Starting a new business can be an exhilarating adventure; we understand it can also be overwhelming. That’s why we are here to support you throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Selecting the perfect name for your business is crucial for success. It can significantly impact how your target audience perceives your brand and shape your path to prosperity. Let’s explore the importance of choosing the right name and how it can make a lasting impression on your customers.

Who can register a business name?

Sole Trader

  1. Sole Traders who want to avoid trading under their actual name can register a business name with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
  2. For Example, Mary O’Brien can trade as Mary O’Brien or O’Brien. But if Mary wants to trade anything other than that, she must register a business name.
  3. Sole Traders can have any business name if it complies with CRO business name guidelines.
  4. This process of business name registration does not constitute business registration. That is a separate process.

Limited Company

  1. As a Limited Company, you already have a company name, but you can register a business name/’ trading as (T/A)’ name if you want to operate under a different name.
  2. For instance, Mega Bites Food Technology Limited trading as MegaBite. This extended version must be shown on all legal documentation, like correspondence with Revenue.
  3. If you’re switching from Sole Trader to Limited Company and you have a business name already, you need to de-register your business name as a Sole Trader and register it again as a Limited Company.

Why register a business name?

  • Sole Traders generally use business names to avoid trading under their name. If you are building a brand with scalable opportunities, it may hinder your growth if you don’t have a brand name.
  • Limited Companies often use business names if the company name they want is unavailable with the CRO. Sometimes, a company may wish to have multiple businesses within the same company and, therefore, will register a business name for the different divisions.

When is a business name registration required?

Any Sole Trader who wants to trade under any name that isn’t their true name must register their business name with the CRO. This is a separate process from registering as a Sole Trader, so ensure the requirements are clear.

Limited Companies and Partnerships may also want to register a business name if they want to trade under a different name to their company name. For example, our business name is Lizdan Business Services Limited, but the business name that we trade under is Accountant Online. This is useful if the company name you want to use is already in use.

The CRO does not protect a business name, so there are no restrictions for other individuals or companies who want to use your business name.

Business name registration process

It’s quick and easy to register a business name. You can register a business name using Form RBN1 (Business Name Registration Form) through CORE.ie or outsource to a professional firm, like Accountant Online.

The CRO have a fee associated with registering a business name in Ireland, which varies depending on whether you register online (€20) or on paper (€40).

Information required

  1. Business name. Your chosen business name must comply with the CRO business name guidelines.
  2. Nature of business. 
  3. Principal place of business. You must have an Irish business address before registering a business name in Ireland.
  4. Date of adoption of the business name. 
  5. Other business name(s).

It’s important to note that registering a business name differs from business registration. If you want to register as a Sole Trader, you must register as self-employed with Revenue before you invoice any clients.

How long does it take?

Business name registration can take up to 3 weeks and sometimes longer during peak times. The process is done online and requires the business name holder to sign the paperwork before submitting it to the CRO.

We look after all the paperwork if you outsource to a professional firm, like Accountant Online. All you need to do is complete your client profile and sign the paperwork.

Once your business name is approved, the CRO will issue your digital Business Name Certificate by email, and then you’re ready to start using your business name on invoices, your website, and letters.