How to Register a Company in Ireland from India

Starting a company abroad can seem daunting, especially when navigating a country’s corporate laws, banking procedures, and compliance rules from thousands of miles away. Yet, Ireland has emerged as one of the most accessible and business-friendly destinations for global entrepreneurs, including those from India. 

For non-residents, especially Indian founders, the process of incorporation involves meeting a few key legal requirements, from choosing the right entity structure to filing with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and setting up a compliant banking arrangement. While it sounds complex, the entire process can be completed remotely with the right documentation and local guidance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to register a company in Ireland from India step by step, from entity selection to Revenue registration. You’ll also see how Commenda helps you handle filings, RBO registration, and banking readiness so you can launch your Irish entity smoothly and stay compliant from day one.

Can You Register a Company in Ireland from India?

Yes. Irish law allows non-residents to form companies. Incorporation is handled by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) via its CORE portal. Irish companies must have a registered office in Ireland, at least one director (LTDs may operate with a single director), and a company secretary. If an LTD has only one director, that person cannot also act as the secretary. All directors must be 18+ per the Companies Act 2014. 

Irish rules require at least one EEA-resident director. Where there is no EEA-resident director, companies may comply by putting in place a Section 137 bond in the CRO-prescribed form (surety must be an approved institution). 

Common vehicles include Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD), Designated Activity Company (DAC), Public Limited Company (PLC), and branch (external company) registration. For most overseas SMEs, LTD is the practical choice. 

Why Start a Business in Ireland from India?

Ireland combines an English-speaking environment with the legal certainty of an EU jurisdiction. Its appeal to Indian entrepreneurs lies in clear tax legislation, consistent compliance standards, and direct access to the European Single Market.

• Corporation tax on trading income is 12.5%; 25% applies to non-trading/excepted trades and certain passive income. For very large groups, OECD Pillar Two applies a 15% minimum effective rate under domestic rules implemented in Part 4A TCA 1997. 
• VAT registration thresholds (from 1 January 2025) are €42,500 for services and €85,000 for goods or mixed supplies where goods are ≥90% of turnover. Non-established traders have separate rules and may need to register when trading in Ireland. 
• Market access: an Irish entity trades across the EU on harmonised rules while contracting and banking in the EU.
• Administration: electronic filing for incorporation (€50 online) and annual returns (standard €20 filing fee) via CORE keeps baseline costs predictable. 

Overall, starting a business in Ireland from India offers predictable compliance, EU access, and a well-defined tax regime supported by transparent public data. These qualities make Ireland a preferred base for cross-border operations.

Types of Business Structures in Ireland for India Entrepreneurs

Before you register a company in Ireland from India, pick a structure aligned to liability, compliance, and capital plans.

Entity Type	Liability	Compliance	Best For / Notes
LTD (Private Company Limited by Shares)	Limited to the unpaid share capital	Annual return + financial statements; audit if above thresholds	Default for SMEs and startups; may have a single director, but then must appoint a separate secretary.
DAC	Similar to LTD, the objects clause restricts activities	More defined objects; similar filings	Where a defined activity/object clause is required.
PLC	Limited	Heavier disclosure and capital rules	Larger enterprises are raising public capital.
Branch (External Company)	Parent company liable	Registration as an external company; file branch documents	When extending an existing Indian company into Ireland.

Director/Secretary rules: Every company must have a secretary; an LTD with one director must appoint a different person (or a corporate secretary) to the secretary role. Minimum director age is 18. 

EEA director or bond: If there is no EEA-resident director, a Section 137 bond in the CRO form is an accepted compliance route. 

Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Ireland from India

The process of registering a company in Ireland from India is governed by the Companies Act 2014 and managed by the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The system is entirely digital through the CORE portal.

