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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 active trading income

Use of tax incentives for IP as well as R&D tax credits

Access to European banking and payment networks

Asset protection

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:

Residents are subject to income tax of up to 40% on their worldwide income
Ireland offers, in limited cases, taxation on the remittance basis for non-domiciled individuals
There is no wealth tax; however, gifts and inheritances above certain allowances may be subject to Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT)
There are demanding compliance and transparency requirements

Without emigrating:

As a rule, a company incorporated in Ireland is regarded as tax resident in Ireland unless a double tax treaty assigns residence to another state. What matters is the place of effective management and the documentation
If the place of effective management remains abroad, the company may be taxed in the state of residence
IP and licensing structures are scrutinised closely. Value creation and substance must match the profit allocation
Non-resident shareholders must meet KYC and AML requirements

What makes Ireland attractive as a business location?

Ireland is a full member of the European Union and the Eurozone, is located in north-west Europe, has around 5.4 million inhabitants, and uses the euro (EUR) as its official currency. 100% foreign ownership is permitted, and there is unrestricted access to the EU Single Market.

An Irish Limited Company (LTD) is incorporated under the Companies Act 2014 and is recognised throughout the European Union. The corporation tax rate is 12.5% on active trading income, while non-trading or passive income is often taxed at 25%. Ireland levies a 25% withholding tax on dividends; depending on the shareholder’s residence and with correct documentation, exemptions or treaty reductions may be available.

Companies incorporated in Ireland are generally treated as tax resident in Ireland unless a double tax treaty assigns residence to another state. Effective management, board decisions and substance are key factors. Ireland is not a jurisdiction with low substance requirements and expects a genuine operational presence if profits are to be taxed there.

Ireland is not on any EU blacklist and has an extensive network of more than 70 double tax treaties, creating legal certainty and international acceptance. The jurisdiction is widely recognised by EU banks, FinTech providers and payment institutions.

VAT registration is usually straightforward, provided the activity is clearly defined and the thresholds are met. Standard thresholds are often EUR 42,500 for services and EUR 85,000 for goods, although special rules may apply depending on the activity.

At least one director must be resident in the EEA; alternatively, the statutory option under Section 137 is available. Foreign shareholders are fully permitted, and 100% foreign ownership is allowed.

Access to banking services is robust, with connectivity to SEPA, SWIFT and the EU’s payments infrastructure. However, banks require a clear business rationale, complete documentation and comprehensive KYC checks, especially for non-resident founders.

In most cases, incorporation can be completed entirely remotely via service providers. Opening a bank account may also be partly remote; depending on the bank and risk profile, enhanced compliance checks or in-person identification steps may be required.

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.