Question 1

Which type of company should I set up in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

For most founders, a private company limited by shares (LTD). It has one simple constitution, can carry on any lawful activity, and needs only one director. A designated activity company (DAC) is used where the company's activities must be limited by its constitution, for example some regulated or financing structures. We tell you early if your plans point to a DAC.

Question 2

How long does it take to set up an Irish company?

Accepted Answer

Usually two to three weeks from the day we hold your complete documents. The CRO can register a company within a few working days once the application is correct. The rest of the time goes on Revenue registrations (corporation tax, VAT, payroll) and, where needed, arranging the bond. Notarised documents are the most common cause of delay.

Question 3

What documents do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

For each director, shareholder and beneficial owner: a passport or national ID and a recent proof of address, certified as we instruct. We also need your preferred company names, a short description of what the company will do, the share structure and the signed power of attorney. Irish companies must complete anti-money-laundering checks, so we may ask follow-up questions about your business and the source of funds.

Question 4

Can I choose any company name?

Accepted Answer

Almost. An LTD's name must end in "Limited" or "Ltd" (or the Irish "Teoranta"), and it cannot be the same as, or too close to, a name already on the CRO register. Names suggesting a link to the State, or words such as "bank", "insurance" or "university", need approval. We check the register and the trademark position before you commit.

Question 5

Is there a minimum share capital?

Accepted Answer

No. An Irish LTD has no minimum capital and does not need to state an authorised share capital. Most founders issue a small number of shares, for example 100 shares of €1 each, and fund the company later through more share capital or shareholder loans. How you fund the company affects tax and banking, so we agree the structure with you at the start.

Question 6

Should I set up an Irish subsidiary or a branch?

Accepted Answer

A subsidiary is a separate Irish company: it limits the parent's liability, is Irish tax resident and is what most banks and customers expect. A branch is registered with the CRO as an external company and is part of the foreign company, so the parent stays liable for its debts. Branch profits from Irish trade are taxed at 12.5%. A subsidiary is often the cleaner choice, and we compare both for your case.

Question 7

Do I need an office or staff in Ireland to register a company?

Accepted Answer

No. You need a registered office address in Ireland, which we can provide, but no premises and no employees. Whether you need more later depends on the business: banks, Revenue and tax treaties all look at where real activity happens, so we advise on this before you rely on the structure.

Question 8

Who can be a director of an Irish company?

Accepted Answer

Any individual aged 18 or over who is not disqualified or otherwise barred by law. There is no nationality or Irish residency requirement, and a company cannot act as director, so every director is a person. At least one director must live in the EEA, or the company needs the bond described below.

Question 9

Can I be the only director and shareholder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An LTD needs only one director and one shareholder. A sole director cannot also be the company secretary, so a second person must hold that role. We can provide a company secretary as part of our service.

Question 10

Can a company, such as my Spanish SL, own the Irish company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A foreign company can be the only shareholder, and many Irish subsidiaries are owned by EU parents. The directors must still be individuals, and the Register of Beneficial Ownership must name the real people who ultimately own or control the company, not just the parent.

Question 11

How much does the Section 137 bond cost and how long does it last?

Accepted Answer

The bond is an insurance-backed guarantee of €25,000 that covers fines and penalties the company could incur under company and tax law. It runs for a minimum of two years, after which it must be renewed unless an EEA-resident director is in place. The premium is paid for the term, and we give you the current price in writing before you decide.

Question 12

Is there an alternative to the bond?

Accepted Answer

Two. The first is appointing a director who lives in the EEA, such as a trusted employee, a business partner or a professional director. The second is a Section 140 certificate, which shows the company has a real and continuous link with economic activity in Ireland. It needs a Revenue statement and a CRO application, and the outcome depends on the facts. We tell you which route is realistic for you.

Question 13

What counts as being resident in the EEA?

Accepted Answer

The director must actually live in an EEA country: the EU states, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway. Holding an EEA passport while living elsewhere does not qualify. Irish law has its own residency test for this purpose, so we confirm each director's position before filing.

Question 14

What happens if our only EEA-resident director resigns?

Accepted Answer

The company must replace that director, or put a bond or Section 140 certificate in place, straight away. Until then it is in breach of company law, which can also affect filings and banking. We track director changes and bond expiry dates so there is no gap.

Question 15

What are a director's legal responsibilities in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Directors must act in good faith in the company's interests, keep proper accounting records, file returns on time and avoid trading while the company cannot pay its debts. Limited liability protects shareholders' personal assets, but directors can face personal liability, fines or disqualification for serious breaches. We explain the duties before you accept the role.

