Director Address Privacy in the UK and Ireland
Using a Rented UK Service Address
In the UK, company directors can legally use a rented service address—often provided by virtual office services. This address is listed publicly at Companies House instead of the director’s residential address.
Benefits
- Protects personal privacy by hiding home address
- Projects a professional image with a business address
- Prevents unwanted mail or visits
Legal Basis in the UK
Under the Companies Act 2006, directors must provide a service address for public records :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Their residential address remains private and is only accessible to authorities and credit agencies :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Who Can See Which Address?
- Public: Only the service address (public record)
- Authorities: Residential address accessible to law enforcement, HMRC, and credit agencies :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Situation in Ireland
Ireland does not allow rented service addresses. Both the registered office and directors’ addresses must be filed with the CRO and are publicly available :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Similarities & Differences
| UK | Ireland | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Address | Yes, legal & public | No |
| Home Address | Private, only for authorities | Public |
| Professional Address | Allowed | Limited to company’s registered office |
Director vs Company
A Director is the natural person managing the firm, while the Company is the legal entity. The service address applies to the individual director; the registered office belongs to the company.
Transparency and Privacy Options
UK law allows public service addresses and keeps home addresses hidden, enabling transparency and privacy protection. In Ireland, however, directors’ names and addresses are always public, with limited privacy options.