Company Incorporation Ireland

• Low Corporate Taxes with a universal rate of 12.5% on trading profits (0% until 2014 for some companies which meet certain conditions)
• Extensive network of over 50 Double Taxation Treaties including the United States. Agency Agreements can also be used
• Ireland has an excellent international corporate image and  Holding Company Regime (see below)
• Ireland is ranked third in Europe (seventh in the world) by the World Bank (2010) in terms of ease of doing business
• It is the only fully English-speaking jurisdiction in the Eurozone, as well as a committed European Union and EEA Member
• Europe’s premier corporate domicile for multinational inward investment
• Excellent telecommunications infrastructure
• Low capitalisation costs when compared with most EU jurisdictions
• Ideal for international Joint Ventures where participants wish to incorporate in a neutral state

There are plenty! Geography to start with: Ireland is perfectly positioned as a trade bridge between Europe and the United States. Secondly, it is a global e-commerce hub, boasting a truly world-class telecommunications network.

Above all, it has a particularly beneficial tax environment with Corporation Tax fixed at 12.5% on all trading income, whether manufacturing or otherwise. If you need advice on tax planning in Ireland we can put you in touch with our team of local specialists.

There are four major forms of Irish company registration:

• Private Limited Company (Ltd)
• Public Limited Company (PLC)
• Partnerships
• Branches

• Most popular format for foreign investors
• NO minimum threshold for share capital
• Two directors and company secretary required
• One director to be a EEA resident
• Specialist audited accounts to be filed annually

• The minimum share capital for a PLC is €38,092
• At least 25% of the authorised share capital must be paid up
• Minimum of seven shareholders required
• Audited accounts to be filed annually

• Available as a General, Limited or Investment Limited Partnership
• General Partnerships have unlimited liability
• Limited Partnerships have limited liability
• Irish Incorporation Investment Limited Partnerships allow for double tax relief

• Foreign parent responsible for all liabilities of Irish Branch
• Branch required to register with Registrar of Companies
• Minimum of two directors; accounts to be filed annually

Ireland has a well educated and motivated workforce but the economic boom has resulted in very high employment levels, particularly in electronics and IT.

This poses a challenge for companies considering Irish company formation. There is a thriving recruitment sector, however, and we will be happy to help if you require advice on this – contact us.

Ireland’s rapid economic growth has prompted the government to streamline its regulatory infrastructure. Financial controls are now the responsibility of a single body, the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

The overall regime is relaxed. There are no general restrictions to foreign ownership, capital and dividends can be freely repatriated, and Ireland has bilateral tax treaties with many countries.

The Irish authorities, in coordination with the EU, offer a broad range of incentives for international investors considering Irish company registration:

• Capital grants towards the cost of land, buildings, plant and equipment
• Employment and training grants to promote job creation
• Research and development grants

Ireland is emerging as a major international banking centre in its own right. The main national clearing banks offer a full range of services, including foreign exchange and hedging, while many international banks are represented here for commercial lending and foreign exchange facilities.

Opening a bank account is just about the first step you will need to take if you wish to open a company in Ireland, and we will be happy to help you with this.