Question 16

What taxes will an Irish company pay?

Accepted Answer

Corporation tax on profits, VAT on taxable sales, and PAYE, PRSI and USC on employees' pay, plus employer PRSI. Withholding tax applies to some payments abroad, such as dividends. Other taxes, such as stamp duty on property or share transfers, apply only to specific transactions. We map which ones apply to your business at the start.

Question 17

How do I register my company with Revenue?

Accepted Answer

After incorporation we register the company for the taxes it needs (corporation tax and, where relevant, VAT and employer PAYE), obtain its tax reference number and set up access to Revenue Online Service (ROS) for filings. Registrations cannot be completed until the company exists, which is why they add to the setup time.

Question 18

What is the Irish corporation tax rate?

Accepted Answer

12.5% on trading profits and 25% on passive income such as interest, rent and some foreign income. Groups with consolidated revenue of €750 million or more pay a 15% minimum effective rate. Whether income counts as trading depends on the facts, so confirm the rate before you build a forecast.

Question 19

When do I file and pay corporation tax?

Accepted Answer

The CT1 return is due nine months after the accounting year-end, and online filers must file and pay by the 23rd of that month. Small companies (up to €200,000 of corporation tax in the previous period) pay preliminary tax in one instalment about a month before year-end. Larger companies pay in two instalments. We diarise every date for you.

Question 20

Does Ireland offer tax incentives for R&D or intellectual property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The R&D tax credit is 30% of qualifying spend for accounting periods starting from 1 January 2024, and it can be refunded over three years if the company has no tax to offset. The Knowledge Development Box taxes qualifying IP income at an effective 10%. Both have strict conditions and documentation rules, so we assess eligibility before you plan around them.

Question 21

Does the Irish company pay tax when it sends profits abroad?

Accepted Answer

Dividends paid by an Irish company face 25% dividend withholding tax, but an exemption applies to many EU and treaty-country shareholders, including EU parent companies, once the correct declaration is in place. Interest and patent royalties paid abroad can face 20% withholding unless an exemption applies. Ireland and Spain also have a double tax treaty. We set up the declarations before the first payment.

Question 22

Does a foreign business have to register for VAT in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Often, and there is no turnover threshold for businesses not established in Ireland. Registration is generally needed from the first sale when you store goods in Ireland or make taxable supplies here that you must account for. It depends on what you sell and to whom, so we check the place-of-supply rules first.

Question 23

What are the VAT registration thresholds for an Irish company?

Accepted Answer

For a business established in Ireland, registration is required once turnover passes €85,000 for goods or €42,500 for services. These thresholds have applied since 1 January 2025. Many companies register earlier, on a voluntary basis, to reclaim VAT on start-up costs.

Question 24

What are the Irish VAT rates?

Accepted Answer

The standard rate is 23%. Reduced rates of 13.5% and 9% apply to specific goods and services, such as fuel and construction work at 13.5%, and, from 1 July 2026, restaurant and catering services and hairdressing at 9%. Some supplies are zero-rated or exempt. We confirm the rate that applies to your product or service.

Question 25

How often do I file VAT returns?

Accepted Answer

Most businesses file a VAT3 return every two months through ROS, due by the 23rd of the month after the period ends. Revenue can authorise less frequent filing for businesses with low VAT liabilities. We prepare and submit each return and reconcile it with your books.

Question 26

How does VAT work on sales to other EU countries?

Accepted Answer

Services to businesses in another EU country are generally taxed where the customer is, so you charge no Irish VAT and the customer accounts for it under the reverse charge. Goods sent to a VAT-registered business in another EU country can be zero-rated when you hold the customer's valid EU VAT number and proof of transport. Both are reported on a VIES return. We check each flow before your first invoice.

Question 27

Do I need an EORI number?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your company moves goods into or out of the EU, including goods moving between Ireland and the UK. The EORI number identifies you to customs on every declaration. It is separate from your VAT number, and we can apply for it as part of your VAT setup.

Question 28

How do I charge VAT on online sales to consumers across the EU?

Accepted Answer

An EU-wide threshold of €10,000 a year applies to cross-border sales to consumers. Above it, you charge the customer's local VAT rate. The One-Stop Shop (OSS) lets you declare and pay all of that VAT through a single return in Ireland instead of registering in each country. We tell you whether OSS fits your sales model.

