Irish Company Types | Company Bureau Formations Ireland

There are various company types available in Ireland. Many of them are private limited company types. Companies are separate legal entities from that of the individuals involved in them. Depending on the type of business, there are a number of different options to choose from when setting up a limited liability company or an unlimited company in Ireland, the most common being the Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD). Check below for more information on the different types of companies that we can assist you to set up. Irish companies are governed by the Companies Act 2014.

Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD)
Designated Activity Company (DAC)
Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
Public Limited Company (PLC)
Unlimited Company (ULC)
Societas Europaea Company (SE)

Company Bureau can also assist you in registering the more complex company types such as companies limited by guarantee with a share capital and Section 110 companies. Please contact us with your requirements.

Alternatives to Registering a Company in Ireland

Irish Residents can register their business as a Sole Trader or a General Partnership as an alternative to a limited company. These types of business registrations are governed by the Business Names Act 1963 and the Partnerships Act 1890, respectively.

While uncommon, it is also possible to register Limited Partnerships in Ireland which are governed by the Limited Partnerships Act 1907.

Non-Residents with existing overseas companies may wish to register a Holding Company as an Irish subsidiary or a Branch to expand their operations in Ireland, which we can assist with.

For more information on this complex legal structure, please don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Company Bureau.

FAQ's

What's the difference between a Sole Trader and a Limited Company in Ireland?

A Sole Trader is an individual who owns and operates a business without forming a separate legal entity. This means there is no legal distinction between the person and the business, and the individual is personally liable for all debts and obligations. By contrast, a Limited Company (LTD) is a separate legal entity. It provides limited liability protection to its shareholders, meaning their personal assets are protected in the event of business insolvency. Choosing between the two depends on your business size, plans for future expansion, risk tolerance, and tax planning strategy.

What's the difference between a Private Limited Company (LTD) and a Designated Activity Company (DAC)?

A Designated Activity Company (DAC) in Ireland is a specific type of limited company introduced under the Companies Act 2014. Unlike a Private Limited Company (LTD), a DAC outlines its specific business activities in its constitution and can only operate within those defined objects. A DAC must have a minimum of two directors, while a LTD company can have a single director once it has a seperate company secretary. This structure suits companies formed for particular purposes, such as joint ventures or regulated financial entities. While both share limited liability and similar shareholder limits, DACs offer more defined control and functionality for shareholders.

Can you convert from one type of company to another in Ireland?

Yes, you can convert from one type of company to another in Ireland.

Under the Companies Act 2014, companies can convert between different structures, for example Limited to Unlimited or Private to Public.

Learn how Company Bureau can assist you to re-register an Irish Company and change its company type>>

Can a non-resident be the director of an Irish company?

Yes, non-residents can be the director of an Irish company. Irish companies are required to have at least one director who is a resident within the European Economic Area (EEA). However, if none of the directors meets this requirement the company must take out a Non-EEA Resident Director Bond.

Learn more about starting a company in Ireland as a non-resident >>