How to Change an Irish Company Name

An Irish company changes its legal name by special resolution, with the approval of the Registrar of Companies. The application normally consists of Form G1Q, an amended constitution and the filing fee. The change is not effective when the members pass the resolution or when the form is submitted: the CRO says the new name may be used only after it issues the certificate of change of name.

Form G1Q at a glance

Step 1: check the proposed company name

Search the company register for identical and similar names before spending money on branding, domains or signage. The CRO may refuse a name that is identical or too similar to an existing company name, offensive, undesirable or suggestive of State sponsorship. Generic additions such as “group”, “services”, “international” or a place name may not create enough distinction.

A company-register search is only one check. The CRO warns that it does not determine whether somebody has rights in a registered business name or trade mark. Search the Register of Business Names and the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland’s trade mark register, and take legal advice where brand rights matter.

Can an existing company reserve its proposed name?

Yes. CRO guidance says the CORE name-reservation service can be used for an existing company changing its name. A reservation lasts 28 days and currently costs €25; it may be extended once for another 28 days for a further €25. A reservation is useful evidence that the proposed company name has passed that stage of CRO review, but it is not trade mark protection.

Do not confuse this with a business or trading name. The CRO does not permit a business name to be reserved.

Step 2: make sure the company is filing-compliant

The CRO states that it will not approve a company-name change where the company is not up to date with its annual-return filing obligations, or where it is on a strike-off or CRO prosecution list because of annual-return non-filing. Resolve outstanding returns, fees, penalties and the relevant enforcement process before relying on a proposed launch date.

Check the company’s status and filing timeline first. If a return is outstanding, use our guides to filing a B1 annual return and missed annual-return deadlines.

Step 3: pass the special resolution

The members must approve the change through a valid special resolution under the Companies Act 2014. The correct procedure depends on the company, its constitution and whether the resolution is passed at a meeting or in writing. Form G1Q records the resolution and the proposed new name.

Do not copy a resolution from an unrelated company without checking the company’s constitution and the applicable procedure. Obtain company-secretarial or legal assistance if the membership, voting rights or resolution mechanics are uncertain.

Step 4: amend the constitution

The G1Q application must include an amended copy of the constitution showing the new name. Review headers, defined terms, signature pages and other occurrences so the document is internally consistent. The original subscribers’ details do not normally need to be signed again merely because the name changes; follow the CRO’s current completion notes for the particular filing.

Step 5: submit Form G1Q through CORE

1. sign in to CORE and locate the exact company;
2. choose the change-of-name filing and enter the resolution particulars;
3. enter the nominated company email address carefully;
4. upload the amended constitution and any other applicable document;
5. complete the signature and filing process;
6. pay the applicable fee and retain the submission confirmation;
7. monitor the filing for a query, return or approval.

The CRO currently lists the online G1Q fee as €50 and the paper fee as €100. Fees and filing procedures can change, so confirm them on CRO.ie immediately before filing.

When can the company start using its new name?

Only after the CRO issues the certificate of change of name. The change takes effect on the date shown on that certificate. Passing the resolution, reserving the name or submitting Form G1Q does not by itself authorise the company to trade under the new legal name.

The CRO issues the certificate digitally to the company email address entered on the G1Q. Keep the certificate with the statutory records and provide it to banks, insurers or other counterparties that require evidence of the change.

What does not change?

• the company remains the same legal entity;
• its CRO registration number remains the same;
• existing rights and obligations do not disappear merely because the name changes;
• its filing history remains attached to the same company record;
• its directors and shareholders do not change automatically;
• the registered office does not change unless a separate Form B2 is filed.

Post-certificate update checklist

• check that the CRO public record shows the new name and retains the correct company number;
• update the company seal where one is used;
• update signage at every office or place where the business is carried on;
• update letterheads, order forms, invoices, receipts, contracts and website disclosures;
• notify Revenue, banks, insurers, payment providers, landlords, licensing bodies and material counterparties as applicable;
• review domains, email addresses, data-protection notices, employment documents and intellectual-property records;
• retain evidence linking the former name and new name during the transition.

Company name change versus business name registration

A G1Q changes the incorporated company’s legal name. Registering a business name merely records a trading name used by the existing legal person. For example, “Example Services Limited” could trade as “Example Studio” while retaining its company name and number. If the goal is only to use a different trading style, read how to register a business name in Ireland before deciding which route fits.

Common mistakes

• assuming an available domain or social handle means the company name will be approved;
• checking only exact matches and overlooking confusingly similar names;
• failing to check business names and trade marks;
• filing while annual returns or enforcement matters remain outstanding;
• uploading a constitution that still contains the former name;
• using the new legal name before the certificate date;
• forgetting statutory disclosures, bank records and contracts after approval.

Official sources

Confirm the live requirements using the CRO’s change-of-company-name guidance, company-name and reservation rules, forms list and company disclosure guidance. This article is general information, not legal or company-secretarial advice.