Did you know that Ireland hosts over 1,000 multinational companies, including 9 of the world's top 10 tech firms?
Non-EU businesses can access one of Europe's most vibrant economies by setting up a company in Ireland. The country offers competitive tax rates and serves as a gateway to the EU market. Many entrepreneurs find the registration requirements and compliance procedures daunting.
Nathan Trust's expertise addresses these challenges. We have helped numerous non-EU companies establish their presence successfully as a leading provider of accounting and company formation packages in Ireland. Our team will direct you through each step - from selecting the right company structure to handling tax registrations.
Want to launch your Irish business? We'll explain the key steps for company formation in Ireland and provide all the information you need for a smooth setup. Contact our team today to schedule an introductory call!
Legal Requirements for Non-EU Companies
Setting up a company in Ireland as a non-EU business needs a clear understanding of the legal framework. Nathan Trust guides clients through these requirements to make registration smooth and straightforward.
Company Types Available for Foreign Registration
Non-EU companies have several business structures to choose from in Ireland. The most common options include:
Company Type |
Key Features |
Best Suited For |
---|---|---|
Private Limited (LTD) |
Single director allowed, simplified structure |
Small to medium businesses |
Designated Activity Company (DAC) |
Specific business objectives, two directors minimum |
Regulated industries |
Branch Office |
Extension of foreign company |
Testing market entry |
Director Residency Requirements
A company in Ireland needs at least one director who resides in the European Economic Area (EEA). Companies without an EEA-resident director must secure a Section 137 bond worth €25,000. This bond costs around €2,000 and stays valid for two years.
Nathan Trust helps you review these options and find budget-friendly solutions that match your business structure.
Required Documentation from Home Country
Non-EU companies need these essential documents:
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Certified and authenticated memorandum and articles of association
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Proof of company registration from your home country
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Financial statements and director details
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Verification of identity documentation for all directors
Companies must register their beneficial owners with the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) within five months after incorporation. Directors from outside the EEA without an Irish PPS Number need to get a Verified Identity Number through a Form VIF declaration.
Nathan Trust's team specializes in handling these documentation requirements. We guide you through each step of the verification process. Reach out to our team today to schedule a discovery call.
Essential Setup Steps
Nathan Trust guides clients through three significant steps that are the foundations of your Irish company setup. Let's look at everything you need to set up your company successfully in Ireland.
Choosing Your Company Name and Structure
The Companies Registration Office (CRO) has specific guidelines that your company name must meet. Here's what the CRO doesn't allow:
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Names that suggest state sponsorship or endorsement
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Generic terms like "Services," "Solutions," or "International" don't count as unique elements
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Numbers written as words or digits are treated as similar
Your company name becomes more unique and memorable with industry-specific descriptive words. To cite an instance, "Smith Manufacturing Limited" works better than just "Smith Limited."
Appointing a Local Company Secretary
Irish companies need a company secretary, and we help you meet this requirement. These rules apply:
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Companies with one director need a different person as secretary
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A director can be a secretary in multi-director companies
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The secretary's age must be 18 or above
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Corporate entities can take the role of company secretary
Our professional company secretary services ensure you meet all statutory requirements.
Setting Up Registered Office Address
Your Irish company needs a registered office address that serves as its official location. The address requirements state:
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A physical location in Ireland must exist - P.O. Box addresses don't work
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All official correspondence arrives here
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The company name must appear at the location
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All statutory registers and documents stay here
Nathan Trust's registered office services give your company a professional presence that meets legal requirements. We handle your mail and manage documents, which helps non-EU companies maintain their Irish presence easily.
Get in touch with our team to schedule a call and find out how we can make your company formation process smoother.
Compliance and Documentation
Nathan Trust helps many non-EU businesses direct their path through documentation needs. These compliance requirements are the foundation of setting up a company in Ireland.
Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond
Companies without an EEA-resident director must have a Section 137 bond. Here's what you should know:
Requirement |
Details |
---|---|
Bond Value |
|
Validity Period |
2 years minimum |
Purpose |
Covers potential fines and penalties |
Processing Time |
10 working days |
Register of Beneficial Ownership Requirements
The Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) plays a vital role in compliance. Your company must file beneficial ownership information within these timeframes:
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New companies: Within 5 months of incorporation
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Existing companies: Update within 14 days of any ownership changes
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Required details: Name, date of birth, nationality, residential address, and nature of beneficial interest
Nathan Trust's team ensures accurate and timely RBO submissions. This helps you avoid penalties that can reach up to €500,000 for non-compliance.
Corporate Bank Account Setup Process
Your corporate bank account setup needs precise documentation. These are the main requirements:
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Valid ID and proof of address for all signatories
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Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association
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Bank mandate form confirming authority to open the account
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Evidence of RBO registration
Non-EU companies might need extra documentation, and some banks need face-to-face meetings. But our strong relationships with leading financial institutions often make remote account opening possible within one week of application.
