Incorporate · Europe

Company Formation in Ireland

EU base with a 12.5% trading tax rate and strong holding regime. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 12.5% on trading income, 25% on passive income
VAT / GST: 23%
Formation: 3-10 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 75+
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 4,000

At a glance

Common entity: Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD)
Formation time: 3-10 days
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 4,000
Annual cost: USD 2,000 - 5,000
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 75+

Holding companyIP and licensingSaaS and technologyE-commerceConsulting and services

Best for

EU market access and passporting
IP-rich and technology businesses
US groups with a European base

Less ideal for

Founders wanting no EEA-director requirement
Those seeking privacy off a public register

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law
Common entity types	Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD), Designated Activity Company (DAC)
Formation timeline	3-10 days
Minimum capital	None (typically EUR 1 issued)
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1 (at least one EEA-resident director or a Section 137 bond)
Local presence	Registered office in Ireland required; EEA director or bond needed
Public registry	Directors, shareholders and beneficial owners on public and central registers
Audit	Small companies may qualify for audit exemption

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	12.5% on trading income, 25% on passive income (15% minimum effective rate for large groups under Pillar Two)
VAT / GST	23%
Withholding, dividends	25% (many exemptions)
Withholding, interest	20% (treaty and EU exemptions)
Withholding, royalties	20% (treaty and EU exemptions)
Capital gains	33%, with a participation exemption for qualifying shareholdings
Territorial system	No
CFC rules	Yes
Participation exemption	Participation exemption for qualifying share disposals and, from 2025, foreign dividends

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in Ireland

1
Reserve the company name and confirm the entity type (LTD or DAC)
2
Appoint at least one EEA-resident director or arrange a Section 137 bond
3
Provide an Irish registered office and prepare the constitution
4
File incorporation with the Companies Registration Office (CRO)
5
Register for tax with Revenue and open a corporate bank account

Banking reality

Traditional banks apply thorough KYC and usually expect local substance and management, so onboarding can take time, while EMIs are widely used by remote founders in the interim.