Setting Up a Company in Ireland from the UK A Guide with Chern & Co

1. Setting Up a Company in Ireland from the UK: A Guide with Chern & Co In the wake of Brexit and the shifting economic landscape in Europe, many UK-based entrepreneurs and businesses are considering expanding or relocating their operations to Ireland. Ireland remains a prime location for business within the EU due to its low corporate tax rate, English-speaking workforce, and pro-business environment. If you are based in the UK and looking to setting up a company in Ireland from UK, this guide — in partnership with business consultants Chern & Co — will walk you through the process, key benefits, and considerations. Why Set Up a Company in Ireland? Before diving into the mechanics of incorporation, it’s important to understand why Ireland is such an attractive destination for UK entrepreneurs: 1.  EU Market Access Post-Brexit, businesses registered in Ireland benefit from full access to the European Single Market. This is especially crucial for companies in sectors like finance, technology, and e-commerce. Corporate Tax Advantage Ireland’s corporate tax rate is 12.5% for trading income — one of the lowest in the EU. Additionally, favorable tax treaties and incentives exist for R&D and IP-based businesses. 2. 

2. 3.  Business-Friendly Environment Ireland ranks high globally for ease of doing business, transparency, and regulatory support. English is the primary language of business, which simplifies communication and legal proceedings for UK entrepreneurs. Skilled Workforce & Innovation Ireland boasts a young, well-educated workforce and is home to European headquarters of major tech and pharma companies. 4.  Legal Requirements to Start a Business in Ireland Setting up a limited company in Ireland from the UK involves a series of steps, most of which can be handled remotely. However, having a knowledgeable local partner like Chern & Co can streamline the process. 1. Choose a Company Structure The most common structure is a Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD). This structure is suitable for most SMEs and provides limited liability for shareholders. Other options include: Designated Activity Company (DAC) Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) Sole Trader or Partnership Tip from Chern & Co: “For most UK entrepreneurs, the LTD model provides flexibility and protection. It’s straightforward to manage, especially with professional support.” 2. Irish Resident Director Requirement Irish law mandates that at least one director of the company must be an EEA (European Economic Area) resident. As UK residents no longer qualify post-Brexit, UK entrepreneurs have two main options: Appoint an EEA-resident director, or Purchase a Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond, which is a form of insurance guaranteeing compliance with Irish company law. Chern & Co o?ers assistance in securing Director Bonds and identifying EEA resident directors if required. 3. Company Name and Constitution You must choose a unique company name that is not similar to any existing company in Ireland. The name must be approved by the Companies Registration O?ce (CRO). You’ll also need a company constitution (similar to Articles of Association), which sets out how the company will be governed.

3. Chern & Co provides pre-approved constitution templates and can perform a preliminary company name check to avoid delays. 4. Registered O?ce in Ireland Your company must have a physical address in Ireland (not a P.O. box). This is where all legal correspondence will be sent. Many UK companies use a virtual o?ce or registered address service, especially if they don’t plan to have a physical presence in Ireland initially. Chern & Co o?ers reliable registered o?ce services in Dublin and other major cities. 5. Register with the CRO Once the above components are ready, you can register your company online with the CRO. Required documents include: Form A1 (includes director/shareholder info) Constitution Evidence of Director Bond (if applicable) This process usually takes 3–5 working days. Post-Incorporation Steps After your company is incorporated, there are a few important tasks to complete: 1. Register for Taxes Depending on your business activities, you’ll need to register for: Corporation Tax VAT (if turnover exceeds thresholds) Employers PAYE (if hiring sta?) Chern & Co provides tax registration services and ongoing compliance support. 2. Open an Irish Bank Account Opening a business bank account in Ireland has become more complex due to AML (anti- money laundering) regulations, especially for non-resident directors. Chern & Co partners with several Irish banks and fintech platforms to assist clients with streamlined account setup, often without requiring travel to Ireland. 3. Maintain Annual Compliance Irish companies must file: Annual Return (Form B1) within 6 months of incorporation

4. Financial Statements annually Corporation tax returns and VAT returns, if applicable Chern & Co o?ers annual compliance packages to ensure your Irish company remains in good standing. Challenges and How Chern & Co Can Help While the process is relatively straightforward, UK entrepreneurs often encounter challenges related to legal compliance, tax registration, and bank account opening. That’s where a professional consultancy like Chern & Co proves invaluable. Services O?ered by Chern & Co: Company formation and CRO filing Director bond assistance Registered o?ce and company secretary services Tax and VAT registration Bank account introduction Annual compliance and bookkeeping “We specialise in helping UK-based clients set up in Ireland. Our end-to-end service takes care of all the legal, regulatory, and practical challenges so you can focus on growing your business,” says the team at Chern & Co. Final Thoughts Setting up a company in Ireland from the UK o?ers numerous strategic and financial advantages — from EU access to a low-tax environment. However, it’s essential to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. With the right partner, like Chern & Co, the transition can be smooth, e?cient, and highly rewarding. Whether you're expanding your operations or looking to establish a new EU base, Ireland provides a compelling option — and professional guidance makes all the di?erence.