Beneficial Ownership: What you may be wondering

Beneficial Ownership in Ireland 

 
Under EU Anti-Money Laundering directives, all EU Member States must maintain a central register of beneficial ownership information. In Ireland, the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) continues to be the statutory body responsible for maintaining this data.
 
 

Who Needs to Register?

 
All Irish limited companies must file their beneficial ownership details with the RBO. The only exemptions are companies already subject to disclosure requirements under EU laws, such as publicly listed companies.
 
 

What is Beneficial Ownership?

 
A beneficial owner is any individual who directly or indirectly holds 25% or more of a company’s shares or voting rights.
 
 

Information Required for Registration

 
Companies must provide the following details for each beneficial owner:
 
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Residential address
  • PPS number (or equivalent identification)
  • Nature and extent of ownership interest
 
 

Who Can Access This Information?

 
  • Public Access: Limited details such as name, nationality, country of residence, and partial date of birth (month and year).
  • Authorities with High-Level Access: Revenue Commissioners, Criminal Assets Bureau, An Garda Síochána, and other bodies with a legitimate interest.
 
 

Deadlines & Compliance

 
  • New Companies: Must file beneficial ownership details within 5 months of incorporation.
  • Existing Companies: Must ensure their records are up to date.
  • Changes in Ownership: Any updates must be filed within 14 days.
 
 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

 
Failure to register or update beneficial ownership details can result in fines and/or prosecution.
 
 

How to Register?

 
  • Registration must be completed online via the RBO portal.
  • It cannot be done via post, email, or in person.
  • Accountants or legal representatives can file on behalf of a company.

 

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Last updated: 21st August 2025