An MVL is the formal route for closing a solvent Irish company that can pay all its debts within 12 months and has assets to distribute to shareholders. Forti prepares the accounts, coordinates the CRO work and works alongside an independently appointed qualified liquidator.
The financial position, assets and whether a liquidator is needed all determine the right approach. Using the wrong route creates legal and tax complications.
| Route | Financial position | Who controls it | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary strike-off | Solvent, with total assets and liabilities each at €150 or less | Directors and shareholders complete the CRO process | Dormant or ceased company with no meaningful assets to distribute |
| Members' Voluntary Liquidation | Solvent — can pay all debts within 12 months | Independent qualified liquidator | Solvent company with retained profits or assets to distribute |
| Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation | Insolvent or unable to pay debts in full | Liquidator with creditor interests central | Company that cannot make the solvency declaration required for an MVL |
These are two separate appointments with different functions. Forti does not act as liquidator.
Six stages — from the initial review through to final dissolution. The order and timing are set by statute and cannot be varied.
Each deadline has a statutory consequence if missed. The Declaration of Solvency is particularly critical — it must fall within the precise statutory window.
| Requirement | Deadline | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Declaration of Solvency signed | Within 30 days before the resolution | An ineffective declaration can change the legal character of the winding-up and require a High Court application. |
| Form E1-SAP filed with CRO | Within 21 days after the resolution | Late delivery makes the declaration ineffective under the Summary Approval Procedure. |
| Iris Oifigiúil notice published | Within 14 days after the resolution | The published notice must identify the liquidator correctly by full name and address. |
| Final dissolution | 3 months after registration of E5 and E6 | The company remains in liquidation until the statutory dissolution point is reached. |
A normal distribution of the company's net assets in a winding-up is generally treated as capital — not income. The availability of reliefs depends on each shareholder's specific position.
Shareholders do not always need to wait until final dissolution. The liquidator may make an interim distribution — but only after assessing the full liability position.
Five stages — from the initial suitability review through to final accounting and company records.
MVL work is quoted after the suitability review because the cost depends on the records, assets, shareholders and tax position. The initial review is free.
All Forti and professional fees exclude VAT. You receive the proposed scope and known third-party costs before the engagement starts.
One suitability review. Clear scope and known costs before the statutory process begins — so there are no surprises once the clock starts.
An MVL provides an orderly way to settle a solvent company's affairs and distribute its remaining assets. The first step is to confirm solvency, records, tax and the correct closure route before the statutory clock starts.
Get a free MVL suitability review →
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