Starting a business in Ireland from abroad?
You don't need to live in Ireland to register an Irish company. But there are specific rules for non-residents around directors, tax registration, and identity verification. We handle all of it — book a free 30-minute call to get started.
Free 30-minute call. No obligation.
This page is for you if you are
A US, UK, Australian, or Canadian citizen wanting an Irish company
A European national living outside the EEA
An existing foreign business expanding into the EU via Ireland
A digital business or professional services company choosing Ireland for its tax rate
What you need to register an Irish company from abroad
There are a few extra steps compared to an Irish-resident applicant. Here is exactly what they are — and how we handle them for you.
Choose the Right Company Structure
A Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) is the most common and practical choice for non-residents. It requires just one director and gives you limited liability. Sole trader status is not available to non-residents — a limited company is the route.
Satisfy the EEA Resident Director Rule
Irish law requires at least one company director to be resident in the European Economic Area (EEA). This is based on where you live, not your passport. If none of your directors live in the EEA, you have two options: appoint an EEA-resident director, or put a Section 137 bond in place.
Section 137 Bond (if no EEA Director)
A Section 137 bond is a €25,000 financial guarantee that replaces the need for an EEA-resident director. It costs approximately €1,600–€2,000 + VAT for a two-year period. The bond must be in place before incorporation and renewed every two years. We arrange these on your behalf.
Registered Office in Ireland
Every Irish company must have a physical registered office address in Ireland — a PO box is not sufficient. This address appears on the public CRO register and is used for official correspondence. We provide a registered office address as part of our formation packages.
Director Identity Verification (VIN)
Since June 2023, all directors filing with the CRO must supply a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) or a Verified Identity Number (VIN). Non-resident directors without an Irish PPSN apply for a VIN using Form VIF, which must be notarised by a Notary Public in your country. We guide you through this process.
Register for Corporation Tax with Revenue
Once incorporated, your company must register with Irish Revenue for Corporation Tax using Form TR2. The standard Irish Corporation Tax rate is 12.5% on trading profits — one of the lowest in Europe. Revenue registration typically takes 3–4 weeks.
VAT Registration
Non-resident businesses making taxable supplies in Ireland have no VAT registration threshold — registration is required from the first taxable supply. Irish VAT registration is done via Form TR2 and typically takes 3–4 weeks. We handle the full registration and ongoing VAT returns.
Register Beneficial Owners (RBO)
Within 5 months of incorporation, you must register all Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) — anyone who owns more than 25% of shares or controls the company — on Ireland's Register of Beneficial Ownership at rbo.gov.ie. Any changes must be updated within 14 days. Non-compliance is a criminal offence.
Open an Irish Business Bank Account
Traditional Irish banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland) require enhanced due diligence for fully non-resident companies, which can take 3–6 weeks. Fintech providers (Revolut Business, Wise) offer fully remote account opening in days. Having at least one Irish or EEA-resident director significantly speeds up approval.
Visa & Right to Work Considerations
EEA citizens can live and work in Ireland freely. Non-EEA nationals who want to physically work in Ireland need a visa or permit. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is designed for non-EEA founders with an innovative business idea and €50,000 in funding. Owning an Irish company does not automatically grant residence rights.
Section 137 Bond — explained simply
If none of your directors live in the EEA, Irish law requires you to take out a Section 137 bond before your company can be incorporated. Think of it as a financial guarantee — it covers potential fines and penalties that the Irish state might otherwise struggle to collect from overseas directors.
After 2 years you can renew the bond, appoint an EEA-resident director, or apply for a Section 140 Certificate if your business has a genuine economic link to Ireland. We advise on the best long-term approach for your situation.
Not sure what applies to you?
Pick a time and let's work through it.
Every non-resident situation is different. Book a free 30-minute call and we'll give you a clear action plan tailored to your situation.
How we help non-residents get set up
We handle every step of Irish company formation for overseas clients — from Section 137 bonds to Revenue registration and ongoing compliance.
Company Formation
Full CRO registration including constitution, registered office, and Revenue setup. We handle the Section 137 bond and VIN process for non-resident directors. From €299.
View PackagesTax Registration & Returns
Corporation Tax and VAT registration with Revenue, annual Corporation Tax returns, and non-resident director self-assessment (Form 11).
Learn MoreOngoing Bookkeeping
Monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, and year-end accounts from a dedicated bookkeeper. Fully remote — no need to ever be in the office.
View PackagesSection 137 Bond
We arrange the Section 137 bond on your behalf as part of your company formation. No need to source this separately — we have established providers.
Learn MoreDirector VIN Application
We guide non-resident directors through the Verified Identity Number (VIN) process, including Form VIF preparation and notarisation requirements.
Learn MoreFree Consultation
Not sure what applies to your situation? Book a free 30-minute call and we will map out exactly what you need — no charge, no obligation.
Book Free CallQuestions from overseas clients
Do I need to live in Ireland to register a company there?
What is a Section 137 bond and how much does it cost?
Can a US, UK, or Australian citizen register an Irish company?
Why would someone from abroad choose to incorporate in Ireland?
How long does it take to set up an Irish company from abroad?
What is a Verified Identity Number (VIN) and do I need one?
Do I need to file tax returns in Ireland if I'm a non-resident director?
Planning to relocate to Ireland?
If you are moving to Ireland or are already based here, see our general guide to starting a business in Ireland instead.
Ready to set up your Irish company from abroad?
Book a free 30-minute call. We'll walk through your specific situation and tell you exactly what's needed — no jargon, no upfront cost.