Ireland has several company types, each with different governance rules, liability structures, and filing requirements. The three most common are LTD (private company limited by shares), DAC (designated activity company), and PLC (public limited company). Here is how they compare.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | LTD | DAC | PLC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Private Company Limited by Shares | Designated Activity Company | Public Limited Company |
| Minimum directors | 1 (with secretary) or 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Company secretary required | Optional (if 2+ directors) | Yes | Yes |
| Constitution | Single-document constitution | Memorandum & Articles of Association | Memorandum & Articles of Association |
| Objects clause | No (unlimited capacity) | Yes (restricted to stated objects) | Yes |
| Minimum share capital | No minimum | No minimum | €25,000 (25% paid up) |
| Can offer shares to public | No | No | Yes |
| Can list on stock exchange | No | No | Yes |
| Member liability | Limited to shares | Limited to shares | Limited to shares |
| Maximum members | 149 | 149 | No limit |
| Suffix in name | "Limited" or "Ltd" | "Designated Activity Company" or "DAC" | "Public Limited Company" or "PLC" |
| Audit exemption available | Yes (if small) | Yes (if small) | No |
LTD — Private Company Limited by Shares
The LTD is the most common company type in Ireland. Over 90% of new incorporations are LTDs. Key features:
- Simplest structure: Single-document constitution, no objects clause, unlimited legal capacity
- One director is enough if a separate company secretary is appointed
- Cannot sell shares to the public or list on a stock exchange
- Ideal for: Small businesses, startups, sole-director companies, family businesses
DAC — Designated Activity Company
A DAC has a stated objects clause that limits what the company can legally do. It replaced the old "private company limited by shares having a memorandum and articles of association" under the Companies Act 2014.
- Restricted to stated objects: The company can only carry out activities listed in its memorandum
- Minimum 2 directors and a company secretary
- Used when required by regulation: Banks, insurance companies, and some regulated entities must be DACs
- Ideal for: Regulated entities, joint ventures with specific purposes, SPVs (special purpose vehicles)
PLC — Public Limited Company
A PLC can offer shares to the public and list on a stock exchange. It has the strictest governance requirements.
- Minimum share capital: €25,000 (at least 25% must be paid up before trading)
- Can sell shares to the public and list on Euronext Dublin or other exchanges
- No audit exemption — must be audited regardless of size
- Ideal for: Large companies seeking public investment, companies planning an IPO
Other Company Types
- CLG (Company Limited by Guarantee): No share capital — members guarantee a nominal amount (usually €1). Used for charities, sports clubs, and non-profits
- UC (Unlimited Company): Members have unlimited personal liability. Rare, but used to avoid filing financial statements publicly
Learn more in our detailed guide on all Irish company types.
Which Type Should You Choose?
- Starting a small business? → LTD (simplest, cheapest, most flexible)
- Setting up a regulated entity? → DAC (required by many regulators)
- Planning to raise public capital? → PLC (can list on stock exchange)
- Running a charity or club? → CLG (no shares, guarantee structure)
How to Search by Company Type
Search for any Irish company on Businesses.ie to see its type (LTD, DAC, PLC, CLG, UC). Browse all companies by A–Z directory or by county.
Summary
LTD is the default choice for most Irish businesses — simple constitution, 1 director, no objects clause. DAC is used when regulations require restricted objects. PLC is for companies raising public capital (minimum €25,000 share capital). Over 90% of Irish companies are LTDs.