Building Business Foundations That Actually Work
Back in 2014, Niamh Thorstein started Silver Plainline after spending years watching entrepreneurs struggle with Irish company formation processes. She'd seen too many brilliant business ideas delayed by paperwork confusion and regulatory uncertainty. What began as helping a few local startups in Galway has grown into a dedicated practice that's formed over 800 Irish companies.
We're based in Oranmore, and honestly, that matters. Being here means we understand the specific challenges of doing business in Ireland – from navigating the Companies Registration Office requirements to understanding how local banking relationships work. It's not just about filing forms correctly.
How We Got Here
The thing about company formation is that most people only do it once or twice in their lifetime. But we've done it hundreds of times. That experience shows up in the details – knowing which documentation the CRO prioritizes, understanding timing around tax registrations, recognizing when a particular structure might create problems down the line.
Our first office was actually a shared workspace above a café in Galway city. Three of us handled everything manually with spreadsheets and endless phone calls to the CRO. We made mistakes, learned from them, and built systems that prevent those issues for our clients now.
These days our team has grown to twelve people, but we've kept the same approach. Every company formation gets personal attention because the structure you choose at the beginning affects everything that comes after.
We've never believed in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your business circumstances determine the right formation approach, not the other way around.
What Guides Our Work
Clear Communication
Company law doesn't have to sound like a foreign language. We explain what's happening at each stage and why certain steps matter. You'll understand the process, not just receive updates about it.
Realistic Timelines
We give you actual timeframes based on current CRO processing speeds and our workload. If there's potential for delays, you'll know upfront. No surprises three weeks later when you were expecting completion.
Long-Term Thinking
The company structure that works for a startup often needs adjustment as you grow. We consider your future plans when recommending initial setups, even if that means suggesting something slightly more complex now.
Our Formation Approach
Company formation involves multiple government agencies, various registration requirements, and timing that matters more than people realize. Here's how we handle it.
Structure Assessment
We start by understanding your actual business model, not theoretical plans. Are you importing goods? Providing services internationally? Planning to bring on investors? These factors determine whether a standard private limited company works or if you need something different.
Documentation Preparation
The CRO rejects applications for specific reasons. We've learned them all over the years. Your documents get prepared to their current standards, which change more often than you'd expect. This stage includes proper share structure setup and memorandum drafting.
Coordinated Registration
Company formation isn't just the CRO filing. You need tax registrations, possibly VAT setup, and other regulatory steps depending on your industry. We coordinate these so they happen in the right sequence without unnecessary delays.
Post-Formation Support
Once your company exists legally, there are immediate compliance requirements. We make sure you understand annual filing obligations, first board meeting necessities, and initial compliance steps that many new companies miss.
Let's Discuss Your Company Formation
Every business starts somewhere. If you're planning to establish a company in Ireland during early 2026, we can help structure it properly from the beginning. The initial formation approach affects your ongoing compliance requirements and operational flexibility.
We're currently scheduling formation consultations for January through April 2026. These sessions give us time to understand your specific situation and recommend the most suitable structure.
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