6-K

UNITEDSTATES

SECURITIESAND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington,D.C. 20549

FORM6-K

REPORTOF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANTTO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE

SECURITIESEXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Forthe month of February 2026

CommissionFile Number: 001-41639

SMX(SECURITY MATTERS) PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

(ExactName of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

MespilBusiness Centre, Mespil House

SussexRoad, Dublin 4, Ireland

Tel:+353-1-920-1000

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐

SMX (Security Matters) Public Limited Company (the “Company”) hereby announces that, as of February 23, 2026, it has 2,224,067 issued and outstanding ordinary shares, of which 1,655,364 are restricted shares.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: February 23, 2026