An Irish company needs a registered office in the State. Choose a suitable physical address and check exactly how official correspondence will be received, forwarded and retained before buying an address service.
What the registered office is for
The CRO describes the registered office as the address for official documents and legal notices. Its guidance requires a physical location in the State, with access for delivery and relevant inspection; a post-office box alone is not sufficient. Read the registered-office guidance before putting an address on the application.
Start by asking who will actually notice important post arriving there. A prestigious street name is a weak benefit if an urgent letter sits unread. Think about the complete route from delivery to the person responsible for acting on it.
Compare the service behind the address
Ask a prospective provider for a written description of its handling process. Does it notify you when post arrives, scan the contents, forward originals or offer collection? Ask about delivery frequency, storage periods and additional charges for bulky or frequent items.
| Question for the provider | What to obtain |
|---|---|
| Is this service suitable for our registered office? | Written confirmation for your intended use |
| How do we learn about urgent post? | Notification method and expected timing |
| What costs extra? | Scanning, forwarding, storage and VAT details |
| What happens at renewal? | Price, notice period and cancellation process |
Ask whether a Registered Office Agent is involved
The CRO has an approved Registered Office Agent arrangement. Ask whether the quote uses that arrangement and who is responsible for the corresponding appointment details. A marketing label such as “virtual office” does not answer this question by itself.
Keep the provider’s answer beside the exact company name and address being used. If an agent or formation package is handling the application, ask it to confirm that these details agree across the paperwork. Resolve uncertainty before paying for branding or stationery that displays the address.
Think through a home-address decision
If you are considering an address connected to your home, review what the official register will show and whether you are comfortable using it for this purpose. Consider correspondence handling, your ability to receive deliveries and any permission questions relevant to the premises.
A fictional founder running a design business from a spare room compares two options. One makes post easy to handle personally; the other provides a staffed mail service with a recurring charge. The founder writes down practical advantages and open questions instead of choosing solely by the first-year price. This is an organisational example, not a recommendation for a particular address.
Plan the move before cancelling
CRO guidance says a registered-office change is notified using Form B2, normally within 14 days, with online filing available through CORE. Ending a provider contract and updating the register are separate actions. Follow the current change-of-address process for your circumstances.
Before leaving, agree when forwarding ends, where originals will go and who checks that the official record has been updated. Put one person in charge of the handover. Keep confirmation of the new arrangement with your incorporation documents, then revisit your ongoing service budget.
Questions to settle before ordering
- Does an address package include a company secretary?
Ask the provider. Treat the address and secretary as separate quote items unless the written package explicitly includes both.
- Is the cheapest address the best fit?
Compare the total cost against mail volume, forwarding needs and the response process. A service is only useful if it supports how you will run the company.
Use our formation comparison to explore packages, then request a specific written answer about the address service you need.
Sources & review
Editorial owner: Thomas O'Sullivan. Sources checked 17 October 2026. Professional review: Thomas O'Sullivan (Company formation expert and writer), 17 October 2026. Scope: The ten new 17 October guide drafts: current text, practical examples and official source references.
Examples are fictional and do not establish name or domain availability. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or provider. Report a correction.