The Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond
A Section 137 bond is a €25,000 insurance bond that lets an Irish company operate without a director resident in the EEA. It's in force for two years and must be renewed, or replaced by an EEA-resident director or a Section 140 certificate, before it ends.
What it covers
The bond is a guarantee, in the form prescribed by regulations, that up to €25,000 of certain fines under the Companies Act and certain tax penalties will be paid if the company doesn't pay them. It covers those specified liabilities only, not the company's debts in general.
What it costs
€25,000 is the bond's value, not its price. The company pays a fee to the insurer for the two-year bond, and doesn't put up €25,000. Our price is €1,849.99 + VAT for two years, which is €2,275.49 including VAT. Published prices elsewhere in the market range from about €1,600 to €1,950.
Who provides it
The bond must be in the form prescribed by the CRO and issued by an eligible bank, building society, insurance company or credit institution, as the Companies Act 2014 bonding rules permit. We arrange it with a provider and give you the documents the CRO needs.
When you need it
- At incorporation, if none of the first directors lives in the EEA.
- Later, if the only EEA-resident director resigns or moves out of the EEA.
The bond must be in place at the time it's needed. A new company files it with its incorporation documents.
We arrange the bond with the insurer and give you the form the CRO needs.
How to apply
- We confirm none of the directors lives in the EEA and that the bond is the right route.
- We complete identity checks on the directors and beneficial owners and send the bond application.
- The insurer issues the bond, and it's filed with the CRO: with the incorporation documents for a new company, or on its own for an existing one.
How long it lasts
The bond runs for two years. Before it ends the company needs a new bond, an EEA-resident director or a Section 140 certificate. Put the renewal date in your diary: a lapsed bond leaves the company out of compliance.
Bond or nominee director?
A bond costs less than a nominee director and doesn't add anyone to your board. A nominee director gives the company an EEA-resident board member, which some banks and partners prefer, but that person takes on full legal duties and must be kept informed about the business.
Sources
Last checked 14 November 2026 against the Companies Act 2014 and Companies Registration Office (CRO) guidance. This is general information, not legal or tax advice for your company.