How to Register a Business in Ireland

Please note that this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be deemed to be or used as legal, employment, or health & safety advice. For guidance or advice specific to your business, consult with a qualified professional.

Setting up a business in Ireland can be done in several ways, depending on your chosen business structure. Regardless of the structure, every business requires some form of registration. The registration level and legal requirements will depend on factors like the size of your business, the number of owners or shareholders, and the type of activities you plan to undertake.

Why should I register my business?

Ireland is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, with many choosing to start a company as a full-time venture or a side project alongside employment. There are approximately 341,000 self-employed individuals in Ireland, which continues to rise. As more people explore how to start a business in Ireland, it becomes crucial to understand the legal requirements of setting up a business.

Registering your company is necessary to ensure legal recognition and compliance with tax regulations. At a minimum, you must register with Revenue to manage your taxes correctly and obtain a Companies Registration Office (CRO) number. Depending on your business’s size and nature, other registrations or licenses may be required, such as for employing staff, operating from home, or street trading. Ensuring proper business name registration in Ireland is a crucial first step for legitimacy.

What types of businesses need to register?

Every business in Ireland must register, though the process differs based on the type of business. Below are the different business structures and their registration requirements. Remember, this is only for educational purposes—please consult a qualified professional to address your specific needs.

1.How to register as a sole trader

A sole trader is the simplest and most common business structure in Ireland. As a sole trader, you retain all business profits after taxes but are personally liable for any debts. You are also considered self-employed and must:

• Register as self-employed with Revenue.
• Pay income tax and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI).
• Register for VAT if your turnover exceeds €75,000 for goods or €37,500 for services. You can also voluntarily register for VAT below these thresholds to reclaim VAT on purchases.
• Complete your business name registration if your trading name differs from your personal name.

For more information, visit Revenue’s Sole Trader Registration Guide.

2. How to register as a general partnership in Ireland

A general partnership is similar to a sole trader structure but involves two or more individuals (up to 20, with some exceptions). To set up a general partnership, you must:

• Ensure the partnership’s name includes at least one member’s name.
• Register the business name if not using all partners’ names.
• Draw up an agreement outlining each partner’s role and financial contribution.
• Each partner must register for tax and PRSI individually.

For guidance on forming a partnership, check the Partnership Setup Guide.

3. How to register as a limited partnership in Ireland

A limited partnership is an alternative that includes at least one general partner with unlimited liability and one or more partners with liability limited to their financial investment. General partners are responsible for meeting debts, while limited partners are only liable for the amount they contribute. Limited partnerships must not exceed 20 members (or 10 for banking businesses).

4. How to register a limited company in Ireland

Registering a limited company in Ireland involves creating a separate legal entity distinct from its owners. This protects personal assets from being tied to business liabilities. To open a company in Ireland as a limited entity, you will need to:

• Appoint at least one director.
• Assign a company secretary (this cannot be the sole director if there is only one).
• Choose a company name that complies with the CRO guidelines—limited company names must end with “Limited” or “Ltd” and be unique.
• Have at least one shareholder and decide on the share distribution.
• Register your business with CRO and file the required incorporation documents.
• Provide a registered office and business address in Ireland.

Get your business started with Square

Once you register a business in Ireland, you must manage your operations efficiently from day one. Square offers innovative solutions to help your business thrive, including an all-in-one card machine that supports various payment methods—chip and PIN, mobile payments, or contactless.

Square’s Point of Sale (POS) software simplifies managing sales, payments, and inventory. It’s customisable, user-friendly, and helps you hit the ground running as you start a company in Ireland. As your business grows, Square Online can boost your online presence with a free online store, offering services like local delivery and click-and-collect.

Registering your business is the first step in establishing your legal presence in Ireland, whether you are a sole trader, part of a partnership, or setting up a limited company. By understanding how to register a business in Ireland, you can ensure compliance with tax and legal requirements, allowing you to focus on building your business successfully.