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Setting up a company in Ireland?

Find out how to do it in a legally compliant way:

12.5% corporation tax on trading income

Tax benefits for innovation and IP

Reliable banking system

Strong legal system

You can reduce your tax burden legally. We will be pleased to advise you in detail and offer you a free initial consultation.

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Pros and cons of setting up a company abroad

If you relocate your residence:

Income is taxed at 20% up to €47,000 (or €53,000 for married individuals), and 40% above that
Non-domiciled individuals are taxed only on income brought into Ireland
No wealth tax, but gifts and inheritances may be taxed
Compliance and reporting requirements are demanded

Without emigrating:

An Irish company is generally treated as tax resident in Ireland
If the company is managed from another country, it may be taxed there instead. We check this for you in the free consultation
IP and licensing structures require real business activity
Non-resident shareholders must complete standard identity and compliance checks

What makes Ireland attractive as a business location?

Ireland is a full EU and Eurozone member in north-west Europe with around 5.4 million inhabitants, using EUR. 100% foreign ownership is permitted, with unrestricted access to the EU Single Market.

An Irish Limited Company (LTD) is incorporated under the Companies Act 2014. The corporation tax rate is 12.5% on active trading income, while passive income is often taxed at 25%. A 25% withholding tax applies to dividends, though exemptions or treaty reductions may be available depending on the shareholder's residence. At least one director must be EEA-resident.

Companies incorporated in Ireland are generally tax resident there unless it's managed elsewhere. Ireland is not a low-substance jurisdiction, it requires physical presence, local employees, and genuine decision-making from within the country. It is not on any EU blacklist and has over 70 double tax treaties, offering legal certainty and strong international acceptance.

VAT registration is straightforward with a clearly defined activity, with standard thresholds typically at EUR 42,500 for services and EUR 85,000 for goods.

Banking access is robust with SEPA and SWIFT connectivity, but requires a clear business rationale, complete documentation, and thorough KYC.

Incorporation can usually be completed entirely remotely; bank account opening may also be partly remote, though enhanced checks or in-person steps may apply depending on the bank.

Contact us for an individual assessment and, where appropriate, better alternative structuring solutions.

FAQs

Is it easy to obtain a VAT identification number?

Generally, yes—provided the activity is clear and the documentation is complete. The standard thresholds are around EUR 42,500 for services and EUR 85,000 for goods, with sector-specific nuances.

Is remote incorporation possible?

In most cases, the company can be incorporated remotely. Opening a bank account may also be partly remote; however, depending on the bank and risk profile, additional checks or in-person steps may be required.

Is it possible to set up a company from abroad?

In most cases, the company can be incorporated remotely. Opening a bank account may also be partly remote; however, depending on the bank and risk profile, additional checks or in-person steps may be required.

Is there a blacklist?

No. Ireland is not on the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

Are there plenty of banking options?

There are established local banks and strong FinTech solutions, but non-resident founders should expect intensive KYC and source-of-funds checks, as well as longer processing times.

Is a local director required?

At least one director must be resident in the EEA; alternatively, the statutory guarantee under Section 137 of the Companies Act 2014 can be used.

Which locations worldwide are best suited to paying as little tax as possible?

	Tax Burden	Banking	Reputation	Bureaucracy	Legal Security	Costs
Ireland	12,5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,950
USA	21-0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Singapore	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,950
Hong Kong	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Cyprus	15%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,900
Malta	5%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 2,500
Trust	0%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 4,900
England	25-19%	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 stars	from EUR 1,000

Tax compliance in your country of residence

Your country of residence may impose tax and reporting obligations for business activities abroad as well as for dividend income; in certain cases even when profits are not distributed.

Depending on your personal circumstances, an appropriate holding structure may be required to comply with tax rules and avoid unnecessary tax risks.

To determine which jurisdiction and structure best meet your needs, use the contact form and describe your plans in as much detail as possible.

Our advisers will be happy to review your case and support you accordingly.

1.

Analyse your needs

We assess your situation to define objectives, risk tolerance, tax exposure and asset-protection priorities.

2.

Carry out a jurisdiction analysis

We compare potential jurisdictions based on tax law, banking access, compliance requirements and your country of residence.

3.

Incorporate the company and, if required, establish a foundation

Open accounts and custody accounts and, where needed, implement the asset-management set-up.