Unveiling the VIN Number for Company Directors in Ireland

Companies Registration Office announced the new requirements for PPSN for Irish Company directors. Starting on 11 June 2023, all directors of Irish companies must file their PPS numbers when making certain filings with CRO. This is done for verification purposes and to combat identity theft. Providing PPSN to CRO officers will ensure that all company directors are alive and are natural persons. However, not all directors of Irish companies are residents of Ireland and don’t have PPS number. They will be required to obtain Verified Identity Number (VIN) by completing a Form VIF. 

In this blog post, we’ll navigate you through all the essentials you need to know about getting VIN number in Ireland, how to obtain it, and shed light on the difference between VIN, PPS, and RBO numbers.

What is VIN Number 

VIF or Verified Identity Number is an unique number assigned to non-resident directors of Irish companies. Unlike PPS number which is assigned to Irish residents only, VIN number is used for identity verification purpose only and does not give permission to use social benefits services, public services and information within the state. Under the new requirements, each company director will need to submit either PPS, VIN or RBO number for an extensive range of filings related to company formation and compliance. Here they are:

• Form A1 – Company formation 
• Form B1 – Annual return
• Form B10 – Change of company secretary, directors or their particulars
• Form B10a – Change of registered office address of a company
• Form B69 – Notification from an individual that they cease to be a company director or secretary

If you’re a director of Irish company and don’t have PPS or VIN number, you can be charged with a category four offence and a fine of €5,000. You can obtain VIN by completing a Form VIF– Declaration as to Verification of Identity. It is available at the official online portal of CRO – CORE. Once the form is processes by CRO, you VIN will be sent to your email

Verification of Identity Form: Key Facts about VIF

Must be witnessed and signed by a notary: VIF contains he directors’ name, date of birth, nationality and address. It must be witnessed and signed by a company director itself and a notary public.
ONLY wet signature applied: CRO and the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) do not accept digital or electronic signatures.
It does not violate your privacy: the data submitted in VIF are stored at CRO and is not visible to public view.

PPS vs VIN vs RBO Numbers: What is the Difference

As a company director in Ireland, you might come across other identification numbers such as PPS (Personal Public Service) and RBO (Register of Beneficial Ownership) numbers. It is important to understand the distinctions between these identification codes:

PPS Number: The PPS (personal public service number) is an identification number used for various social welfare and taxation purposes. It is assigned to irish residents by the Irish government.

VIN Number: As mentioned earlier, the VIN (Verified Identity Number) is a unique identifier for directors of Irish companies who don’t have a PPS number.

RBO Number: RBO (Register of Beneficial Owners) number is assigned to ultimate beneficial owners of a company. New PPSN requirements allow for using RBO number as VIN for all CRO filings.

Get VIN Number in Ireland with Chern & Co

If you’re looking for assistance with getting VIN number in Ireland or have any questions left, feel free to contact us. We’re working closely with the CRO to simplify the entire procedure for you With our expertise and personaliіed assistance, we’ll help you navigate through the bureaucratic maze and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Reasons to work with us go beyond a stress-free process of obtaining VIN number. 

Expert Guidance: Our team of professionals has in-depth knowledge of the PPS number application process. We’ll provide you with accurate information and guide you every step of the way.
Time-Saving: Skip the long waiting times and bureaucratic red tape. Our streamlined approach will expedite your VIN number application, saving you valuable time and energy.
Stress-Free Experience: Let us handle the complex paperwork and documentation. We’ll take care of the details, so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Affordability: Get PPS number in Ireland with us for just 150 Eur* until 31 May. Notary fee included.

Please note that 150 Eur is the cost of VIN application for only ONE company director.