Register a Company in Ireland as a Non-Resident or Foreign National
Ireland welcomes company formation from non-residents worldwide. Whether you're based in the UK, US, Middle East, or Asia, you can register an Irish limited company entirely online — no visit required.
View PackagesWhy Non-Residents Choose Ireland
Ireland is one of Europe's most attractive jurisdictions for company formation, especially for non-residents. Here's why:
- 12.5% Corporation Tax — one of the lowest in the EU, making Ireland a tax-efficient base for international trade.
- EU Single Market access — an Irish company can trade freely across all 27 EU member states.
- English-speaking jurisdiction — all legal and business documentation is in English.
- Strong legal framework — the Companies Act 2014 provides a clear, modern regulatory environment.
- No residency requirement for shareholders — anyone from any country can own shares in an Irish company.
- Fast CRO registration — companies are typically registered within 3–5 working days.
The EEA Director Requirement (Section 137)
Under Section 137 of the Companies Act 2014, every Irish company must have at least one director who is resident in the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA includes all EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
If none of your directors are EEA-resident, you have two options:
- Obtain a Non-EEA Resident Director Bond — a €25,000 revenue bond valid for 2 years. We include this in our Non-Resident Bond package (€2,499).
- Appoint an EEA-resident director — this can be a nominee director or a co-founder who resides in the EEA.
Post-Brexit note: UK residents are no longer considered EEA-resident. If all directors are UK-based, a bond is required.
What Documents Do You Need?
Valid Passport or Government ID
A certified copy of your passport is required for all directors and shareholders.
Proof of Address
A utility bill or bank statement (dated within 3 months) for each director, in English or officially translated.
Irish Registered Office Address
Every company must have a registered address in Ireland. We provide this service from €300/year.
Non-EEA Director Bond (if applicable)
If no director is resident in the EEA, a Section 137 Revenue Bond is required. We include this in our Non-Resident Bond package.
How It Works — Step by Step
Choose Your Package
Select our Non-Resident Bond package (€2,499) or any standard package if you have an EEA-resident director.
Submit Your Documents
Provide passport copies, proof of address, and your preferred company name. Our team reviews everything within 24 hours.
We File with the CRO
We prepare your constitution, appoint officers, and file all documents with the Companies Registration Office.
Receive Your Certificate
Your Certificate of Incorporation is issued within 3–5 working days. You're ready to open a bank account and start trading.
How Long Does It Take?
Once all documents are submitted, CRO registration typically takes 3–5 working days. IPN applications (if required) add approximately 5–10 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident form a company in Ireland?
Yes. There are no nationality or residency restrictions on forming an Irish company. Non-residents from any country can be directors and shareholders of an Irish limited company.
Do I need an Irish address to register a company?
Yes — every Irish company must have a registered office address in Ireland. If you don't have one, we provide a registered office address service from €300 per year.
What is the Section 137 Non-EEA Director Bond?
Under Section 137 of the Companies Act 2014, if no director is resident in the European Economic Area (EEA), the company must obtain a revenue bond of €25,000. This bond covers a 2-year period and we include it in our Non-Resident Bond package.
Do I need an Irish bank account?
While not legally required at incorporation, most businesses will need an Irish or EU bank account to trade. We can advise on bank account options for non-residents.
Can UK residents form an Irish company?
Yes. Since Brexit, the UK is no longer in the EEA, so UK-resident directors will need a Non-EEA Director Bond unless there is also an EEA-resident director on the board.
How long does formation take for non-residents?
Standard CRO processing takes 3–5 working days after all documents are submitted. The IPN application (if needed) typically takes 5–10 additional working days.
What is an IPN and do I need one?
An IPN (Irish Personal Number) is required for any director or secretary who does not have an Irish PPS number. We apply for this on your behalf — it's included free in our Standard, Premium, and Bond packages.
What tax rate will my Irish company pay?
Ireland's Corporation Tax rate is 12.5% on trading income — one of the lowest in Europe and a major reason why non-residents choose to incorporate here.
Ready to Register Your Irish Company?
Start from €240 — or choose our Non-Resident Bond package at €2,499 for a complete solution including the Section 137 bond.
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