Complete 2025–2026 Guide
📅 March 2026 · 12 min read · Abbey Blue Formations Team · Dublin, Ireland
A practical, no-jargon guide to registering your Irish company from anywhere in the world — covering every requirement, document, and cost you need to know.
Corporate Tax Rate
To Register
Foreign Ownership
Formation Packages
📍 In this guide: Whether you’re an entrepreneur in the UAE, USA, or anywhere in the world, this page covers everything you need to register a company in Ireland as a non-resident — requirements, documents, and costs for 2025–2026.
Ireland has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for company formation for non-residents. With a business-friendly legal framework, an English-speaking workforce, and unrivalled EU market access, thousands of international entrepreneurs choose to register a company in Ireland every year.
12.5% corporation tax on trading income — one of the most competitive rates in the EU.
Only English-speaking EU state post-Brexit — a natural gateway to European markets.
Registered in 3–5 business days. Fully remote — no travel to Ireland needed.
Non-residents can own 100% of shares with no nationality restrictions.
“Ireland is the only English-speaking EU member state — and one of very few jurisdictions where a non-resident can own and direct a company with 100% foreign shareholding, without restriction.”
— Abbey Blue Formations
Get a free, no-obligation consultation with our formation specialists. We handle everything — start to finish.
The Irish company formation requirements for non-residents are clearly defined under the Companies Act 2014.
At least one director must be resident in the European Economic Area (EEA). If no EEA director is available, a Section 137 Bond is required.
Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond
If none of your directors reside in the EEA, you must obtain a Section 137 Bond — costing €1,500–€2,050, renewable every two years. Learn more →
Every Irish company must appoint a company secretary. The director and secretary cannot be the same person in a single-director LTD. Abbey Blue provides an affordable nominee company secretary service.
A physical registered office address is mandatory. A virtual office in Ireland fully satisfies this requirement — available from €50 per month.
From June 2023, the CRO requires all directors to provide a PPS Number or Identified Person Number (IPN). The IPN application takes 2–3 working days.
Gathering the correct documentation early speeds up your Irish company registration. Complete checklist for all directors and shareholders holding 25%+ of shares:
Our team reviews your situation and tells you exactly what to prepare. No guesswork, no delays.
Select a unique name not registered with the CRO. Most clients choose the LTD structure for its flexibility.
Appoint at least one director and one company secretary. Arrange the Section 137 Bond if no EEA director is available.
We submit the IPN application to the CRO on your behalf. This takes 2–3 working days once documentation is received.
We prepare your Form A1, Constitution, and supporting documents and file electronically with the CRO.
The CRO issues your Certificate of Incorporation and unique Company Registration Number (CRN).
We register for Corporation Tax, VAT if applicable, and the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO).
Irish registered companies are generally considered tax resident in Ireland unless deemed tax resident elsewhere under a Double Taxation Treaty.
⚠️ Important: Tax Residency & Central Management
A company centrally managed and controlled from outside Ireland may be considered tax resident in that jurisdiction instead. We strongly recommend professional tax advice before incorporating.
Yes. Ireland places no restriction on foreign ownership. A non-resident can own 100% of shares and act as the sole director. The only requirement is either an EEA-resident director or the Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond.
No. The entire process can be completed remotely. Abbey Blue Formations manages all filings electronically with the CRO. You will never need to travel to Ireland to set up your company.
Standard registration takes 3–5 business days from submission of complete documents. Note the IPN application for non-resident directors takes an additional 2–3 working days and should be started early.
The Section 137 Bond is required if none of your directors reside within the EEA. It costs approximately €1,500–€2,050 and is valid for two years. Alternatively, you can appoint an EEA-resident nominee director, which Abbey Blue Formations can arrange.
No. A virtual office address service fully satisfies the registered office requirement. Abbey Blue Formations provides a registered address from €199 per year.
Irish companies pay Corporation Tax at 12.5% on trading profits. Passive income is taxed at 25%. Ireland has double taxation treaties with over 70 countries.
Register Your Irish Company Today
Fully remote. 3–5 business days.
