Opening a Company Abroad & Notary Services

Corporate Notary Services for International Business

Expanding a business across borders involves substantial legal documentation, much of which requires notarisation. Whether you're forming a company in Ireland, establishing an overseas subsidiary, or conducting cross-border transactions, a Notary Public is an essential part of the process. Hugh Phelan has extensive experience in corporate and commercial notarial work, having assisted numerous corporations — from start-ups to multinationals — with their notarial requirements.

At Phelan Solicitors, the firm provides a range of corporate services extending beyond pure notarial work. Hugh has acted on boards of directors as Chief Legal Officer for foreign corporations establishing Irish operations, and has advised start-up firms on their legal obligations under Irish company law. This combination of notarial and corporate legal expertise means he understands the full picture, not just the stamp on the page.

Setting Up a Company in Ireland — For Foreign Clients

Ireland is an attractive destination for foreign companies looking to establish an EU presence. With competitive corporation tax rates, a well-educated English-speaking workforce, and access to the European Single Market, Ireland has become a hub for international business — a trend that accelerated significantly after Brexit.

Hugh Phelan and Phelan Solicitors offer assistance in setting up a business in Ireland, which includes:

Notarising Corporate Documents

International corporate transactions generate a substantial volume of documentation that requires notarisation. Hugh Phelan regularly notarises the following types of corporate documents:

Brexit & Cross-Border Business

Since the United Kingdom triggered Article 50 and formally left the European Union, many UK companies have looked to Ireland as a gateway to maintaining their European presence. Setting up an Irish subsidiary or relocating operations to Ireland allows UK businesses to retain access to the EU Single Market, EU regulatory frameworks, and cross-border trading relationships.

Hugh Phelan is uniquely positioned to assist with Brexit-related corporate matters. He is qualified as a solicitor in both Ireland (through the Law Society of Ireland) and England & Wales (through the Solicitors Regulation Authority). This dual qualification means he understands the legal requirements on both sides of the Irish Sea — an invaluable asset when navigating the post-Brexit landscape.

Common Brexit-related notarial work includes notarising corporate formation documents for newly established Irish entities, certifying identity documents for UK directors and shareholders, preparing powers of attorney for cross-border governance, and authenticating transfer of business documents.

The Companies Act 2014 — What You Need to Know

The Companies Act 2014, enacted on 23 December 2014 and commenced on 1 June 2015, is the largest piece of legislation ever enacted in the history of the Irish State, with 1,448 sections and 17 schedules. It consolidated the existing Irish Companies Acts and introduced significant reforms to Irish company law.

For businesses, the Act means:

• Companies need to examine their constitutive documents to ensure they are fit for purpose
• Directors face a more focused regime of duties, along with certain reliefs from responsibilities
• Company secretaries must be familiar with a completely new legal architecture for corporate governance

Hugh Phelan and Phelan Solicitors offer advice in line with the Act, including drafting and registering new constitutions, business name registration, District Court applications for companies that miss their Annual Return Date, advising on Section 797 applications to the High Court, and providing company secretarial services.

Why Choose Hugh Phelan for Corporate Notary Services?

Frequently Asked Questions