If you want to work in the land of the lucky, you may be wondering how to become a contractor in Ireland. All reputable contractors in Ireland must register with the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI). To do so, you’ll need to complete a CIRI course, apply for registration, and complete Continuing Education requirements before renewing annually.
Do You Need a Contractor’s License in Ireland?
The Ireland Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (the “Department”) publicized a bill in January of 2022 around contractor registration. It states that all builders, contractors, and specialist subcontractors must register with CIRI to carry out their construction works.
What Is CIRI?
CIRI is an online register for contractors, overseen by the Irish government. It lists competent builders and contractors who can perform work in Ireland. Registered CIRI contractors must renew their membership annually and continue to meet all CIRI requirements while registered.
The Building Control Regulations Amendment of 2014 requires building owners to assign competent builders and contractors to their projects, following all Building Regulations and signing the Certificate of Compliance upon completion. CIRI registered builders and contractors are considered competent to take on this work.
CIRI’s entry criteria allow customers to find competent and professional workers for their construction projects. All approved contractors on CIRI will be given a registration number that allows potential clients to look them up in the CIRI database.
How to Register as a Contractor in Ireland
To register with CIRI and begin completing contracting work in Ireland, you’ll need to:
- Meet all registry requirements
- Complete a CIRI induction course
- Complete the CIRI registration application
- Wait for approval
- Complete Continuing Education requirements for annual renewal
- CIRI Requirements
If you were not born in Ireland, you’ll first need to have the appropriate permissions to work in the country and register your business or work for a registered Irish business.
To become a registered member, CIRI requires contractors to have the appropriate competence and experience, technical capability, and continuous professional development. You should be familiar with the industry code of conduct, as well as knowledgeable about local and national building regulations.
CIRI contractors are tax compliant, insured, VAT registered, and compliant with all regulations and statutes related to their work. They must also produce a health and safety statement and provide environmental assurance for all their projects.
- CIRI Induction Course
If you believe you’re eligible to join CIRI, you can begin the process by completing the CIRI induction course. This course is online, can be taken at any time and paused as you wish, and cost €50. It is for business owners, directors, or senior management.
During the course, you’ll focus on the CIRI Code of Ethics obligations, learn more about required documentation during the application process, and find out more about the assessment and review procedures by the CIRI Board.
Participants are also required to correctly answer questions to officially pass and complete the course.
- Appy to Join CIRI as an Irish Contractor
Once you’ve successfully finished the induction course, you can begin your CIRI application. You will need to provide a long list of documents, so be sure to prepare them before beginning your online application.
- A copy of your Tax Clearance Certificate
- A letter from your insurance company or broker describing the appropriate insurance coverage
- Your company registration number, if applicable
- A description of:
- Your business
- Your building services and areas of competence
- Your management/technical staff
- Your directions and management team – only if your business is 2 years old or younger
- Info on your health and safety certification – There are various certifications available, such as one through the Health and Safety Administration or private companies like this one
- Info on your quality assurance policy
- Info on your environmental/sustainable assurance
- The details of 3 project examples, including contact names and references within the last 10 years
- Details of any Building Control Acts convictions within the last 5 years, as well as if you were the owner or shareholder of a company that was convicted
- CIF/RECI/ECSSA/REI numbers, if applicable
- A €600 application fee, plus 23% VAT (additional sales tax), for a total of €738
- Proof of the completion of the CIRI induction course
You should attach all document copies in PDF format. You can save your application and return to it later if need be. Start the application process online here.
- Wait for Approval
Your application will be reviewed by the CIRI Admissions and Registration Board during 4-6 weeks. The Board consists of ten members and one chairperson. Members are appointed by the government, and 2-5 of them are also registered construction professionals.
The Board will contact your references and any third parties to review the information you submitted. If approved, your construction details will be added to the CIRI register.
Registered members will be removed if they are found to participate in fraudulent behavior, falsify documents, or fail to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
If your application is refused, your registration fee will be refunded. You can choose to reapply or appeal the decision with the Complaints and Appeals Committee (CAC).
- Contractor Continuing Professional Development
Once you’re registered with CIRI, you’ll need to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements and renew your registration annually.
CPD is described as learning activities contractors must complete to keep their abilities up-to-date and advanced.
You can find information on approved CPD courses and certificates on the CIRI website. There are both structured CPD options, such as formal courses, company trainings, and conferences, as well as informal CPD options like publications, podcasts, and self-directed learning opportunities.
After completing CPD, you’ll need to create your own CPD plan. You can find examples here.
To renew your registration, you will need:
- Tax clearance status and details
- A letter from your insurance company or broker describing the appropriate insurance coverage
- A copy of your completed CPD plan
To begin your renewal application, simply log on to your CIRI account.