Ireland Company Formation
The English-speaking gateway to the European Union. Ireland's 12.5% corporation tax rate, common-law legal system, EU Single Market access, and thriving tech ecosystem (home to Google, Meta, Apple European HQs) make it the premier location for technology and pharmaceutical companies operating in Europe.
Irish Company Structures
Irish companies are registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The standard private company limited by shares (LTD) is the most common structure for international businesses.
| Structure | Cost | Timeline | Tax Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Company (LTD) | EUR 100 - 500 | 5-10 days | 12.5% trading / 25% passive | Technology, pharma, trading, services |
| Designated Activity Company (DAC) | EUR 100 - 500 | 5-10 days | 12.5% / 25% | Regulated activities, SPVs |
| Branch of Foreign Company | EUR 200+ | 1-2 weeks | 12.5% on Irish profits | Irish operations of foreign parent |
| Public Limited Company (PLC) | EUR 25,000 capital | 2-4 weeks | 12.5% / 25% | Stock exchange listing, public fundraising |
Irish Banking
Ireland has a well-developed banking sector led by AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB, plus strong digital banking options. Account opening for properly documented companies is generally straightforward.
Hyperform ensures your Irish banking is established alongside your formation for seamless operational readiness.
headline corporation tax rate
Ireland's trading rate remains one of the lowest in the EU, attracting major multinationals while maintaining full OECD compliance.
Irish Visa and Residency
Ireland offers several immigration pathways for entrepreneurs and skilled workers, including the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) and Employment Permits.
Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme
For entrepreneurs with EUR 50,000+ funding and an innovative business idea. No job creation requirement initially. 2-year permission, renewable. Leads to long-term residency.
Employment Permit
Critical Skills Employment Permit for high-demand occupations (minimum EUR 32,000 salary). General Employment Permit for other roles (minimum EUR 34,000). Company can sponsor its founder.
Investor Immigration Programme
EUR 1M+ investment in Irish enterprise, investment fund, REIT, or endowment. Immediate residence permission for investor and family. No requirement to live in Ireland full-time.
Irish Regulatory Framework
Ireland's 12.5% corporation tax on trading income is the headline attraction, but the regulatory framework is also modern and transparent. Revenue (Irish tax authority) administers the tax system, while the CRO manages company filings. The Data Protection Commission (DPC) is the EU lead regulator for many major tech companies.
Companies must file annual returns with the CRO, maintain registered offices in Ireland, and have at least one EEA-resident director (or purchase a Section 137 bond).
Key Regulatory Facts
- 12.5% corporation tax on trading income
- 25% on passive/investment income
- 6.25% Knowledge Development Box (IP regime)
- 23% VAT (reduced rates 13.5% and 9%)
- Minimum one EEA-resident director (or bond)
- Annual return filing with CRO
- R&D tax credit: 30% of qualifying expenditure
- EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive benefits
Why Form Through Hyperform in Ireland
Guaranteed Banking
We do not charge for banking if we cannot deliver it. Your formation is not complete until your bank account is open and operational.
Published Pricing
No hidden fees. No surprises after you commit. Our pricing is fixed-fee and all-inclusive, published before you engage.
Multi-Jurisdiction
Ireland is often part of a larger architecture. We structure across jurisdictions as one coherent engagement.
Ready to form your
Ireland company?
Schedule a confidential discovery call. We will map your activities to the right structure and provide a fixed-fee proposal within 48 hours.