Important Note: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires certain non-EU companies to prepare sustainability reports by 2026. Start preparing early to meet these new regulations.
Contact our team today to set up a meeting and learn how we can make your compliance process smoother.
Tax Registration Process
Getting a grip on Ireland's tax system will make your company formation journey smoother. Nathan Trust helps businesses direct their way through these requirements.
Corporation Tax Registration
Ireland stands out in Europe with one of the most attractive tax rates. Companies pay a standard corporation tax rate of 12.5% for trading income. The rate jumps to 25% for non-trading or passive income like rental income or interest.
You'll need these items to register for corporation tax:
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A Companies Registration Office (CRO) number
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Completed TR2 form for Irish companies or TR2(FT) for foreign companies
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Online registration through Revenue Online Service (ROS) if you use a tax agent
VAT Registration Requirements
Your business must register for VAT under specific conditions. Here are the thresholds for VAT registration in Ireland.
Non-EU companies must register for VAT regardless of their turnover when they operate in Ireland. Nathan Trust can take care of your VAT registration through the Revenue's online platform.
Nathan Trust specializes in guiding non-EU companies through these tax requirements. Our team makes sure your company hits all registration deadlines and keeps proper tax compliance documents.
Reach out to our team today. Let's set up a call to show you how we can make your tax registration process smoother.
Remote Management Solutions
Modern digital solutions make it easy to manage your Irish company from anywhere. Nathan Trust helps non-EU companies use these tools to run their operations smoothly.
Virtual Office Services
We work with premium virtual office providers like the example of Republic of Work, etc in Dublin and Cork to give you a complete business presence solution.
You can start using these services right away with professional support to maintain a credible Irish base without physical office space. Companies that need more flexibility can get hot-desking options and meeting rooms at reduced rates.
Digital Banking Options
Digital banking has changed how companies handle their finances remotely. We help our clients choose from various banking options, including:
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Digital-only banks with full banking licenses offering deposit protection up to €100,000
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Payment institutions providing multi-currency accounts and instant SEPA transfers
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E-money institutions offering specialized business services with the safeguarding of funds
These modern banking solutions give you live transaction monitoring, integrated accounting features, and multi-currency capabilities. We recommend providers with English-language interfaces and support to non-EU companies, which makes remote management easier.
Some of the banks we have partnered with are Revolut Business and Fire Banking. Contact us to set up your business bank account in Ireland.
Electronic signatures have gained widespread acceptance in Ireland since the COVID-19 pandemic. We help our clients use these digital solutions effectively if in case required. Although in most cases we encourage and advise our clients to be physically present with our team to sign the required documents.
Most business documents can be signed electronically. However, some documents still need wet signatures.
Our team at Nathan Trust guides you through compliant electronic signature solutions that simplify your document management while maintaining legal validity. We ensure your remote operations meet all regulatory requirements and work efficiently.
Conclusion
Starting a company in Ireland creates endless possibilities for non-EU businesses. Expert guidance and proper planning will help guide you through the setup process. You can handle everything from director residency requirements to tax registrations and remote operations with ease.
Nathan Trust knows the challenges non-EU companies face while setting up in Ireland. Our detailed support covers all aspects of your company formation experience. We handle documentation, manage compliance, and provide digital solutions for remote operations.
The right foundation leads to success in the Irish market. Our team is ready to schedule a consultation call. Let us show you the quickest way to establish your company in Ireland - both efficiently and compliantly.
FAQs
Q1. Can a non-EU resident establish a company in Ireland?
Yes, non-EU residents can set up a company in Ireland. However, they must meet certain requirements, such as appointing an EEA-resident director or securing a Section 137 bond worth €25,000.
Q2. What are the key steps to register a company in Ireland from abroad?
The main steps include choosing a unique company name, selecting a company structure, appointing directors and a company secretary, setting up a registered office address, and completing the necessary documentation for the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
Q3. What are the tax implications for foreign companies in Ireland?
Ireland offers a competitive corporate tax rate of 12.5% for trading income. Non-resident companies are taxed on Irish-source income and profits from Irish branches. VAT registration may be required, and tax residency considerations should be carefully evaluated.
Q4. Can a single person form a limited company in Ireland?
Yes, a single person can set up a limited company in Ireland. However, they must appoint a separate company secretary to meet compliance requirements. Many single-member companies use professional company secretarial services for this purpose.
Q5. What remote management solutions are available for non-EU companies in Ireland?
Non-EU companies can utilize virtual office services, digital banking options, and remote document signing solutions to manage their Irish operations effectively. These tools allow for maintaining a professional presence and conducting business activities in Ireland without physical presence.