Registration of an external company as a branch in Ireland under the Companies Act 2014

The Companies Act 2014 will come into effect on 1 June 2015, replacing the Companies Acts 1963 — 2013.  Under the Companies Act 2014, a foreign company registered abroad may only establish a branch in Ireland.  It will no longer be possible to establish a place of business which is not a branch in the State.

Any existing places of business in the State will be cancelled as of 1 June 2015.  However, the business will still be permitted to trade in Ireland provided that they register a branch with the CRO within 30 days.  All existing branches of external companies will become either a “branch EEA (European Economic Area)” or a “branch non EEA”.

Any company incorporated outside of Ireland which establishes a branch in Ireland must be registered with the Companies Registration Office under Part 21 of the Companies Act 2014.  The registration must take place within 30 days of the establishment of the branch in the State.  One branch may cover many places of business where there is a unified management structure.  Separate registration will be required for branches which do not have a unified management structure.

The following information and documentation is required to register an external company as a branch in Ireland:-

1. An Irish resident person must be appointed to act for the company as follows:-