Question 29

Can I recover VAT I paid before I registered?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Once registered, you can usually reclaim VAT on start-up costs and on stock or assets you still hold, provided you have valid VAT invoices and the costs relate to taxable activity. Time limits and conditions apply, so keep every invoice from day one and tell us about early spending before we register you.

Question 30

What are the main deadlines an Irish company must meet each year?

Accepted Answer

The core dates are:
CRO annual return (B1) with financial statements: within 56 days of the company's annual return date. The first return date falls six months after incorporation.
Corporation tax return (CT1): by the 23rd of the ninth month after the accounting year-end, with preliminary tax paid before year-end.
VAT returns: usually every two months, by the 23rd of the following month.
Payroll: a submission to Revenue on or before every payday.
Beneficial ownership (RBO): within five months of incorporation, then within 14 days of any change.
We diarise each date and file on time.

Question 31

What happens if I file my CRO annual return late?

Accepted Answer

The CRO charges €100 the day after the deadline, plus €3 a day up to a maximum of €1,200, on top of the €20 filing fee. A late return can also cost the company its audit exemption, which means paying for an audit it would otherwise not need. Repeated lateness can lead to prosecution or strike-off.

Question 32

Does my company need an audit?

Accepted Answer

Most small private companies do not. A company that qualifies as small on turnover, balance sheet and headcount, and has filed its returns on time, can claim audit exemption and file unaudited financial statements. Companies in a group that does not qualify, and companies that file late, can lose it. We check your status every year.

Question 33

Do I still have to file if the company has no income or is dormant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Irish company must file an annual return each year, whether it trades or not. A company registered for corporation tax is also expected to file a CT1 for each period unless it has formally deregistered. Dormant companies can qualify for lighter requirements, but the filings do not stop until the company is struck off. We advise on dormant status or closure.

Question 34

What does a company secretary do, and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Every Irish company needs a secretary. They keep the statutory registers, record board and shareholder decisions, and file changes and annual returns with the CRO. A sole director cannot also be secretary. We offer company secretarial services so these records stay accurate and up to date.

Question 35

What records must the company keep?

Accepted Answer

Accounting records that explain every transaction, kept for at least six years. Statutory registers covering members, directors and secretaries, and beneficial owners. Minutes of meetings and written resolutions. Our cloud bookkeeping keeps the accounting records in order and available when Revenue or the CRO asks for them.

Question 36

Do I have to hold an AGM?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A private company can usually approve its accounts and routine business by written resolution instead of a meeting, if all members agree. We prepare the documents and keep the minute book up to date.

Question 37

What accounting standards apply, and what is iXBRL?

Accepted Answer

Most Irish companies prepare accounts under FRS 102 or full IFRS. Revenue generally requires financial statements to be filed in iXBRL, a tagged digital format that machines can read, alongside the corporation tax return. Our accountants prepare the accounts in the correct format and file them for you.

Question 38

Do I have to register as an employer before I hire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The company must register as an employer with Revenue before its first payday. After that, you report each employee's pay and deductions to Revenue on or before every payday through Real Time Reporting. We handle the registration and every payroll submission.

Question 39

What taxes and contributions apply to employees' pay?

Accepted Answer

Income tax (PAYE), the universal social charge (USC) and employee PRSI are withheld from salary and paid to Revenue. The employer pays its own PRSI on top of gross pay, at a rate that depends on the employee's earnings. The real cost of a hire is therefore higher than the salary, and we model it for you before you commit.

Question 40

Must I give employees a written contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Employers must give each employee a written statement of the core terms of employment, including pay, hours and the employer's details, within five days of the start date. Fuller terms follow, and a proper contract protects both sides. We can prepare Irish-law contracts and the required statements.

Question 41

What is My Future Fund auto-enrolment, and does it apply to my staff?

Accepted Answer

Since 1 January 2026, employees aged 23 to 60 who earn at least €20,000 a year across all jobs, and who are not already in a qualifying pension, are enrolled automatically in the State-run My Future Fund. In the first three years the employee and the employer each pay 1.5% of pay and the State adds 0.5%. Rates then rise in stages to 6% each by year ten. Employers register on the scheme's portal and pay contributions through payroll. We include this in your payroll setup.

Question 42

Can I hire someone who lives outside Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the rules depend on where the person lives and works. Someone who lives and works in Ireland is taxed through Irish payroll. If they work from another country, that country's tax, social security and employment law may also apply, and your company may create a taxable presence there. We assess the position before the first payslip.

