"Company Status: Normal" on the Irish Companies Register means the company is active, registered, and in compliance with its CRO filing obligations. It is the standard status for a company that is currently trading or available to trade. Here is what every CRO status means.
All CRO Company Statuses Explained
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Normal | The company is registered, active, and its CRO filings are up to date. It can legally trade, enter contracts, and employ people. |
| Strike-Off Listed | The CRO has initiated strike-off proceedings, usually because the company failed to file annual returns for 2+ years. The company is still on the register but at risk of removal. |
| Struck Off | The company has been removed from the register. It no longer legally exists. Its assets vest in the State. It can potentially be restored within 12 months (administrative) or 20 years (court order). |
| Dissolved | The company has been permanently wound up, either voluntarily or following liquidation. It cannot be restored. |
| In Receivership | A receiver has been appointed over some or all of the company's assets, usually by a secured creditor (e.g., a bank). The company still exists but the receiver controls the assets. |
| In Liquidation | A liquidator has been appointed to wind up the company's affairs, sell its assets, and distribute proceeds to creditors. The company will be dissolved once liquidation is complete. |
| In Examinership | The company has court protection while an examiner attempts to restructure the business and keep it alive. Examinership lasts a maximum of 150 days. |
Does "Normal" Mean the Company Is Safe to Deal With?
Not necessarily. "Normal" means the company exists and has filed its annual returns. It does not guarantee:
- The company is profitable or financially healthy
- The company is actively trading
- The company's products or services are legitimate
- The directors are trustworthy
Always perform additional due diligence. Check the company's financial statements, director history, and filing patterns before entering into any business relationship.
What If the Status Is Not "Normal"?
Any status other than "Normal" requires caution:
- Strike-Off Listed: Do not enter contracts — the company may cease to exist soon
- Struck Off: The company does not legally exist. Any contracts with it may be unenforceable
- In Liquidation/Receivership: The company cannot take on new obligations without the liquidator's/receiver's consent
- In Examinership: The company is under court protection — existing debts may be compromised
How to Check Company Status
Search for any Irish company on Businesses.ie to see its current CRO status. The status is displayed prominently on each company profile. You can also search by company name or browse companies by county.
Summary
"Normal" means the company is registered and compliant with CRO filing. It does not guarantee financial health or active trading. Other statuses — Struck Off, In Liquidation, In Receivership, In Examinership — indicate the company is not operating normally and requires careful due diligence before any business dealings.