Written by David Bruton| Last Updated - 03/12/2024
Are you considering setting up a company in Ireland? Understanding the Irish business environment is a crucial first step. While the process might seem complex at first glance, with the right guidance and planning, it can be straightforward, saving you both time and money.
Starting a business in Ireland is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re launching a startup, transitioning from a sole trader, or expanding your operations, forming a limited company not only provides access to a thriving economy but also unlocks numerous tax advantages for your Irish company. By adhering to the legal requirements, you can position your business for long-term success.
Why Choose Ireland for Your Business?
Tax Benefits: Ireland offers attractive corporate tax rates and incentives tailored to businesses.
Thriving Economy: Leverage Ireland’s dynamic and globally connected economy.
Business-Friendly Environment: Benefit from a supportive regulatory framework.
What Does the Process Involve?
Setting up a limited company in Ireland involves several key stages, from selecting the right business structure to completing registration with the relevant authorities. With our expert team guiding you through every step, the process becomes simple and efficient.
Here’s What You’ll Need to Register Your Company in Ireland:
1. Choose Your Company Structure:
Decide on the company type you want to form, such as a private company limited by shares (LTD), a public limited company (PLC), or a partnership.
2. Choose A Company Name:
You can select a unique name for your company and verify its availability with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) company name search facility.
3. Set the Registered Address For Your New Limited Company:
Please ensure you have an official address in Ireland to receive documents related to your company. Nathan Trust can provide an official registered address in Cork or Dublin.
4. Identify and Appoint Directors and Shareholders:
Identify who will serve as the directors and shareholders of the company. You will need at least one director and one shareholder. If you don’t have an Irish resident director, you can apply for a Non-EEA Directors bond.
5. Appoint A Company Secretary:
Appoint a company secretary responsible for upholding compliance with company law.
6. Memorandum and Articles of Association:
Prepare and register the company's memorandum and articles of association with the CRO.
7. Tax Registration:
Register your company for tax purposes with the Revenue Commissioners.
8. Employer Registration:
If you intend to hire employees, register as an employer with Revenue.
9. Bank Account:
Open a corporate or business bank account for your company. At Nathan Trust, we have helped hundreds of companies open business accounts through our leading bank partners in Ireland.
10. Licenses and Permits:
Depending on your business activities, you may need to secure licenses or permits from relevant authorities. We help our clients file the appropriate licenses too.
Our team can help you with your tax and accounting needs, reach out to our team to discuss the process after your company is registered.
Our experienced team is here to provide end-to-end support, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free registration experience. From handling the paperwork to navigating compliance requirements, we help you get your business off to the best possible start in Ireland. Click below to register your company today.
Here at Nathan Trust, we specialise in providing comprehensive cost-effective advice and trusted solutions on all aspects of Company Law, Accounting, Tax, Company Secretarial Practice, and Corporate Governance, which allows you to plan, scale, and register your business in Ireland.
The FAQs on this page will provide you with an overview of some essential things you need to know when registering a company in Ireland as a foreigner.
Below is a short video of members at Nathan Trust discussing some of the top Irish company registration questions and other important requirements of setting up a company in Ireland from abroad.
The price varies depending on the services you require. When setting up a limited company in Ireland, we always try to provide a competitive quote tailored to your individual needs. See below for our 2 most popular company set-up packages.
1. Standard Company Set-Up Package
2. Full Service Company Set Up Package - (Including Bank & Tax Filing)
What is included in the standard company setup package?
Company Incorporation
Registered Office address in Ireland
Annual Return
Company Secretary
UBO Register & AML
This is everything you need to kickstart your business in Ireland.
What is included in the bank and tax company setup package?
Company Incorporation
Registered Office address in Ireland
Annual Return
Company Secretary
UBO Register & AML
Bank Account setup & AML
This company setup package includes everything you need to start your business in Ireland, including your business bank account, Irish Corporation tax and VAT registrations. 
The Limited company setup process usually takes between 10-14 days, once anti-money laundering (AML) checks have been completed and signed documents are received.
For AML we require the following:
Additionally, you will need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to incorporate a company in Ireland. If you don’t have a PPS number, our team can assist you in applying for one.
It's essential to plan your new Irish Limited Company setup journey right from the very beginning. Save time and money by getting the help of company experts like Nathan Trust.
No, your physical presence is not required in Ireland in order to incorporate a company. Signed application and identity documents can be sent by post in advance of your limited company setup. However, we always like to invite our clients to Dublin or Cork to meet us where possible.
