What is a certificate of compliance on completion?

A certificate of compliance on completion is the document, signed by the builder and the assigned certifier, that says your finished house complies with the Building Regulations and must be on the council’s register before you occupy it.

Last reviewed 23 October 2026 3 sources

Quick answer

Who signs: The builder and the assigned certifier, with the as-built documents and the implemented inspection plan.
When: Lodged before the house is opened, occupied or used. Allow 21 days for validation and registration.
Where: Submitted through the Building Control Management System to your council.
Opt-out: A new single dwelling with a valid registered opt-out is exempt from the procedure.

How it works in Ireland

On the standard route, the commencement notice included undertakings from your certifier and builder. At completion those same two people sign the certificate. It is lodged through the BCMS, and the authority must consider whether it is valid within 21 days and, if it is valid, enter it on the register within 21 days. If more documents are needed it has a further 7 days once they arrive.

The package normally includes the signed certificate, the as-built drawings and specification, and the implemented inspection plan that records what was inspected. It is a different document from the building energy rating certificate and the snag list. Registering the certificate does not release your lender’s final payment on its own, but lenders ask for it.

The house must not be opened, occupied or used until the certificate has been submitted and entered on the register. If you need to move in on a set date, ask your council about the nominated-date route, which lets you lodge supporting documents 3 to 5 weeks ahead and the valid certificate no later than the day before.

A valid Declaration of Intention to Opt Out of Statutory Certification for a new single dwelling means the procedure does not apply. Your solicitor, lender and a future purchaser may still ask for professional evidence that the work complies.

A common mistake

Moving in before the certificate is on the register because the house is finished. The rule is about occupation, and queries or missing documents can push the date back. Start the paperwork before the snags are cleared, and tell your home insurer and removals firm the date only once registration is confirmed.

The full guide

This page defines the term. The guide below covers what to do about it.

Get your completion certificate registered before moving in

The certificate of compliance on completion for an Irish self-build: who signs it, what goes with it, the 21-day check and the single-dwelling opt-out.

9 min read