An Irish certificate of incorporation is the CRO document confirming that a company was incorporated. New certificates are issued electronically, while an existing company can order a duplicate certificate through the CRO's CORE portal.
Quick answer: search for the company on CORE using its CRO number, open the company's Reports tab and choose the duplicate-certificate option. Use the correct business type—company or business name—before ordering.
What a certificate of incorporation proves
The certificate records the company name, registration number and date of incorporation. Under the Companies Act 2014, the certificate is conclusive evidence that the incorporation requirements were complied with and that the company was duly registered.
It proves incorporation at the stated date. It does notby itself prove that the company is still trading, solvent, tax compliant or currently in good standing.
How to order a duplicate certificate on CORE
- Find the correct legal entity and CRO number. You can start with the free Businesses.ie company search.
- Open CRO CORE and search using the company number.
- Open the matching company record.
- Choose the Reports tab.
- Select the duplicate-certificate option and follow CORE's order process.
- Check that the business type matches the certificate required.
The CRO states that duplicate certificates are available for both companies and registered business names. These are different legal registrations, so choosing the correct type matters.
Where the original digital certificate is sent
Following a successful company registration, the CRO emails a digitally certified PDF to the address supplied in the company email field on CORE. The presenter should keep that email and PDF with the company's permanent records.
If you cannot locate the original, order the duplicate through CORE rather than relying on an image, an unofficial recreation or a general company-profile printout.
Certificate, letter of status and company report compared
| Document | Main purpose | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of incorporation | Confirms the company was legally incorporated | Current standing, solvency or ownership |
| Letter of status / good standing | Evidence from the CRO that the company is incorporated and authorised to undertake business | Creditworthiness or future ability to pay |
| Company report | Brings together current register details, officers, filings and available financial information | Official certification by the CRO |
| Certified filed document | Official certified copy of a particular CRO filing | A consolidated view of the company |
When you may need a certified certificate
The organisation requesting the document should specify whether a normal duplicate or a certified certificate is required. The CRO notes that Property Services Regulatory Authority applications require a certified certificate of incorporation and, where applicable, a certificate of business-name registration. Duplicate certificates ordered through CORE are also accepted for specified licensing uses.
Do not assume that a downloaded company page or a privately produced report will satisfy a regulator, bank, tender authority or foreign registry asking for an official certificate.
How to verify a certificate against the live register
- Match the company name and CRO number exactly.
- Check the incorporation date against the public company record.
- Confirm the current company status separately.
- Review recent filings if the certificate is being used for due diligence.
- Obtain a letter of status or other certified CRO material when the receiving organisation asks for current official evidence.
Our guide to downloading official CRO company documents explains how filed accounts and annual returns differ from the incorporation certificate.