1. Choose structure and board setup: Most Indian founders establish a Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD). At least one director (aged 18+) and a company secretary are required. If there is no EEA-resident director, a Section 137 bond, a €25,000 insurance-type guarantee, must be purchased for two years.
2. Reserve a company name: Check and reserve your company name on CORE for €25 (credited against the €50 filing fee if used). The name must be unique, non-offensive, and include “Limited” or “Ltd.”
3. Secure a registered office: Every company must have a registered office in Ireland for legal correspondence. Service providers and virtual offices offering physical addresses can be used; PO boxes are not accepted.
4. Prepare documents: Draft the Constitution, gather proof of identity and address for all directors/shareholders, and secure consent forms. Non-residents must complete a Verified Identity Form (VIF) for CRO and RBO compliance.
5. File incorporation (Form A1): Apply online via CORE. The fee is €50. Once approved, the CRO issues a Certificate of Incorporation and company number, usually within 5–10 business days.
6. Register for tax and RBO: Register with Revenue for Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE/PRSI through the ROS portal. File beneficial ownership details on the RBO within five months.
7. Open a business bank account: Banks follow the Central Bank of Ireland AML rules. Provide certified IDs, incorporation documents, and business details.
8. Set a compliance calendar: Track due dates for annual returns, taxes, and bond renewals. Late filings incur a €100 fine plus €3 per day, capped at €1,200.

Requirements for India Entrepreneurs

To register a company in Ireland from India, founders must satisfy both identification and legal compliance obligations across CRO, Revenue, RBO, and Irish banking standards.

• Identification: All directors and shareholders must provide a valid passport and recent proof of address. Non-English documents must be certified and translated. Directors must be over 18.
• Registered office and secretary: Every company must have a registered office in Ireland. The secretary ensures filings and record-keeping. If there is only one director, the secretary must be a separate person or corporate entity.
• EEA director or bond: At least one director must reside in the EEA. If not, file a Section 137 bond valid for two years. This guarantees payment of penalties should the company breach Irish law.
• Constitution and records: Prepare an LTD Constitution stating the company rules and capital. Gather consent forms, shareholder lists, and ensure consistency across CRO, Revenue, and RBO filings.
• Beneficial ownership (RBO): File details of all beneficial owners (holding 25%+ shares). Non-resident owners without a PPSN must obtain an RBO number using the VIF. Updates must be filed within 14 days of any change.
• Tax and accounting: Register for Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE/PRSI as applicable. Keep accounting records for six years.
• Banking and due diligence: Banks follow Central Bank AML rules. Expect to provide certified documents and a description of expected transactions. Fintech options are acceptable alternatives.
• Indian compliance: Under the RBI’s Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) framework, Indian investors must comply with outward remittance and shareholding limits before transferring funds abroad.

Cost of Incorporation in Ireland from India

Below is a policy-based view of costs using official figures where available. It helps you estimate the cost of incorporating a company in Ireland from India and the ongoing spend.

One-time setup

Item	Amount
Company name reservation (optional; 28 days)	€25 (credited against incorporation fee if used)
CRO incorporation (Form A1 – online filing)	€50
Section 137 bond (required only if no EEA-resident director)	Bond form and surety class mandated by CRO; premium set by surety market
RBO filing	€0

Professional drafting, certified copies, apostilles, and local address/secretarial packages are market-priced (not set by the State). These vary by provider.

Annual/recurring

Item	Amount
Annual return filing fee (Form B1 – online)	€20
Late filing fee	€100 initial + €3 per day, capped at €1,200 per return; late filing also removes audit exemption for the next two years
Revenue filings	Tax due per activity: 12.5% on trading income / 25% on non-trading income; Pillar Two rules apply to in-scope groups
VAT	Registration required when thresholds are met: €42,500 for services / €85,000 for goods (effective 1 January 2025)

Operational costs (registered office, secretary, bookkeeping, audit if required, payroll, banking) depend on service scope and company size.

Opening a Business Bank Account in Ireland from India

Irish banks operate under the Central Bank of Ireland AML/CTF rules. This is why account opening for non-resident-led companies is detailed.

