This article is written for international entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to establish a company in Ireland whilst residing outside the EEA.
It offers essential guidance for non-resident directors who need to meet Irish regulatory requirements for company registration.
Startup founders and SME owners looking to expand into European markets will find particular value in these insights.
Key Takeaways
- Every Irish company must maintain a physical registered office address in Ireland regardless of where directors or shareholders reside
- PO boxes are strictly prohibited for registered office purposes under Irish company law
- Virtual office solutions are legally acceptable provided they have an underlying physical location for mail receipt
- Banking institutions like Revolut require robust verification of physical addresses, particularly for companies with management outside the EEA
- Many virtual office providers charge €600+ annually with unnecessary bundled services
- Basic registered office compliance can be achieved for as little as €199 + VAT through streamlined service providers

Why Ireland Remains a Premier European Business Hub
Ireland continues to attract international businesses due to its strategic advantages within the European market.
With its competitive 12.5% corporate tax rate, English-speaking workforce, and status as the only English-speaking country in the eurozone post-Brexit, Ireland offers non-resident entrepreneurs a gateway to the EU market of over 450 million consumers.
The country's pro-business regulatory environment, strong technology infrastructure, and highly educated workforce make it particularly attractive for technology companies, financial services providers, and multinational corporations seeking a European base.
Additionally, Ireland's membership in the European Union ensures seamless trade with other member states while providing access to EU funding and support programmes.

Legal Requirements for a Registered Office in Ireland
Irish company law mandates that every company registered in Ireland must maintain a registered office within the jurisdiction.
This requirement applies regardless of where the company's directors or shareholders reside.
Key Legal Provisions Under the Companies Act 2014
- Section 50(1) of the Companies Act 2014 requires every company to have a registered office in Ireland where all communications and notices may be addressed
- Section 50(2) says that notice of the situation of the registered office, and of any change, must be given to the Registrar of Companies
Physical Address Requirements and Limitations
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) and Revenue Commissioners explicitly prohibit the use of PO boxes as registered office addresses.
The registered office serves as the official address for:
- Receiving legal correspondence from the CRO
- Accepting documents from Revenue Commissioners
- Receiving statutory notices and official communications
- Maintaining statutory books and records
- Serving as the address for service of legal proceedings
It is essential that your registered office provides reliable mail handling services, as missing important communications from authorities can result in compliance issues, penalties, or even strike-off proceedings.
Virtual Office Solutions: A Practical Approach
While a physical office is required, this does not necessarily mean you need to lease dedicated premises if your operations do not require a constant physical presence in Ireland.
Virtual office arrangements are acceptable under Irish law, provided there is a genuine physical location underlying the service where mail can be received and forwarded.
These services enable non-resident businesses to maintain full compliance with Irish company law while minimising overhead costs. However, it is crucial to select a reputable provider who understands the compliance requirements for registered offices.
Banking Requirements: Meeting Bank's Address Verification Standards
Financial institutions operating in Ireland maintain strict verification standards for business addresses, particularly when the company management resides outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
For example, Revolut Business specifically requires:
- A physical operating address in a supported country or region
- Rejection of PO boxes or purely virtual operating addresses
- Documentation proving the legitimacy of the operating address
When your team is based entirely outside the EEA, additional verification steps may include:
- Utility bills in the name of a director or majority shareholder
- Customer or supplier contracts showing the address as a place of delivery
- Written confirmation from property owners if operating from shared premises
- In some cases, physical card delivery to verify the operating address
It's important to distinguish between your registered office address (for legal and tax correspondence) and your operating address (where day-to-day business occurs).
While they can be the same location, many non-resident businesses maintain separate addresses for these purposes.
Cost Considerations: Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses
The market for virtual office services in Ireland includes a wide range of providers with varying price points and service offerings.
Unfortunately, many providers charge premium rates for basic registered office services.
It is common to find virtual office packages priced at €600 + VAT annually or higher, with many providers bundling unnecessary services such as:
- One day per month of hot-desking facilities
- Receptionist services you may never use
- Meeting room credits that expire unused
- Premium mail handling options beyond regulatory requirements
For non-resident businesses seeking simple compliance with registered office requirements, these bundled services often represent unnecessary expenses that can significantly impact operational costs, particularly for startups and SMEs.
Affordable Registered Office Solutions with Open Forest
At Open Forest, we understand that many non-resident businesses require only the essential services needed for legal compliance.
Rather than bundling services you don't need, we offer a streamlined registered office service for only €199 + VAT annually.
Our basic registered office package includes:
- A compliant physical address in Ireland
- Mail receipt and digital forwarding services
- Electronic notification of important correspondence
- Assistance with CRO and Revenue documentation
- Full compliance with Companies Act requirements
By focusing exclusively on the core services required for legal compliance, we eliminate unnecessary costs whilst ensuring your company maintains its good standing with Irish authorities.

Stuart Connolly is a corporate barrister in Ireland and the UK since 2012.
He spent over a decade at Ireland's top law firms including Arthur Cox & William Fry.