Key Takeaway
Yes, a virtual office is legal in Ireland. Businesses can use a virtual office address for CRO registration, Revenue correspondence and, in many cases, banking. While TCSP certification is not a CRO requirement, it provides a higher level of regulatory compliance that can make banking, payments and due-diligence checks smoother. Sky Business Centres is TCSP certified by the Department of Justice, offering fully compliant virtual office services.
Is a Virtual Office Legal in Ireland?
A virtual office in Ireland allows a business to use a professional address without occupying physical office space. In Ireland, virtual offices are completely legal and widely used by startups, contractors, remote teams and international companies.
Irish company law does not prohibit virtual offices. The key legal requirement is that the address used is a real, physical address in Ireland that can receive official correspondence.
Where confusion often arises is around regulation and compliance, particularly the role of Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs). While TCSP certification is not mandatory for an address to be used, it plays an important role in trust, compliance and banking.
What Does the CRO Require for a Registered Office?
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) requires every Irish company to have a registered office that:
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Is a physical address in Ireland
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Is not a PO Box
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Can receive official documents and notices
The CRO does not require the address provider to be TCSP certified. This is why many businesses successfully register companies using addresses from non-certified providers.
However, the CRO does expect the address to be genuine and contactable. Failure to receive or respond to CRO correspondence can lead to penalties or enforcement action.
Can a Virtual Office Be Used for Revenue?
Yes. Revenue accepts virtual office addresses for:
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Corporation Tax
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VAT registration
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PAYE and employer correspondence
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ROS notifications
Revenue’s primary concern is that the business can be contacted and that records are properly maintained. A virtual office with reliable mail handling meets these requirements.
Using a professional provider with structured mail handling reduces the risk of missed deadlines, penalties or compliance issues.
Do Irish Banks Accept Virtual Office Addresses?
In practice, many Irish banks and payment providers do accept virtual office addresses, but their due-diligence standards are often stricter than the CRO’s.
Banks typically look for:
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A real Irish address
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Clear ownership and director details
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Evidence of compliance procedures
This is where TCSP certification becomes important. While not legally required for CRO registration, TCSP certification demonstrates that the provider carries out AML and identity checks, which can help satisfy banking and payment processor requirements.
Sky Business Centres’ TCSP certification provides reassurance to banks, Revolut Business, Stripe and other regulated platforms.
What Is TCSP Certification — and Why Does It Matter?
A Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) is regulated under Irish anti-money laundering legislation. TCSP certification applies when providers offer regulated corporate services, such as registered office services combined with identity verification and compliance monitoring.
A TCSP-certified provider must:
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Verify directors and beneficial owners
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Maintain compliance records
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Monitor address usage
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Follow AML reporting obligations
While TCSP certification is not required by the CRO, it is increasingly important for:
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Banking and payments
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International companies
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Businesses operating in regulated sectors
Sky Business Centres is fully TCSP certified by the Department of Justice, offering a higher compliance standard than many address-only providers.
Who Can Use a Virtual Office in Ireland?
Virtual offices are legally used by:
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Irish startups and limited companies
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Sole traders and contractors
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Remote and hybrid teams
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International companies entering the Irish market
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Non-resident directors
As long as the address is physical and correspondence is managed correctly, there are no restrictions on legitimate use.
Learn more about how virtual offices work in our full guide: What is a virtual office?
Common Myths About Virtual Offices in Ireland
“Virtual offices are not allowed for company registration.”
False. They are widely accepted by the CRO.
“You must use a TCSP-certified provider.”
Not for CRO registration — but certification helps with banking and compliance.
“Only physical offices are legitimate.”
Incorrect. A registered office does not need to be a place of work.
FAQs: Virtual Office Legality in Ireland
1. Are virtual offices legal in Ireland?
Yes. Virtual offices are legal and widely used across Ireland.
2. Can I use a virtual office address for CRO registration?
Yes. The CRO accepts virtual office addresses as long as they are physical Irish addresses.
3. Is TCSP certification required for a registered office?
No. TCSP certification is not a CRO requirement, but it provides additional compliance benefits.
4. Will Revenue accept a virtual office address?
Yes. Revenue accepts virtual office addresses for tax and official correspondence.
5. Do banks accept virtual office addresses?
Many do, particularly when the provider follows strong compliance and AML procedures.