Expect to provide:

• Certified passport and address for directors/signatories;
  
• Certificate of Incorporation and Constitution;
• Details of ownership/beneficial owners (matching RBO filings);
• Narrative of the business model, expected transaction flows, counterparties, and jurisdictions;
• Evidence of activity or contracts (where available).

Banks apply Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and may apply enhanced CDD depending on risk profile. Fintech solutions can be useful where a traditional bank takes longer; still, the same AML/CTF expectations apply. 

Visas and Residency Considerations

Company formation does not grant immigration permission. If a founder wishes to live and work in Ireland to build an innovative venture, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) provides a route to residence for non-EEA founders with a high-potential startup and €50,000 in funding (higher where multiple principals apply). STEP sits alongside other work permissions and is administered by the Irish Immigration Service Delivery. 

Compliance and Ongoing Responsibilities

Staying compliant in Ireland is straightforward when key filings are scheduled early. Every company must maintain accurate records, meet statutory deadlines, and respond to CRO or Revenue notices promptly. Proactive compliance protects audit exemption, avoids penalties, and keeps your Irish entity in good standing.

Company law / CRO

• File Annual Return (B1) by the deadline; include financial statements. Missing deadlines triggers fees (€100 + €3/day, cap €1,200) and loss of audit exemption for two years. 
• Maintain statutory registers (directors, secretary, members) and update officer changes with CRO.
• Keep your registered office active and monitor CRO notices.

RBO

• Register beneficial owners within 5 months of incorporation; use VIF to obtain an RBO number where no PPSN exists.

Revenue

• File CT1 corporation tax returns; apply 12.5% or 25% rates by activity; consider Pillar Two if within scope. Manage VAT and PAYE where relevant. Guidance on trading vs non-trading classification is published by Revenue.

Banking / AML

• Maintain information required under CDD and respond to periodic reviews.

Well-run Irish entities document board decisions, retain accounting records, and calendar key dates (annual return date, tax returns, RBO updates, bond renewal if used).

Challenges When Registering a Company in Ireland from India

While the incorporation process in Ireland is straightforward, non-resident founders often encounter procedural and compliance hurdles that delay approval. Most issues arise from documentation standards, banking regulations, and post-registration obligations. Addressing these early helps ensure the company remains compliant from day one.

• EEA director requirement: Plan for at least one EEA-resident director or arrange a Section 137 bond before submitting your CRO application. The bond must be in the CRO-prescribed format and lodged with an approved surety. Without either, the CRO cannot finalise incorporation.
• Document certification and timelines: Non-resident founders must provide certified or apostilled copies of identification and proof of address. Obtaining these notarised documents in India can take time, especially if multiple directors or shareholders are involved. Incomplete or incorrectly certified paperwork is a common reason for CRO rejections.
• RBO data accuracy: When registering beneficial ownership, the details provided to the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) must exactly match Irish Department of Social Protection (DSP) records where a PPSN is used. Non-resident owners without a PPSN must submit a Verified Identity Form (VIF) to obtain an RBO number. Minor inconsistencies, such as spacing or name order, can trigger validation errors or delays.
• Bank account due diligence: Irish banks and financial institutions operate under strict Central Bank of Ireland Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) regulations. Expect comprehensive KYC reviews, questions on business activity, source of funds, and expected transaction patterns. Where traditional banks are cautious with non-resident clients, fintech solutions can offer faster onboarding but apply the same AML standards.
• Late filings and penalties: Missing the annual return deadline leads to immediate late fees, €100 plus €3 per day (capped at €1,200), and removes the company’s audit exemption for two years. Setting a compliance calendar for CRO, RBO, and Revenue deadlines prevents costly administrative errors.

