If you're planning to launch a business in Europe, Ireland offers one of the most attractive and entrepreneur-friendly environments available. Whether you're a local founder or an international entrepreneur, knowing how to set up a company in Ireland is the first step to getting started.

This guide will walk you through the process in five simple steps.

Why Set Up a Company in Ireland?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s briefly talk about the “why.” Ireland offers:

A 12.5% corporate tax rate, one of the lowest in Europe
Full access to the EU single market, even post-Brexit
An English-speaking workforce with strong digital skills
Government support for startups and innovation
A transparent and modern company law system

Now, let’s break down the process.

Step 1: Choose a Company Type

Most startups register as a Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD). It’s suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and offers limited liability, meaning your personal assets are protected if the company runs into debt or legal issues.

Step 2: Pick a Company Name

Choose a unique company name that isn’t already in use or too similar to existing businesses. You can check availability on the Companies Registration Office (CRO) website.

Pro tip: Avoid restricted terms like “bank” or “insurance” unless you're licensed to use them.

Step 3: Appoint Directors and Company Secretary

To set up a company in Ireland, you’ll need:

At least one director
A company secretary (can be the same person for a single-director company)
At least one director must be resident in the European Economic Area (EEA)

If you don’t have an EEA-resident director, you’ll need to purchase a Section 137 bond, which acts as insurance.

Step 4: Provide a Registered Office Address

You must have a physical address in Ireland to receive legal correspondence. This cannot be a P.O. box. If you’re not based in Ireland, many formation agents offer virtual office services.

Step 5: Register with the Companies Registration Office (CRO)

You’ll need to submit:

Form A1 (which includes company details, directors, and address)
Your Company Constitution (defines how the company operates)

You can file online using the CRO’s CORE platform or go through a formation agency.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, and your company will officially exist.

What Happens After Incorporation?

After you set up a company in Ireland, there are a few important next steps:

Register for taxes with Revenue (corporation tax, VAT, PAYE if hiring staff)
Open a business bank account
Maintain company records and file annual returns
Consider applying for grants or support from Enterprise Ireland or your Local Enterprise Office

Final Thoughts

To set up a company in Ireland is to establish your business in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. With low tax rates, strong legal protections, and easy access to EU markets, Ireland offers the perfect foundation for growth.

Whether you go the DIY route or hire a formation agent, the process is straightforward—and your Irish business journey can start today.

Chern & Co Ltd is a company formation and business registration agent in Ireland and UK. We provide registration, guidance, consultancy, filing and bookkeeping services to ensure customer satisfaction. We believe in long-term relationships and support our clients as their business grows maintaining full compliance and conformance with statutory requirements.

How to Set Up a Company in Ireland (2025 Guide)