Why Ireland
Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the eurozone. At 12.5%, it has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU. Google, Apple, Meta, Stripe and many other major tech companies chose Ireland for their European headquarters.
Tax System
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax (trading income) | 12.5% |
| Corporate tax (passive income) | 25% |
| VAT (standard) | 23% |
| Dividend tax (to qualifying non-residents) | 0% |
| Capital gains tax | 33% |
Who It Is For
- IT, SaaS and tech companies with European clients
- Companies that need EU status with English as the working language
- Software developers (R&D Tax Credit at 25%)
- Media, medtech, fintech
Requirements
- At least one EEA-resident director (or Non-EEA Bond)
- Registered address in Ireland
- Company Secretary (mandatory)
- Share capital — from €1
Cost & Timeline
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Company registration | €150–500 |
| Annual maintenance | from €1,000/yr |
| Local director (if no EEA) | €2,000–5,000/yr |
| Registration time | 5–10 business days |
| Bank account | 2–8 weeks |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 12.5% corporate tax — one of the lowest in the EU
- English-speaking country in the eurozone
- R&D Tax Credit at 25%
- Top-tier Big Tech jurisdiction
- Access to EU single market
Cons:
- EEA-resident director required (or expensive bond)
- Post-2022 banks are cautious with non-residents
- 23% VAT — among the highest in the EU
- Bank account opening is harder than in the UK
FAQ
Is an EU-resident director required?
Yes. At least one director must be an EEA resident by law. The alternative is a Non-EEA Bond (~€25,000 insurance, arranged through an agent).
Do Stripe and Wise work with Irish companies?
Yes. Ireland is Stripe's home jurisdiction — it works fully without restrictions.
What is the R&D Tax Credit in Ireland?
The R&D Tax Credit allows you to claim back 25% of qualifying research and development expenditure — one of the most generous schemes in the EU.