When incorporating a new company every director must have a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) or a Register of Beneficial Ownership Number (RBO) or an Identified Person Number (IPN).
- A director must use a PPSN if he/she has one.
- If a director does not have a PPSN, then an RBO number can be used. An RBO number would have been issued if a person was previously registered as a beneficial owner/shareholder in an Irish company.
- If neither a PPSN nor a RBO number are available, then an IPN must be applied for.
To do this a form must be completed and signed in the presence of a Notary Public (or a practising Solicitor if signed in Ireland or the UK only). Once this is done the IPN process can commence.
If no queries are raised by the CRO the IPN number is usually issued within a few days.