Ireland LTD (Private Company Limited by Shares) Setup
Incorporate in Europe's premier technology and common law hub. Benefit from Ireland's low 12.5% corporate tax rate, English-speaking workforce, and direct access to global venture capital.
The Irish LTD Structure
The Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) is the most popular corporate structure in Ireland under the Companies Act 2014. It is the default vehicle for SaaS startups, technology firms, and international commercial operations. It allows for a simplified constitution, up to 149 shareholders, and requires a minimum share capital of only €1.
The incorporation is filed with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). Ireland is a common law jurisdiction, meaning its corporate law is highly familiar to U.K. and U.S. investors, and disputes are resolved in a highly efficient Commercial Court system.
EEA Resident Director Requirement
Under Irish law, every company must have at least one director resident in the European Economic Area (EEA). If a foreign founder cannot provide an EEA resident director, they have two options:
- Section 137 Revenue Bond: Put in place a commercial insurance bond (costing approximately €2,000 for two years) that acts as a security.
- Company Secretary: Appoint a corporate company secretary or EEA nominee director to satisfy the statutory criteria.
Irish Corporate Taxation
Ireland's tax regime is one of the most competitive in the world:
- Corporate Income Tax (CIT): A flat 12.5% on active trading profits.
- Non-Trading/Passive CIT: 25% on rental income, investment income, and passive sources.
- R&D Tax Credit: A 30% tax credit to offset qualified research and development expenditures.
- VAT: Standard rate is 23%, registered with Revenue Commissioners.