If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re at a pivotal moment in your entrepreneurial journey. Maybe you’re considering launching a business in Ireland, or perhaps you’ve already taken the plunge and are now looking for guidance on available support, both government-backed and private.
Either way, welcome. You’ve found the ultimate guide on how to get help setting up a business in Ireland.
Ireland stands out as one of the most entrepreneur-friendly countries in the world. Its streamlined and transparent business environment makes both the setup and day-to-day management of a company remarkably straightforward. Combine that with a pro-business government, a corporate tax rate that’s the second lowest in Europe, and a thriving startup ecosystem, and you’ve got the perfect conditions to grow a successful company on the Emerald Isle.
But let’s face it, no matter how attractive Ireland looks, getting started can feel overwhelming.
- What are the legal and administrative steps to follow?
- Which support services can guide you through the process?
- What funding or grants are available for new businesses?
In this article, you’ll find clear, practical answers to all these questions, plus expert insights to help you launch and grow your business in Ireland with confidence.
👉 For a full step-by-step overview, check out our complete guide on how to set up a business in Ireland.
Legal and administrative steps to start a business in Ireland
Known for its political and economic stability, Ireland is one of the safest and most reliable places to launch your business. But to take full advantage of this environment, you’ll need to follow the country’s business registration process carefully.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose a unique and compliant company name
Your first step is selecting a name for your Irish business. It must not be already in use, include offensive terms, or contain any words that require special approval.
💡 Expert tip: Check name availability in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. If your chosen name is rejected at the time of submission, your registration process could be significantly slowed down.
2. Select the right company structure
Irish company law offers several legal structures for entrepreneurs. Among the most common are:
- LTD (Private Company Limited by Shares) – the most popular choice for SMEs
- CLG (Company Limited by Guarantee) – often used by non-profits
- PLC (Public Limited Company) – equivalent to a French société anonyme
- Sole Trader – ideal for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs
💡 Expert tip: Don’t rush this decision. Getting guidance from Irish business setup professionals can help you choose the structure that best matches your goals, risk level, and operational needs.
3. Incorporating your business in Ireland
Setting up a company in Ireland involves preparing and submitting a series of official documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Memorandum of Association : This document outlines the company’s name, initial share capital, and business purpose.
- Articles of Association : These define the internal rules and structure of the company.
- Form A1 : This is the formal application to incorporate your company, detailing:
- Directors and company secretary
- Registered office address
- Main business activity and NACE code
- Shareholdings and more
📌 Note: Different company types may require slightly different documents. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to work with incorporation experts to ensure everything is done right the first time.
4. Setting your registered office address in Ireland
A registered Irish address is mandatory to legally incorporate a business. You have two options:
- You have a physical address in Ireland
This can be your office, your residence, or even that of a trusted contact. What matters most is that mail sent to the company is regularly monitored. - You don’t have a physical address
In that case, you’ll need to use a registered office service provider. These services are widely available and offer official Irish business addresses, ideal for international founders.
5. Appointing company officers and shareholders
Each company structure in Ireland has specific requirements. For example:
- A Private Limited Company (LTD) must have:
- At least 2 directors (one can be the secretary)
- One company secretary
You’ll need to provide the following details for each officer:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Business occupation
You’ll also need to list all shareholders, the number of shares they hold, and any specific voting rights or rights to dividends.
6. Declaring your company’s share capital
Your company’s share capital reflects the number of shares issued and their value. In Ireland, there’s no minimum deposit requirement, unlike in countries like France.
💡 Good to know: This means you can set up a company with a nominal capital (e.g., €100) without needing to actually deposit the funds.
Support and funding available to start a business in Ireland
Ireland offers a wealth of support for entrepreneurs, but many don’t know where to look. If you’re wondering how to get help setting up a business in Ireland, this section will point you in the right direction.
Government agencies that support entrepreneurs
One of Ireland’s greatest strengths is its ecosystem of public support. The country has established several high-impact government agencies to help startups thrive. A standout example is Enterprise Ireland, a globally respected agency that supports both local and international startups.
These organisations provide:
- Access to early-stage funding and grants
- Entry into strategic networking events
- Guidance on international expansion, innovation, and business strategy
💡 Tip: Even if you’re just starting out, it’s worth reaching out to these agencies early to explore the programs you may qualify for.
Coworking spaces: More than just a desk
Coworking spaces in Ireland are more than a place to plug in your laptop. They act as real innovation hubs where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups connect, collaborate, and grow together.
Joining one gives you:
- A vibrant, like-minded startup community
- Regular events, meetups, and workshops
- Opportunities to build partnerships organically
Whether you’re in Dublin, Cork, or Galway, you’ll find well-equipped coworking spaces designed to foster innovation.
Business incubators and accelerators
If you’re serious about growing your startup, Ireland’s business incubators and accelerators are worth exploring.
They offer:
- Mentorship from experienced founders and investors
- Tailored workshops and training programs
- Access to pitch events and early-stage funding
Joining an incubator can transform your idea into a solid, scalable business model—validated by industry experts.
💡 Pro insight: Many of these programs are connected to universities or regional development agencies, making them ideal for tech and innovation-driven businesses.
Government grants and funding programs available in Ireland
Ireland is not only attractive for its low corporate tax rate, but also for its wide range of grants, loans, and support schemes designed to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses.
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
This grant is aimed at helping small businesses enhance their digital presence. It provides up to €2,500 in funding to support website development, online advertising, e-commerce platforms, and more.
Ideal for:
→ Early-stage businesses looking to boost online visibility and sales.
Startup Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE)
SURE is a tax relief program that allows eligible entrepreneurs to claim back a portion of income tax paid in previous years—provided those funds are reinvested in a new Irish business.
Ideal for:
→ Individuals leaving employment to start a business in Ireland.
Microfinance Ireland Loan Fund
If you don’t meet traditional banking criteria, this scheme offers microloans of up to €25,000 to small businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.
Ideal for:
→ Entrepreneurs with limited access to commercial loans.
👉 Explore funding options through Microfinance Ireland, designed to help startups who may not qualify for traditional bank loans.
IrishCompany: Your trusted partner for starting a business in Ireland
Setting up a company can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Partnering with IrishCompany means saving time, reducing costs, and gaining peace of mind. Our expert team supports you at every step, from choosing the right business structure and drafting incorporation documents, to securing a legal address in Ireland.
Here’s what we can help you with:
Open a business bank account in Ireland
Thanks to our dedicated banking specialists, you can benefit from preferential rates through our local partners. We’ll help you open your Irish account and secure your unique IBAN.
Appoint a temporary company secretary
Our professional company secretaries are well-versed in Irish corporate law and administrative procedures. Their expertise ensures your business complies from day one.
Appoint an Irish-resident director
While you can manage your Irish business from abroad, appointing a resident director is often required for tax registration and opening a local bank account. We can provide a qualified director when needed.
Access reliable accounting and tax compliance services
We offer a complete suite of accounting and compliance solutions, tailored to fit all company types, from freelancers to scale-ups.
Ready to start your Irish business journey?
👉 Contact our team at IrishCompany today and get expert help setting up a business in Ireland—faster, smarter, and stress-free.
