This article is for Irish business founders and company directors who need to choose a registered office address for their company.
If you're wondering whether you can use your home address, what counts as a "physical location," or whether a virtual office is allowed, this guide covers the legal requirements, your options (including solutions for non-resident founders), and the privacy implications of each choice.
Key Takeaways
• Your registered office must be a physical Irish address capable of receiving documents; P.O. boxes don't qualify. • The registered office address appears on public CRO records, making it visible to competitors and customers. • Virtual office services provide compliant registered addresses for €150-€300 annually with mail forwarding and privacy protection. • Missing correspondence at your registered office can trigger strike-off proceedings and director liability for compliance failures. • Non-resident founders must arrange an Irish registered office through professional services, virtual offices, or Irish-based contacts.
Laura Ryan is a practising Barrister at the Bar of Ireland. She graduated from the Honourable Society of King’s Inns in 2024, having previously qualified and practised as a Chartered Accountant in a big four accounting firm.
Can I use my home address as my registered office?
Yes, you can use your home address as the registered office, and many sole directors and small companies do this. However, keep in mind that this address becomes publicly available on the Companies Registration Office website, which creates privacy concerns as anyone can search and find your residential address.
Does my registered office need to be a physical location, or can I use a P.O. box?
Your registered office must be a physical address where documents can be delivered during normal business hours. P.O. boxes and mail forwarding services without physical premises don't qualify because legal documents must be capable of physical delivery to an actual building or premises.
What's the cost of using a virtual office as my registered office?
Virtual offices typically cost €150-€300 annually depending on the service level. These services provide a compliant physical address where documents are received, then forward correspondence to your preferred address while keeping your home address off public records.
Can I use my accountant's or solicitor's address as my registered office?
Yes, professional advisors sometimes offer registered office services if they agree and understand the obligations involved. However, you'll need written agreement confirming they'll receive and forward correspondence, and many professionals prefer not to offer this service due to the responsibilities involved.
I'm a non-resident founder—do I still need an Irish registered office address?
Yes, non-resident founders must arrange an Irish registered office address regardless of where directors live. Professional registered office services, virtual office providers, or Irish-based directors or secretaries can provide compliant addresses with reliable document receipt and forwarding.
What kind of correspondence will arrive at my registered office?
The Companies Registration Office sends annual return reminders and compliance notices, Revenue Commissioners mail tax correspondence, and courts deliver legal proceedings and judgments. You'll also receive statutory notices from government agencies, shareholder communications, and third-party legal notices including debt collection and litigation.
What happens if documents can't be delivered to my registered office?
The Companies Registration Office can begin strike-off proceedings if correspondence is returned undelivered, and you may face CRO penalties for failing to maintain a proper registered office. Legal proceedings can be validly served even if not actually received, and courts may deem documents properly served if sent to the registered office address, increasing director liability when statutory correspondence goes missing.
Will my registered office address be visible to the public?
Yes, your registered office address is publicly available information that anyone can search on the Companies Registration Office website. The address appears on incorporation documents and annual returns, meaning competitors can identify your location and customers may visit or contact the address, which is why many businesses choose professional services for privacy protection.
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