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EU hub with competitive corporate tax rate
Region
WESTERN EUROPE
Corporate Tax
12.5%
Setup Time
2 weeks
Currency
EUR
Ireland has emerged as a major technology and pharmaceutical hub, combining EU membership with favorable corporate taxation. The country's efficient company registration and English-speaking environment support substantial business setup for multinational operations.
With a population of 5.1 million, Ireland offers English-speaking European living. Dublin provides cosmopolitan amenities, while other cities offer lower costs. The maritime climate is mild but wet.
Healthcare combines public and private systems with good quality. Safety is excellent with low crime rates. The cost of living, particularly Dublin housing, has increased substantially with economic growth.
The friendly culture and international business community create welcoming environment.
Corporate tax rate stands at 15% following 2024 increase from 12.5%. The knowledge development box offers reduced rates on qualifying IP income. Personal income tax reaches 40% plus PRSI. VAT applies at 23% standard rate.
Ireland uses the Euro. Major tech multinationals have established significant operations. The startup ecosystem is active. Ireland's EU membership post-Brexit has increased its appeal for UK-adjacent operations.
Company registration through the Companies Registration Office is efficient. Private limited companies by shares (LTD) are the standard vehicle. Foreign ownership faces no restrictions.
Company formation takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Minimum capital is EUR 1. At least one director must be EEA-resident (or bond alternative). Annual compliance includes filing accounts and returns.
The Central Bank of Ireland registers virtual asset service providers under AML regulations. The approach implements EU standards. Ireland has not been a primary crypto licensing destination despite attracting some crypto company headquarters.
Gambling regulation has been under reform. Current licensing exists for betting shops and land-based operations. The 2023 Gambling Regulation Bill creates the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland for comprehensive licensing including online gambling. The framework is modernizing.
High housing costs and labor market tightness affect operations, particularly in Dublin. The economy's concentration in multinationals creates dependence on continued foreign investment. Public infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with growth.
Banking access is excellent. Professional services, particularly accounting and legal, are highly developed. Ireland's English language and common law heritage support international business.
Ireland suits technology companies, pharmaceutical operations, and businesses seeking EU access from an English-speaking base for their business setup.
Local: Ltd
Local: DAC/PLC
Local: LP
Local: Branch
| Corporate Tax Rate | 12.5% |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 40% |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 23% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 33% |
| Withholding Tax | 25% |
| Reduced Corporate Tax Available | Yes |
| Non-Resident Withholding Exempt | No |
| Tax Treaty Network | Yes |
| Banking Access | EXCELLENT |
| Financial Privacy | LOW |
| Currency Controls | NONE |
| Local Bank Account Required | No |
| Non-Resident Bank Account Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Presence for Banking | No |
| Banks Restrictive (High Risk) | No |
| AML Officer Required | No |
| MLRO Required | No |
| Compliance Officer Required | No |
| Data Protection Officer Required | No |
| Bookkeeping Frequency | Annual |
| Local Bookkeeping Required | No |
| Mandatory Audit | No |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | Yes |
| Local AML Director Required | No |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | Yes |
| Required Share Capital | $125,000 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | Yes |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | EU Travel Rule / FATF Travel Rule |
| Business Plan Required | Detailed business plan with operational descriptions, risk management systems, and compliance frameworks required |
| Personnel Required | CEO, Compliance Officer, AML Officer, at least one senior manager physically located in Ireland |
| Insurance Required | No |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | ESMA MiCA Register and Central Bank of Ireland register |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | No |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | Yes |
| Regulators | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
| Licensing Fee | $0 |
| Licensing Fee Details | No application fee for VASP registration; MiCA CASP authorization fees being determined |
| Permitted Business Models | Exchange, Custody, Transfer services, Advisory, Trading platform operation |
| Permitted Activities | Virtual asset exchange (crypto-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat), custody and administration, transfer services, order execution, portfolio management, advisory |
| Restricted Activities | Higher scrutiny for privacy coins (AECs) - must demonstrate risk mitigation controls |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Inspection Required | No |
| Derivatives Allowed | No |
| RWA Tokenization Allowed | Yes |
| App Store Listing Allowed | Yes |
| Crypto Custody Allowed | Yes |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Local AML Director Required | No |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | No |
| Capital Maintained in Account | No |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | N/A |
| Business Plan Required | Full disclosure of business model, ownership structures, beneficial owners required |
| Personnel Required | Fit and proper persons test for key personnel and beneficial owners |
| Insurance Required | No |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | Yes |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | GRAI public register |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | No |
| Regulators | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) |
| Licensing Fee Details | Fees being finalized by GRAI; considering tiered model based on GGY. B2C betting licenses opening December 2025, remote gaming Q1 2026 |
| Permitted Business Models | B2C (betting, gaming, lottery), B2B (gambling related services), Charitable/Philanthropic |
| Permitted Activities | In-person betting, remote betting, betting intermediary, in-person gaming, remote gaming, in-person lottery, remote lottery |
| Restricted Activities | National Lottery operated by sole licensee (Premier Lotteries Ireland DAC) |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Inspection Required | No |
| Player Fund Segregation | Yes |
| B2B/B2C Separate Requirements | Yes |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | Yes |
| Local AML Director Required | Yes |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | Yes |
| Required Share Capital | $125,000 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | Yes |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | PSD2 compliant |
| Business Plan Required | Comprehensive 3-year business plan with financial projections and operational details required |
| Personnel Required | 8-9 employees covering key functions: financial control, legal and compliance, risk management, at least 2 executive directors |
| Insurance Required | Yes |
| Insurance Details | Professional indemnity insurance required |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 2 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | Yes |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | Central Bank of Ireland register of authorized firms |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | No |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | Yes |
| Regulators | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
| Licensing Fee | $0 |
| Licensing Fee Details | No application or supervisory fees for Payment Institution or EMI license in Ireland |
| Permitted Business Models | Payment Institution (PI), Electronic Money Institution (EMI), Small EMI, Small PI |
| Permitted Activities | Payment services (direct debits, credit transfers, card transactions), money remittance, payment initiation services, account information services, e-money issuance |
| Restricted Activities | Banking services without banking license |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Inspection Required | No |