Set up a company in Ireland as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in Ireland is the private company limited by shares (LTD). Foreign ownership: No nationality condition on shareholders appears in the Companies Act 2014 sections read; the company must intend to carry on an activity in Ireland and cannot be a bank or insurer. The binding constraint for foreign founders is the EEA-resident director rule. Minimum capital: None stated on the official sources reached (see unverified).
The private company limited by shares (LTD) in Ireland, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | A company formed under the Companies Act 2014 must have at least one director | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Foreign ownership / activity in Ireland | The Registrar will only register a company that will carry on an activity in Ireland; no nationality condition on owners appears in the sections read | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Sector limits | A company formed this way cannot carry on banking or insurance | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Local director (EEA rule) | At least one director must be resident in an EEA state | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Bond alternative | The EEA-resident director rule does not apply if the company holds a bond of €25,000 in the prescribed form | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Registered address | The company must always have a registered office in Ireland | irishstatutebook.ie |
| Corporation tax | 12.5% for trading income; 25% for non-trading income and excepted trades | revenue.ie |
| Annual compliance | File an annual return with the Registrar no later than 56 days after the company's annual return date (revised text; 'F252' is the Law Reform Commission's amendment marker) | revisedacts.lawreform.ie |
Questions founders ask about Ireland
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Ireland?
- No nationality condition on shareholders appears in the Companies Act 2014 sections read; the company must intend to carry on an activity in Ireland and cannot be a bank or insurer. The binding constraint for foreign founders is the EEA-resident director rule.
- What is the minimum capital for a company in Ireland?
- None stated on the official sources reached (see unverified).
- Do I need a local director in Ireland?
- At least one director must be resident in an EEA state, unless the company holds a €25,000 bond (or qualifies under the section 140 exemption).
- What is the corporate tax rate in Ireland?
- 12.5% on trading income; 25% on non-trading income (for example rental and investment income) and excepted trades.
Other countries
Australia · Colombia · Cyprus · Estonia · Georgia · Hong Kong · Indonesia · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Netherlands · Philippines · Portugal · Singapore · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · Vietnam
To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- private company limited by shares (LTD)
- Foreign ownership
- No nationality condition on shareholders appears in the Companies Act 2014 sections read; the company must intend to carry on an activity in Ireland and cannot be a bank or insurer. The binding constraint for foreign founders is the EEA-resident director rule
- Minimum capital
- None stated on the official sources reached (see unverified)
- Local director
- At least one director must be resident in an EEA state, unless the company holds a €25,000 bond (or qualifies under the section 140 exemption)
- Register from abroad
- Not confirmed: the Companies Registration Office site (cro.ie, including its CORE filing system) blocked automated access during this check
- Corporate tax
- 12.5% on trading income; 25% on non-trading income (for example rental and investment income) and excepted trades
- Official page
- irishstatutebook.ie
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check irishstatutebook.ie before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.