By Shannon Power, 23rd October 2026
Ireland has seen strong company formation activity throughout 2026, according to our analysis of the latest Companies Registration Office (CRO) dataset. New incorporations are running well ahead of last year, while thousands of companies currently face potential removal from the register due to ongoing compliance issues as part of the CRO’s ongoing accelerated enforcement procedures.
Company Formations Continue to Grow
Between 1 January and 22 October 2026, 24,284 new companies were registered in Ireland.
For comparison, 21,356 companies were incorporated during the same period in 2025. This represents an increase of 2,928 companies, or 13.7% year-on-year.
At a glance...
2026 company formations (As of 22nd October): 24,284
-
2025 company formations (As of 22nd October): 21,356
Increase: 2,928
Year-on-year growth: 13.7%
The figures suggest that entrepreneurial activity remains strong despite ongoing economic challenges, with Irish entrepreneurs continuing to launch new businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Almost 10,000 Companies Currently Listed for Strike-Off
While company formation numbers remain healthy, our analysis also found that 9,768 companies are currently classified as “Strike-Off Listed”.
A strike-off listing is typically the result of a company failing to meet one or more statutory obligations, such as filing an annual return, maintaining a registered office, or responding to CRO correspondence. Once placed on the strike-off list, a company must address the relevant compliance issue within the specified timeframe to avoid removal from the register.
For directors, a strike-off notice should never be ignored. Failure to act can ultimately lead to the company being dissolved and removed from the register.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 figures paint a positive picture for new business creation in Ireland, with company formations significantly ahead of last year’s pace. However, the presence of nearly 10,000 companies on the strike-off list highlights the ongoing importance of corporate compliance.
For directors and business owners, the message is clear: forming a company is only the first step. Maintaining compliance throughout the life of the business is essential to protect the company and avoid unnecessary regulatory issues.
If you have any questions regarding company formation or corporate compliance, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts.
Disclaimer: This article is for guidance purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Company Bureau for any action taken or not taken in reliance on the information set out in this article. Professional or legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action as a result of this article. Any and all information is subject to change.
