This article is written for business owners, company secretaries, and entrepreneurs who need to understand their obligations with Ireland's Companies Registration Office (CRO).
It is particularly relevant for those starting a new company or managing compliance for an existing Irish company.
Key Takeaways
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) is Ireland's central repository for company information and is, similar to Companies House in the UK, responsible for maintaining official company records
While CRO forms are mandatory for compliance, they are typically notification forms only and don't execute the underlying corporate actions they document
Filing fees range from €20 to €100
Incorrect assumptions about CRO forms' legal effect can lead to serious governance issues, particularly regarding director appointments and share issuances
Modern authentication methods like electronic signatures are widely accepted in corporate transactions, yet the CRO still requires wet ink signatures for many filings
Creating a CRO account is necessary for direct filings, though Open Forest can manage this process on your behalf
Timely and accurate CRO filings are crucial for maintaining good corporate governance and avoiding penalties
You can find out publicly who owned a company the day it was incorporated by buying a copy of its constitution and seeing who was given the first shares. After that, you can purchase all of the CRO filings on a company and piece together any share transfers or share issues - but it will always be a bit short of a full picture.
How do I contact the CRO?
The CRO can be contacted by phone at +353 1 804 5200 during business hours (9:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday), by email at info@cro.ie, or through their contact form on www.cro.ie. Their public office is located at Bloom House, Gloucester Place Lower, Dublin 1.
How to get a CRO number?
A CRO number is automatically assigned when a company is incorporated. The number appears on your Certificate of Incorporation and can be found by searching the company name on the CRO's website. New companies typically receive their CRO number within 5-10 working days of registration. It's 5 days if you use Open Forest.
Do sole traders have a CRO number?
No, sole traders do not receive CRO numbers as they are not required to register with the Companies Registration Office. Sole traders register instead with the Revenue Commissioners and may need to register their business name with the CRO if trading under a name other than their own.
What happens if I miss my annual return date?
Missing your annual return date results in late filing penalties of €100 plus €3 per day until the return is filed. You will also lose your audit exemption for two years.
Can I check if a company name is available before registering?
Yes, the CRO provides a free online company name check facility through their website. This should be used before submitting any company formation documents.
How much does it cost to file an annual return?
The standard fee for filing an annual return is €20 when filed online through CORE, with additional fees applying for late submissions or paper filings.
