If you’re considering expanding into Europe, Ireland should be on your list in 2025. Renowned for its competitive corporate tax regime, a highly skilled English-speaking workforce, and EU membership, Ireland consistently ranks among the world’s top destinations for international expansion.
Over 1,600 multinationals, including industry giants from Apple, Google to Pfizer and Meta, have chosen Ireland as their European base. The country’s strategic location, transparent regulatory environment, and pro-business government policies make it an ideal launchpad for companies targeting both EU and global markets.
While Ireland offers a competitive corporate tax rate and access to the EU market, other European nations such as the Netherlands also present compelling opportunities for businesses. Similarly, the UAE‘s strategic location and tax incentives make it an attractive destination for global expansion.
Whether you’re a startup seeking a foothold in the EU or a multinational aiming to streamline operations, Ireland offers a compelling blend of tax incentives, talent, and market access.
Related: Doing Business in the Netherlands in 2025
Quick Facts for Doing Business in Ireland in 2025:
- Corporate tax: 12.5% on trading income; 15% for large multinationals under OECD rules
- EU market access: Direct access to 450+ million consumers
- Talent: Young, educated, English-speaking workforce; strong tech and pharma talent pools
- Business climate: Ranked among the easiest EU countries for company setup
- FDI leader: In Q2 2025, Ireland saw €16.6 billion in inbound FDI income inflows, though outflows were larger at about €66.1 billion.
Why Ireland Matters for Global Expansion in 2025
Ireland offers a unique mix of advantages that few EU countries can match:
- Gateway to the EU: Post-Brexit, Ireland is the only English-speaking country fully inside the EU single market.
- Tax benefits: A globally recognized 12.5% corporate tax rate continues to attract investors.
- Innovation hub: Ireland ranks among Europe’s top destinations for tech startups, life sciences, and financial services.
- Pro-business government: Incentives like R&D tax credits and grants make scaling smoother.
- Stability: Strong legal system, common law framework, and transparent regulations give investors’ confidence.
For global companies, Ireland is more than just a low-tax jurisdiction. It’s a strategic hub for long-term European growth.
Related: Top 15 Countries by GDP in 2025
Business Structures in Ireland in 2025
Foreign investors have several options when setting up in Ireland:
- Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD): The most common structure, ideal for SMEs and multinationals. Requires at least one EU-resident director (or a bond if none).
- Designated Activity Company (DAC): Similar to LTD but with restrictions on activities, often used for joint ventures or regulated industries.
- Public Limited Company (PLC): Suitable for larger companies seeking to raise capital publicly.
- Branch Office: Allows a foreign company to operate in Ireland without incorporating a new entity; simpler but less flexible than an LTD.
Cerity Global helps clients evaluate the right structure and manages full legal entity setup process, from registration to bank account setup to ongoing compliance filings.
Related: Ireland Country Page
Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Business in Ireland
Setting up a legal entity in Ireland typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on structure and approvals:
- Planning & Name Reservation: Decide on the entity type, reserve a company name with the Companies Registration Office (CRO)
- Prepare Documentation: Draft constitution, prepare incorporation documents, provide shareholder details, appoint directors, ID, and address proof.
- Register with CRO: File incorporation documents. On approval, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation.
- Tax Registration: Register with the Irish Revenue Commissioners for corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE (for payroll).
- Bank Account & Operations: Open a corporate bank account, set up HR and payroll systems, and ensure compliance with Irish employment law.
Alongside incorporation, businesses must establish compliant payroll and HR systems.
Cerity Global manages every stage of your HR, payroll, and employee benefits, ensuring businesses stay compliant from day one.
Related: Legal Entity Setup in 2025
Cost of Doing Business in Ireland (2025)
Costs vary based on the entity type, industry, and scale of operations. While exact setup fees differ, key considerations include:
- Incorporation fees: CRO filing fees are relatively low compared to other EU jurisdictions.
- Corporate tax: 12.5% on most trading income; 15% for large multinationals with global turnover >€750m.
- VAT: Standard rate is 23% (reduced rates of 9% and 13.5% apply to some goods/services).
- Employment costs: Employers contribute to PRSI (social insurance), pensions (auto-enrolment planned), and statutory benefits such as holiday leave and sick pay.
- Office space: Dublin is among Europe’s pricier hubs, but regional cities like Cork, Limerick, and Galway offer lower costs.
Cerity Global’s accounting support ensures accurate filings and cost control.
Key Opportunities in Ireland
Ireland continues to attract growth in:
- Technology & Innovation: Home to EMEA HQs of Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and hundreds of startups. Strong ecosystems in AI, SaaS, fintech, and gaming.
- Life Sciences & Pharma: Global leaders like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis operate in Ireland. Pharma exports make up nearly 40% of total exports.
- Financial Services: Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is a leading EU hub for banking, asset management, and insurance.
- Renewable Energy: Ireland is investing heavily in offshore wind, hydrogen, and sustainable energy solutions.
Similar to Ireland, the Netherlands offers a favorable tax regime and access to a skilled workforce. However, the UAE stands out with its 0% corporate tax rate in free zones and strategic location bridging East and West.
Related: Doing Business in the UAE in 2025
Challenges to Consider
- Local Director Requirement: At least one EU-resident director is required unless a Section 137 bond is in place.
- Corporate Tax Scrutiny: Ireland’s tax regime is under ongoing EU/OECD review, compliance must be watertight.
- Talent Competition: Tech and life sciences sectors face high competition for skilled workers, raising payroll costs.
- Regulatory Reporting: Annual returns to the CRO and financial statements are mandatory.
Cerity Global helps businesses manage HR, payroll, accounting, tax and compliance so expansion plans aren’t derailed by local requirements.
Related: EOR vs Legal Entity Setup in 2025: Which Is Best for Global Expansion?
FAQs on Doing Business in Ireland (2025)
What is the corporate tax rate in Ireland?
12.5% for most companies; 15% applies to large multinationals.
Do I need a local partner or director?
You don’t need a local shareholder, but you do need at least one EU-resident director (or a bond).
How long does company setup take?
Typically, it takes 4 to 8 weeks if documentation is complete.
Can a foreign company open a branch instead of an LTD?
Yes, branches are allowed, but LTDs give more flexibility and credibility to banks and clients.
Why Expand to Ireland in 2025?
Ireland is more than a tax-friendly jurisdiction, it’s a strategic gateway to the EU, with a pro-innovation economy. Additionally, Ireland offers a combination of market access, talent, and stability unmatched in Europe. Whether you’re scaling a startup or expanding as a multinational, Ireland’s offers advantages that few other EU nations can match.
To navigate the complexities of expanding globally, consider partnering with experts who can guide you through the process seamlessly.
With Cerity Global’s global expansion services companies can confidently establish a presence in Ireland, hire directly, and streamline HR, payroll, accounting, and compliance across 170+ countries.
How Cerity Global Can Help
Cerity Global specializes in helping companies expand into Ireland and the EU. From entity incorporation and tax registration to payroll, compliance, and ongoing HR support, we provide end-to-end solutions tailored to your business needs.
Ready to Expand into Ireland?
Cerity Global helps companies with legal entity setup, payroll, accounting, HR, tax, and compliance across Ireland and 170+ countries worldwide.