Do I need a Company Seal?

Under the Companies Act 2014, every Irish registered company is required to have a company seal, sometimes referred to as a common seal. It is used to engrave or emboss the company’s name on legal documents. Under Irish company law, there are certain rules that govern the use of company seal, this article will provide you with a quick guide on how to use a company seal.

What Documents Require a Company seal?

All Irish companies are required to attain a company seal upon incorporation. The purpose of this tool is to stamp or emboss important company documents to verify that they are certified by the company. Such documents include:

  • Legal Contracts
  • Share Certificates
  • Board Meeting minutes
  • Loan Documents
  • Leases

Who is authorised to use a company seal?

The Companies Act 2014 states that the company seal can be used by the authority of its directors, or an individual appointed by the director or board of directors unless otherwise stated in the company’s constitution. Any document that is certified by the company seal must be duly signed by a company director and countersigned by the company secretary, a second director or an authorised person as appointed by the director(s).

When there is a company acting as the corporate secretary the documents may be countersigned by a director of the secretarial company or an authorized person who clearly identifies as capable of acting on behalf of that company.

Is the seal valid for the domestic companies and international companies?

The common seal can be used to execute the deeds within Ireland as well as abroad. If authorised a company may have an additional seal that is used abroad. This additional seal is similar to the main company seal, but it also has the name of the location outside the state where it is to be used. A seal used abroad should be used by an individual who is authorised to act in the company’s capacity. When the agent executes a contract on the behalf of the company he/she should certify by writing on the document the date and place when the seal was embossed.

How can I order a company seal?

To order a company seal, follow this link mcgrathseals.ie and enter your company name or company number. When your company name appears in the search results, select it and then choose which seal type you would like to order – Plier Seal or Desk Seal. Finally, enter your billing details at the checkout and your seal will arrive in 1 – 2 working days.

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