Jurisdiction overview: Ireland
Ireland is a respected EU jurisdiction offering legal transparency, an attractive tax regime, and strong access to global markets. Company registration in Ireland is ideal for businesses in IT, e-commerce, SaaS, consulting, and international trade, particularly those targeting the European and North American markets.
The most common form is the Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD). It can be fully foreign-owned, with a minimum of one shareholder and one director. However, at least one director must be a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA) unless a bond is arranged. A registered office in Ireland is required, along with a company secretary.
The corporate tax rate is 12.5% for trading income – one of the lowest in the EU. Ireland also offers an extensive network of 70+ double tax treaties, strong intellectual property protections, and various R&D and innovation incentives. Non-trading income (e.g., passive income) is taxed at 25%.
An Irish company can obtain a VAT number, open bank accounts in Ireland or the EU, and connect to Stripe, PayPal, and other global payment systems. It is considered a “white-listed” and compliant jurisdiction, favored by banks, partners, and major marketplaces.
Ireland’s legal and regulatory systems are based on common law, with a straightforward business environment, making it a strategic location for European headquarters, holding structures, and scalable digital ventures.