Question 43

Does a non-EU employee need a work permit?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. EEA and Swiss citizens, and UK citizens under the Common Travel Area, can work in Ireland without a permit. Most other nationals need an employment permit, such as a Critical Skills Employment Permit for in-demand roles, which means an application to the Department of Enterprise. Salary and role conditions apply, so check before you make an offer. We guide you through the application.

Question 44

Can I pay myself as a director, and how is it taxed?

Accepted Answer

Yes: through payroll as salary, as dividends from profits, or as a mix. Salary is subject to PAYE, USC and PRSI. Dividends carry 25% Irish dividend withholding tax unless an exemption applies, and your country of residence also taxes them under its own rules and the treaty. For a director living in Spain, that combination decides the best mix, so we compare the options before you draw anything.

Question 45

Can I run an Irish company while living in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spain is in the EEA, so a director living in Spain satisfies the EEA-resident director rule and the company does not need a bond. The trade-off is tax: if decisions are in practice taken from Spain, the Spanish tax authority can argue the company is managed there. That is a question of substance, covered next.

Question 46

What does "substance" mean, and how do I show it?

Accepted Answer

Substance is evidence that the company's real activity and decisions happen in Ireland, not only on paper. Banks, Revenue and foreign tax authorities look for things such as an Irish director or employee involved in decisions, board meetings held and minuted in Ireland, Irish contracts and invoicing, and a genuine business purpose. What is enough depends on the business, so we design it with you.

Question 47

Could my Irish company have a permanent establishment in Spain?

Accepted Answer

A permanent establishment (PE) is a fixed place of business, or a person who habitually concludes contracts, through which a company operates in another country. If you or your staff work for the Irish company from Spain in a way that fits that definition, Spain can tax the profits linked to that activity. Home offices, sales staff who sign contracts and a Spain-based manager are the usual triggers. We review how the business really runs before you start.

Question 48

Can a Spanish company own the Irish company and receive its profits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dividends from an Irish subsidiary to a Spanish parent can be free of Irish withholding tax under the EU parent-subsidiary rules once the right declaration is in place. Spain's participation exemption may then reduce Spanish tax on the dividend, subject to its conditions on holding size and period. Our Spanish and Irish teams coordinate so the structure works on both sides.

Question 49

How do I prove my company is tax resident in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Revenue can issue a certificate of Irish tax residence, which foreign tax authorities, banks and customers often ask for when claiming treaty relief or withholding tax exemptions. The company must genuinely be Irish resident and up to date with its filings. We request the certificate for you.

Question 50

What do Irish banks ask for when the owners live abroad?

Accepted Answer

Expect several weeks, because banks run enhanced checks on companies with non-resident owners. They usually ask for ID and proof of address for directors and owners, the company documents, a clear business plan with expected turnover and main customers, and evidence of Irish substance. A complete file at the start avoids repeated requests, and we prepare it with you.

Question 51

When does an Irish company make sense instead of a Spanish one?

Accepted Answer

An Irish company tends to make sense when your customers, investors or group are mainly outside Spain, when you want an English-language common-law jurisdiction for contracts and funding rounds, or when you have a real team in Ireland. If your clients, staff and management are in Spain, a Spanish company is usually simpler and avoids double-residence questions. Because we advise on both, we tell you which fits.

Question 52

How do I change directors, shareholders or the registered address?

Accepted Answer

Each change must be filed with the CRO within the legal deadline, and a change in ownership or control also updates the beneficial ownership register within 14 days. We prepare the resolutions and filings and keep your statutory registers in line.

Question 53

Can I change the company's name or year-end?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A name change needs a shareholder special resolution and CRO approval, and a new year-end changes when accounts, returns and tax are due. We check the knock-on effects with Revenue and the CRO before changing either.

Question 54

How do I close an Irish company?

Accepted Answer

The route depends on the company's position. A solvent company with no assets or liabilities can usually be removed by voluntary strike-off once every return is filed and taxes are settled. A solvent company with assets to distribute normally uses a members' voluntary liquidation, run by a liquidator. An insolvent company needs a formal insolvency process. We assess the right route and handle the filings.

Question 55

What happens if the CRO strikes off my company for not filing?

Accepted Answer

The company is dissolved, can no longer trade, and any assets pass to the State. It can be restored, but restoration needs the missing returns filed, penalties paid and a formal application, so it costs far more than filing on time. That is why we monitor your deadlines throughout the year.

Question 56

What should I have ready before our first call?

