Start-up & New Business

Everything you need to launch your Irish business the right way — from company formation and tax registration to your first set of accounts.

At a Glance

Who it's for

Entrepreneurs & new business owners

Engagement

Start-up phase + ongoing compliance

Timeline

Company formed within 3–5 working days

Delivered by

Qualified accountants & business advisors

Overview

What is Start-up & New Business?

Starting a business is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. It’s also one of the most daunting — particularly when it comes to the legal, tax and financial obligations that come with trading in Ireland. Getting the foundations right from the start saves enormous time, money and stress down the road.

Crestlyn’s start-up advisory service is designed specifically for new business owners. We guide you through every step of the formation and setup process — choosing the right structure, registering with Revenue, setting up your books and making sure you understand your obligations from day one.

We’ve helped hundreds of Irish entrepreneurs launch their businesses across every sector — from professional services and construction to technology and retail. We know what works, what the common mistakes are, and how to avoid them. Think of us as your financial co-founder.

What’s Included

Everything covered under one roof

Our start-up & new business service covers all aspects of starting and structuring a new Irish business, so you have one trusted team handling everything for you.

Company Foundation

CRO registration of your limited company or LLP — Articles, Memo, director registrations and company seal

Revenue Registration

ROS registration for Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and all other relevant tax heads

Business Structure Advice

Expert guidance on sole trader vs limited company — tax, liability and practical implications

Cloud Accounting Setup

Xero, Sage or QuickBooks setup with chart of accounts, invoicing templates and bank integration

First-Year Tax Planning

Tax planning advice specific to your start-up year — expenses, PRSI classes, pension options

Business Plan Support

Financial projections, P&L model and cashflow forecast for funding applications or investor pitches

Compliance Calendar

A clear schedule of all your first-year tax deadlines so nothing catches you off-guard

Ongoing Advisory Support

Monthly check-ins and open access to your dedicated advisor throughout your first year

Who It’s For

Is this service right for you?

Our start-up & new business service is designed for:

People leaving employment to start their own business for the first time

Freelancers and contractors who need to formalise their trading structure

Entrepreneurs ready to incorporate their sole trader business into a limited company

New businesses seeking bank finance or investment who need a credible financial plan

Anyone who has started trading without proper registration and needs to get compliant quickly

How It Works

Our Start-up & New Business process

Free Start-Up Consultation

We meet with you to understand your business idea, your plans and your personal circumstances. We advise on the right legal structure — sole trader, limited company or partnership — and map out the steps ahead.

Formation & Registration

We handle all the paperwork — CRO registration, Revenue registration for all relevant taxes, and Companies Registration Office filings. Your business is legally established and ready to trade.

Systems & Processes Setup

We set up your cloud accounting software, connect your business bank account and establish the record-keeping systems you'll need from day one to stay compliant and have clear visibility of your finances.

Launch & Ongoing Support

Once you're trading, we're here. Your first year is critical — we provide regular check-ins, answer every question, manage your first tax returns and help you build the financial habits that successful businesses run on.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Should I be a sole trader or set up a limited company?

It depends on your turnover, risk appetite and long-term plans. As a sole trader you have lower setup costs and simpler administration, but you’re personally liable for business debts. A limited company offers liability protection and can be more tax-efficient above certain income levels — particularly regarding salary, dividends and pension contributions. We’ll analyse your specific situation and give you a clear recommendation.

How long does it take to set up a limited company in Ireland?

With the CRO’s online incorporation service, a standard private limited company can typically be formed within 3–5 working days. We manage the entire process and ensure all director registrations and Revenue notifications are completed correctly at the same time.

When do I need to register for VAT?

In Ireland, you must register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds €37,500 for services or €75,000 for goods. You can also register voluntarily if it’s beneficial to do so. We’ll advise on the timing and help you register with Revenue before your first VAT return is due.

What records do I need to keep as a new business?

Irish law requires you to keep financial records for 6 years. These include all sales invoices, purchase receipts, bank statements and payroll records. We’ll set up a simple, organised system for you from day one — most of our start-up clients use a cloud accounting app on their phone to capture receipts on the go.

Ready to Get Started?

Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our QFA-qualified advisors. No obligation, no jargon.