Companies Registration Office (CRO): A Quick Survival Guide
Jan 25, 2025
Time to read:
4
minutes
Who should read this?
Business owners and company directors need to understand their obligations to the Companies Registration Office.
This starts with an overview of what the CRO is and how you should navigate your interactions with them.
Key Takeaways:
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) is Ireland's central repository for company information and is, similar to Companies House in the UK, responsible for maintaining official company records
While CRO forms are mandatory for compliance, they are typically notification forms only and don't execute the underlying corporate actions they document
Filing fees range from €20 to €100
Incorrect assumptions about CRO forms' legal effect can lead to serious governance issues, particularly regarding director appointments and share issuances
Modern authentication methods like electronic signatures are widely accepted in corporate transactions, yet the CRO still requires wet ink signatures for many filings
Creating a CRO account is necessary for direct filings, though Open Forest can manage this process on your behalf
Timely and accurate CRO filings are crucial for maintaining good corporate governance and avoiding penalties
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to create a CRO account to file company documents?
You can either create your own CRO account to make direct filings or use a company secretary service like Open Forest to handle your filings. Using Open Forest will ensure compliance with filing requirements and save you a huge amount of time, which is much better spent on your own product.
When is a share issuance legally effective?
A share issuance becomes legally effective when properly authorised by board or shareholder resolution and recorded in the company's registers. The B5 form filed with the CRO merely notifies the office of the issuance but does not itself create or issue the shares.
How long does the CRO take to process filings?
Processing times vary depending on the type of filing and current volumes. Electronic filings are generally processed faster than paper filings requiring wet ink signatures. Standard processing times can range from a few days to several weeks.
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