Advantages |
- EU country using the English language. Low corporation tax for trading companies with real presence in Ireland.
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Disadvantages |
- Company must have business activity in the State of Ireland to qualify for corporation tax at 12 ½ %.
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Company Status |
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Private or public limited or unlimited; limited by guarantee.
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Corporate legislation |
Companies Acts 1963-1999. Companies (Amendment No.2) Act, 1999.
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Company Name |
Must not include words indicating licensable activity unless such licence is to be obtained. e.g. bank, insurance etc.
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Time taken to incorporate |
10-15 days
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Are shelf companies available? |
No
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Usual minimum capital |
1 or two shares must be subscribed for onincorporation but no minimum.
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Capital Duty |
0.5% of issued share capital with minimum of €1.00
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Minimum number of shareholders |
One
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Are bearer shares/shares of no par value possible? |
No / No
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Directors: minimum number / corporate directors allowed / location |
2 / No / One must be resident in Ireland.
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Secretary: mandatory / corporate secretary allowed / location |
Yes / Yes / no residence requirement. One of the directors can act as the company secretary.
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Is there a requirement for a Registered Office / Registered Agent? |
Yes / No
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Is any information required by the authorities prior to incorporation or prior to tax status being granted? |
Company must demonstrate it is to have business activity in the state of Ireland if trading
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What information is available on the public file? |
Memorandum and Articles / Directors / Secretary / Shareholders / Registered Office / Charges / Accounts
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What documents must be kept at the Registered Office? |
Maybe at registered office but if not at a location in Ireland; Register of Members / Directors / Directors Interests / Charges / Company Secretaries.
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Corporate books & seal |
Company must maintain the above registers and have a company seal with the company’s name engraved in legible characters, thereon.
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Are accounts required / filed? |
Yes / Yes
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Is an annual return required? |
Yes
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Where are meetings to be held? |
No restriction
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Annual fees payable to the government: Tax / Annual Return Filing Fee |
Corporation tax for trading company 12.5%. Annual return €30 increasing to €100 if late plus €3 fine per day until filed
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Are there any exchange controls? |
None |