No, limited company directors do not need to be residents of Ireland. However, there is a requirement for at least one of the company directors to be an EEA (European Economic Area) resident. The nationality of a potential director will not influence this requirement, it is based on residency. For instance, an Irish national (Company Director) living in the United States cannot be the sole Director of the Irish company. Whilst, it is not a legal requirement, it is advisable to have an Irish-based Director on the board of your company for tax residency purposes.
If you are one of the companies with no EEA or resident Directors, we can provide you with a Section 137 non-EEA Directors bond or you can also avail of a Nominee Director service for Irish company registration. Our nominee directors are highly regarded in the company secretarial & compliance area by Ireland’s accounting and legal professionals.
The corporate tax rate for a limited company in Ireland is currently 12.5%, among the lowest in Europe. The low corporation tax rate has been one of the primary reasons why companies globally are interested in Ireland. As Directors and business owners, it is very important to know the tax rates before proceeding with any decision related to your Irish company. It is a good opportunity for businesses to save a lot of money on their tax bills as well as ensure they get the most out of their year-end revenue.
You might be able to avail of the 3-year Tax exemption for Startup limited companies in Ireland.
A study by PWC - "Paying Taxes 2020" - ranked Ireland in first place for the ease of paying taxes. Ireland has double tax treaties (DTA) with 78 countries, 74 are in effect as seen on the Revenue website.
Yuriy Andamasov, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at VyOS Inc.
We have worked with NathanTrust for more than two years (and don't plan to stop), and I can recommend Philip and his team to everyone who plans to do business in Ireland.
They are an exceptional multi-disciplinary team of professionals!
And to be more precise, here are just a few of the things they helped us with:
All the heavy lifting was done by NathanTrust, so for us at VyOS, it was almost effortless, and we could focus on other topics.
Our customers have rated our services 5/5 stars based on 35 reviews on Google reviews.
Yes, a non-resident can start a company or business in Ireland. A lot of Irish companies have Directors who are not Irish residents. If the company does not have an EEA resident Director, then it needs a Non-EEA Directors Bond to be in place before the company can be set up. Please note that setting up a company in Ireland does not entitle you to Irish residency.
A non-resident director or shareholder can set up a business bank account in Ireland for an Irish limited company. We work with 2 digital banks, Revolut and Fire. Both banks have the same guarantees as traditional banks about the protection of funds. They have excellent online banking facilities and the accounts can be opened in 1-2 weeks.
We also work with the 2 traditional banks in Ireland - AIB and Bank of Ireland. In our experience, these are the only 2 banks in Ireland that are set up to work with international companies just setting up in Ireland.
It is vital that you approach and engage with the banks in the right way, from day 1. We have successfully opened hundreds of Business Bank Accounts in Ireland for our clients globally.
Getting VAT registered for your company if you are a non-resident director and shareholder in Ireland is difficult.
You will need to show the following:
This 2-minute 29-second video below explains in detail the VAT registration process in Ireland for a limited company.
Before a company registration can be completed with Nathan Trust, you will need to furnish us with proof of identity (preferably passport) and a document showing proof of address (e.g. bank statements, utility bills, tax documents) for the directors and shareholders of the new company in Ireland. This is all part of the AMLD5 Directive from the EU.
Ireland is renowned for its exceptional talent pool, making it one of the most attractive locations for businesses seeking a skilled and dynamic workforce. Here’s why Ireland stands out when it comes to access to talent.
As the European base for leading companies such as Google, Apple, and Pfizer, Ireland attracts top-tier talent from across the globe. The presence of these industry leaders creates a competitive and collaborative ecosystem, enriching the talent pool.
Ireland boasts one of the highest rates of third-level education attainment in Europe. The country's strong emphasis on education ensures a steady supply of qualified graduates across key industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and financial services.
The population is highly educated with 3rd level attainment among ages 30-44 of 55.4% vs the EU average of 40.3%. [Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ireland]
The median age of the population is 38.8 years, indicating a relatively young demographic compared to other European nations.
With a median age below many other European countries, Ireland’s workforce is youthful, motivated, and tech-savvy. This demographic advantage fuels a dynamic employment market and a strong drive for growth and achievement.
British citizens can continue to travel, work and study in Ireland post-Brexit. The common travel agreement guarantees this and this is why a lot of people are moving to Ireland from the UK.
Ireland’s combination of a skilled, diverse, and future-ready workforce positions it as an ideal location for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive global market.
Ireland consistently ranks as one of the top countries in the world to do business in and consistently attracts a large level of foreign direct investment.
The Institute for Management Development (IMD)’s World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 1 ranks Ireland as the most competitive country in the euro area and the 4th most competitive economy in the world (out of 67 economies).