How Commenda Helps with Incorporation in Ireland from India

Expanding your business to Ireland involves more than just paperwork; you need a partner who understands Irish compliance, filings, and cross-border setup. Commenda helps you manage every step remotely, ensuring your company is fully compliant from day one. From entity design to ongoing filings, here’s how Commenda simplifies your Irish incorporation process:

• Entity Design and Filings: Commenda recommends the right legal structure, whether it’s a Private Limited Company (LTD), Designated Activity Company (DAC), or branch, and prepares your company constitution and officer appointments according to Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements.
• Director, Secretary, and Registered Office: You get company secretarial support and a compliant registered office address in Ireland. Commenda also advises on EEA-director options or helps arrange a Section 137 bond if you don’t have an EEA-resident director.
• CORE and RBO Filings: Commenda files your Form A1 through the CORE portal, organizes RBO registration within five months, and maintains ongoing updates to your beneficial ownership records.
• Revenue Registrations and VAT Analysis: You get full support with Revenue registrations for Corporation Tax (CT), VAT, and PAYE. Commenda also assesses VAT thresholds and builds a custom compliance calendar aligned with your trading model.
• Banking Readiness: Commenda prepares Customer Due Diligence (CDD) packs in line with Central Bank of Ireland guidelines and facilitates bank introductions where appropriate to help you open your business account smoothly.
• Ongoing Compliance: Once your company is live, Commenda tracks annual return deadlines, ensures timely filings, and maintains statutory records, protecting your audit exemption and avoiding late filing fees.

Beyond incorporation, Commenda supports payroll setup, governance, and EU expansion, all from one central platform. With expert, on-ground assistance, expanding your Indian business into Ireland becomes seamless, compliant, and strategically rewarding.

Conclusion

Ireland offers Indian founders an EU company with clear director/secretary rules, low trading tax rates, published VAT thresholds, electronic filings, and reliable register systems. Plan early for the EEA-director requirement or a Section 137 bond, file RBO within five months, align with Revenue registrations, and assemble a banking CDD pack. With those pieces in place, operating an Irish LTD from India is practical and well-documented under official guidance. 

Book a free demo with Commenda to set up your Ireland entity with clean filings, RBO registration, Revenue setup, and a working compliance calendar from day one.

FAQs

1) Can I register a company in Ireland from India without visiting?

Yes. Incorporation, name reservation, and filings are available online through CORE. You still need an Irish-registered office, a secretary, and either an EEA-resident director or a Section 137 bond in the CRO form. Banking may require extra steps due to CDD. 

2) Which business structures are available to India citizens in Ireland?

LTD, DAC, PLC, CLG, and branch registrations exist. LTD is the standard choice for overseas SMEs because it supports a single-director board (with a separate secretary). 

3) How much does it cost to incorporate in Ireland from India?

State fees include €25 (optional name reservation, credited if used) and €50 e-filing for incorporation. Annual return e-filing is €20, with late fees of €100 plus €3/day capped at €1,200. A Section 137 bond is required only if there is no EEA-resident director; the surety market sets its premium. 

4) Do I need a local partner or director in Ireland?

No local partner is required. You need at least one director, and if none are EEA-resident, put a Section 137 bond in place using the CRO’s prescribed form. 

5) Can I open an Ireland business bank account from India?

Yes, subject to Central Bank AML/CTF rules. Banks apply CDD and may seek enhanced documentation. Prepare certified ID/address proofs, incorporation documents, ownership details, and evidence of activity. 

6) Does registering a company in Ireland give me a work visa?

No. Company formation is separate from immigration. Founders seeking to live and work in Ireland can review STEP, which supports innovative startups with funding of €50,000 and offers a residence path. 

7) What are the annual compliance requirements in Ireland?

File the B1 annual return (with accounts), corporation tax returns, and relevant VAT and PAYE filings; maintain statutory registers; keep RBO current. Late annual returns incur fees and remove audit exemption for two years. 

8) LLC vs Corporation in Ireland: Which is better for India entrepreneurs?

Ireland uses different terminology; the closest fit is the LTD. It provides limited liability, straightforward governance, and online filings, making it the common choice for cross-border SMEs.