Registered Office in Ireland?

Every company registered in Ireland is required by law to have a Registered Office. This is the official address of the company and is where all official correspondence will be sent. The company's Annual Return and other documents required by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) must also be sent to the Registered Office.


The Registered Office must be located in Ireland and the address must be stated in the company's Memorandum of Association. The Registered Office cannot be a P.O. Box address.


It is the responsibility of the company's directors to ensure that the company has a Registered Office and that the required documents are sent to that address. If the company does not have a Registered Office, or the required documents are not sent to the Registered Office, the directors may be liable to a fine.

How can a company change its Registered Office in Ireland?

A company registered in Ireland can change its registered office address by passing a resolution at a shareholders’ meeting. The resolution must be passed by a simple majority of shareholders and filed with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The company must then notify the CRO of the new registered office address within 14 days.


There are a number of reasons why a company might want to change its registered office address. Perhaps the company has relocated its operations and no longer has any presence at the current registered office address. Or maybe the company wants to change its registered office address to a more centrally located or prestigious address. Whatever the reason, changing the registered office address is a relatively straightforward process.


Once the resolution to change the registered office address has been passed by the shareholders, the company must notify the CRO of the new address. The CRO will then update the company’s details on the public register. The new registered office address will be displayed on the CRO website and will be available to the public.


It is important to note that changing the registered office address does not change the company’s legal status or the jurisdiction in which it is registered. The company will still be registered in Ireland and will be subject to Irish company law, even if its registered office address is now located outside of Ireland.

What happens if a company does not have a Registered Office in Ireland?

A company is legally required to have a registered office in Ireland. This is the address where important documents relating to the company, such as the Register of Members, are kept. The company's name and registered office address must be displayed at its premises.


If a company does not have a registered office in Ireland, it may be struck off the Register of Companies. This means the company will no longer exist and its directors may be liable to prosecution.


The company may also be wound up by the court if it does not have a registered office in Ireland. This means the company will be dissolved and its assets will be distributed to its creditors.


It is therefore very important for a company to have a registered office in Ireland.


The Irish government is very keen to attract inward investment and as a result, the process of incorporating a company in Ireland is simple and straightforward. One of the main requirements is to have a registered office in Ireland. This is the address at which the company must keep certain statutory registers and to which all official correspondence will be sent. It is relatively easy to set up a registered office in Ireland and there are a number of service providers who can help with this.

A group of people are sitting around a table looking at a laptop.
12 April 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of business operations, one thing remains constant: the importance of efficient financial management.
11 March 2024
At Brennan O'Reilly Accountants, we take pride in being your dedicated financial partners, committed to helping you achieve your business goals. One of our most popular and impactful services is our comprehensive Financial Statements offering.
23 February 2024
Brennan O'Reilly Accountants is on the move, and come March 1st, we will be settling into our new office space.
Show More
Share by: