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CRO Functions
The CRO has a number of core functions:

The incorporation of companies and the registration of business names.

The receipt and registration of post incorporation documents.

The enforcement of the Companies Acts in relation to the filing obligations of

companies.

Making information available to the public.

The incorporation of companies and the registration of business names.

The CRO is the statutory authority for registering new companies in the Republic of Ireland.
The Office also registers business names. A business name is a trading name which differs
from the names of the persons or the company who own the business.
The receipt and registration of post incorporation documents.
Companies, and to a lesser extent business names, have an obligation under law to file certain
documents with the CRO. These documents include details of changes of registered office,

changes of company officers (director or secretary), or a number of other changes which

affect the company. Companies are also required to file annual returns, and in most cases they
must also file annual accounts. The CRO also keeps details of mortgages and charges
imposed on companies.
The enforcement of the Companies Acts in relation to the filing obligations of
companies.
Unfortunately, not all companies comply with their obligations to file documents. The CRO
can take a number of measures to deal with companies who fail to file their annual returns,
including prosecution of the company or directors, or striking the company off the register.
Companies who fail to file annual returns may be struck off the register of companies. If a
company is struck off, the protection of limited liability no longer exists and individuals can
be held personally liable for any debts incurred after strike off. Also, the assets of such a
company will become the property of the State. While it is usually possible to reinstate
companies which have been struck off, this can be an expensive process. Companies wishing
to avoid such a fate should ensure that their annual returns are filed on time.
In 2013, 7077 companies were struck off the register for their failure to file annual returns.
The programme of enforcement is ongoing.
Making information available to the public.
Almost all of the information filed with the CRO is available for public inspection, usually
for a small fee. Certain vital information, such as company name and registered office
address, may be checked free of charge on the web search facility. A more detailed synopsis
of a company is available by ordering a company printout or a copy of any document filed.
This again can be obtained using the web search facility and a charge applies. Details of
Business Names are also available using the search facility. Some basic statistics are available
in the Annual Report. Please see Access to CRO Data page.
The Registrar of Companies is also the Registrar of Friendly Societies.
The Registrar of Friendly Societies is responsible for the assessment and registration of
applications and any subsequent amendment of rules which societies are obliged to render to
the Registrar, and to ensure that registered societies meet their statutory obligations with
regard to filing returns, which once registered are made available for inspection by the public.
In this regard the following three classes of body come under the remit of the Registrar of
Friendly Societies: Trade Unions, Friendly Societies and Industrial & Provident Societies.
The registry is available online to view but documents cannot be purchased. It is possible
simply to see the name and address of the society/union and a list of documents lodged
against it. Images are not available for download.
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Public Office Address: Companies Registration Office, Parnell House, 14 Parnell Square,
Dublin 1 Phone: +(353 1) 8045200
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