(Source: National Competitiveness and Productivity Council Bulletin 24-4 IMD World Competitiveness Rankings)
With a workweek that typically does not exceed 40 hours per employee, Ireland has a high presence of multinational corporations that significantly enhance its labour productivity. Ireland ranks as the 2nd most productive country in the world as per the rankings here. Consequently, its GDP per capita has grown rapidly compared to other Western European nations.
Ireland witnessed an increase in average hourly labour costs, rising from €38 in 2022 to €40.2 in 2023.
Our complete service offering combines a highly skilled and experienced team of Corporate Secretaries, Accounts and International Tax Specialists. We provide an 'end-to-end solution that supports all your Irish company compliance needs. From company setup to specialist tax advice to running your company payroll. We have it all covered. You can download our latest brochures detailing our services below:
Below is a short video of Philip Nathan at Nathan Trust explaining how long it takes to complete the registration of a limited company in Ireland.
Limited company registration can normally be completed in 5-7 working days, from the date of receiving signed application documents.
We're here to answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect plan for your Company.
LTD companies may dispense with the requirement to hold an AGM provided members sign a written resolution dispensing with the AGM. If this option is not taken then a company should hold an AGM each year, with not more than 15 months elapsing between AGMs. Here are a few tips on how to conduct a successful AGM and the top tips to arrange a successful AGM.
All companies must file an annual return with the Companies Office at least once every calendar year. With the exception of the Company’s first Annual Return, Companies must attach a copy of their accounts to the annual return filed with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The accounts attached to an annual return must be made up to a date that is not more than 9 months earlier than the effective date of the return. Nathan Trust can take care of annual returns for your Irish company.
Currently, an Irish company registration requires just one director. However, a single director can't act as the Company Secretary. A separate person must act as Company Secretary. This is a service that we provide.
The Companies Act 2014 stipulates that every company must have a company secretary. As for their duties, the act states:
“The duties of the secretary of a company shall, without derogating from the secretary’s statutory and other legal duties, be such duties as are delegated to the secretary, from time to time, by the board of directors of the Company”.
These duties entail:
The company secretary does not have voting rights at board meetings and cannot make any board-level decisions unless the company secretary is also a director.
Technically, yes, once they are 18 or over. There are no official educational requirements needed to act as Company Secretary, however, it is important to note that Irish company directors have a duty to ensure that the Company Secretary has the skills and resources necessary to discharge his or her duties. It is common for company directors to employ the services of a professional company secretarial firm. Nathan Trust offers the service of a professional nominee Company Secretary if you are interested.
It is possible for one person to set up a limited company. When one person sets up a limited company in Ireland on their own, they will need someone else to act as the Company Secretary. You cannot act as both a single director and Company Secretary. Nathan Trust can provide a one-person, single-director company with a Company Secretary.
For those residing outside the EEA and non-residents, there are two options. Either you can purchase a non-EEA Director bond, which ensures the company is against fines for any offences under the Companies Act, this bond would need to be renewed every 2 years. The other option would be for the Irish company to appoint a non-executive or “nominee” director to the board to satisfy the residency requirement.
Connecting with an expert can help you get started on the right foot! Let's schedule a discovery call and find out how we can provide what your company needs.
Yes, all companies registered in Ireland must register with an Irish address, P.O box addresses are not permitted. This registered address does not need to be your trading address. Nathan Trust can provide your new Irish company with a registered address in Dublin or Cork.
At Nathan Trust, we provide a complete solution for company formation and corporate compliance, tailored to meet your specific business needs in Ireland. Our team of skilled Corporate Secretaries, Accountants, and International Tax Specialists is here to support you at every step of the company setup process. From registering a limited company to opening an Irish bank account and ensuring full tax compliance, we deliver an end-to-end service backed by over 25 years of industry expertise.
Our services extend from providing specialist tax advice and managing payroll services to fulfilling all your Irish company compliance requirements. Whether you’re looking to register a new Irish company or expand an existing one, Nathan Trust ensures a seamless experience.
Download our latest brochures below to explore how we can support your business journey in Ireland.
As a family business, we pride ourselves on going ‘above and beyond’ for our clients. Don't take our word it, here is what our customers say:
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David Bruton is a graduate of Business from the Cork Institute of Technology. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a Chartered Tax Advisor of the Irish Tax Institute. In addition to dealing with ongoing accounting and tax compliance for clients, David’s areas of expertise also include personal and corporate tax planning, VAT and the international aspects of the Irish tax system. David enjoys trying to take the mystery out of tax for clients.
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Nathan Trust is the trading name for Millex Limited (CRO Number: 314738), is officially registered in Cork, Ireland, and operates under the regulatory oversight of Chartered Accountants Ireland (56679), Chartered Governance Institute (No: 1045242) and the Irish Tax Institute.
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HOW TO SET UP A COMPANY IN IRELAND?
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