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Frequently asked questions

The questions we’re asked most often, grouped by what stage you’re at.

Company Formation

How long does it take to form a company?

Most Irish LTDs are registered within about five working days of filing, provided the name is available and the documents are in order.

Do I need to live in Ireland to open a company?

No. There's no residency requirement for shareholders. Directors need at least one EEA-resident among them, or a Section 137 bond, or a nominee resident director — we provide the latter two.

What's the difference between the formation packages?

Build Your Own Company incorporates the company only. The Start Up Bundle adds RBO and tax registration, a registered office and a company secretary for the first year. The Ultimate Bundle adds bank account assistance on top.

Can I change my company name after incorporation?

Yes, by special resolution and a CRO filing — it's a standard service, not a re-incorporation.

Staying Compliant

What is my Annual Return Date (ARD)?

Set automatically six months after incorporation, then annually. It's on the CRO register — send us your CRO number and we'll confirm it.

Does one late filing cost me my audit exemption?

Since 16 July 2025, a single late filing no longer costs a small or micro standalone company its audit exemption. A second late filing within 5 years still does, and group companies are excluded from this relief entirely.

What is the RBO and do I need to file it?

The Register of Beneficial Owners, separate from the CRO. Every company must file within 5 months of incorporation and update it within 14 days of any relevant change.

Can I be my own company secretary?

Not if you're also the sole director — a single-director company must appoint a different person as secretary.

Accounting and Payroll

Do I need an accountant and a company secretary?

Most firms give you one or the other. We do both from the same record, so your accounts and your CRO filings never contradict each other.

Can you take over from our current accountant?

Yes — we handle professional clearance and migrate your accounting file.

What accounting software do you use?

We're a Xero Platinum Partner, one of only five in Ireland. We also work with Sage, QuickBooks and other platforms your business may already use.

Recovering a Company

My company has missed an Annual Return. What now?

If it hasn't been struck off, a Section 343 District Court application can extend your filing deadline, cancel late fees, and protect your audit exemption where eligible.

My company has already been struck off. Can it come back?

Usually yes. Within 12 months of dissolution it's an administrative CRO application. Beyond 12 months it needs the High Court, and remains possible for up to 20 years after dissolution.

Do I have to go to court myself?

No. Our solicitor attends the District Court hearing on your behalf.

Working With Us

Is Opsus360 licensed?

Yes. We hold a Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licence, APP/1292/2021, supervised by the Department of Justice's Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit.

Why do you need my ID to form a company?

As a licensed TCSP, we're legally required to carry out Client Due Diligence before providing certain services — it's a regulatory obligation, not optional paperwork.

Can my accountant refer me to Opsus360?

Yes — see our For Accountants page. We handle the company secretarial or recovery work and keep your accountant informed; we don't solicit their clients for accounting work.

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