Accepted Answer

What the company will do and who its customers will be
Where each owner and director lives, and the ownership percentages
Expected first-year turnover, and whether you will sell goods, services or both
Whether you plan to hire in Ireland or elsewhere
Whether you need an Irish bank account, and by when
Any existing company, such as a Spanish SL, that will own the new one
If you do not have all of this yet, call anyway. We can work it out together.

Question 57

How do I get started with the Irish Desk?

Accepted Answer

Send us a message or call and tell us where you live and what you plan to do in Ireland. We reply with a clear next step and, once we know the scope, a written quote. Phone: +34 932 155 393. Email: info@strongabogados.com.

Question 58

1. What are the requirements to open a company in Ireland as a non-resident?

Accepted Answer

You need at least one director. If no director lives in the European Economic Area (EEA), we arrange the required non-EEA insurance bond. You'll also need a company secretary (if there’s only one director), a registered Irish office (we provide this), and at least one shareholder. We handle all steps remotely under Power of Attorney (POA).

Question 59

2. Can you assist with ongoing accounting and reporting once the company is set up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns, annual accounts (in iXBRL format), corporation tax returns, and Revenue submissions. All accounting complies with Irish standards and deadlines. You’ll have cloud access to your financial data and direct support in English, Spanish, or French.

Question 60

3. What are the tax implications of having a company in Ireland while living in my home country?

Accepted Answer

Your home country may consider the company tax-resident there if it’s managed and controlled outside Ireland. We assess risks of dual tax residency or permanent establishment and help you structure board decisions, substance, and compliance correctly.

Question 61

4. Do I need to travel to Ireland to set up my company?

Accepted Answer

No. We send you a POA to sign, notarise, and apostille in your home country. With that, we handle the company registration, tax number (TR2), Register of Beneficial Ownership, and provide address and secretarial services where needed.

Question 62

5. What is a registered address and why do I need one in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Every Irish company must have a legal address in Ireland to receive official mail from Revenue and the CRO. We provide this as part of our service, with mail scanning and forwarding included. It also meets legal substance requirements.

Question 63

6. Can you manage payroll and employee reporting in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We register your company as an employer with Revenue, onboard staff, prepare payslips, calculate taxes and social insurance, and file payroll returns (Real Time Reporting). This includes director-only payroll or full teams.

Question 64

7. Can I open an Irish bank account from my home country?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Some banks require a personal visit, others offer remote onboarding. We assist with document preparation, corporate resolutions, and introductions to banks or fintechs used to working with international clients.

Expand Your Business to Ireland With Specialized Legal Advice

Why Choose Ireland for Your Business?

Low Corporate Tax Rates:

Stable Economy & Skilled Workforce:

Transparent Legal & Regulatory Framework

Full Access to the EU Market:

Low Corporate Tax Rates:

Stable Economy & Skilled Workforce:

Transparent Legal & Regulatory Framework

Full Access to the EU Market:

What our clients say

Our Legal
& Business Services in Ireland

Company Formation

VAT Registration

Accounting & Tax Filing

Payroll

Why Choose: Strong Law Irish Desk?

Irish accounting support in Ballinasloe

Our founder is Honorary Consul of Ireland in Barcelona

Irish Desk Knowledge Hub

Setting up an Irish company

Directors, shareholders and the Section 137 bond

Tax and Revenue

VAT and customs

Annual compliance and deadlines

Hiring and payroll

Running an Irish company from abroad

Changes, closing and getting started

Ready to get started?

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand Your Business to Ireland With Specialized Legal Advice

Why Choose Ireland for Your Business?

Low Corporate Tax Rates:

Stable Economy & Skilled Workforce:

Transparent Legal & Regulatory Framework

Full Access to the EU Market:

Low Corporate Tax Rates:

Stable Economy & Skilled Workforce:

Transparent Legal & Regulatory Framework

Full Access to the EU Market:

What our clients say

Our Legal & Business Services in Ireland

Company Formation

VAT Registration

Accounting & Tax Filing

Payroll

Why Choose: Strong Law Irish Desk?

Irish accounting support in Ballinasloe

Our founder is Honorary Consul of Ireland in Barcelona

Irish Desk Knowledge Hub

Setting up an Irish company

Directors, shareholders and the Section 137 bond

Tax and Revenue

VAT and customs

Annual compliance and deadlines

Hiring and payroll

Running an Irish company from abroad

Changes, closing and getting started

Ready to get started?

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Legal
& Business Services in Ireland