Thinking about expanding into Europe? Registering a company in Ireland is one of the fastest and most efficient ways for US entrepreneurs to access the EU market. Ireland is known for its pro‑business environment, world‑class talent pool, and attractive corporate tax structure, making it a top destination for US founders. 

At Company Bureau, we specialise in helping non‑residents and US citizens set up an Irish company quickly, compliantly, and with full end‑to‑end support. From company formation to tax registration and ongoing compliance, we make the process smooth and straightforward. 

What are the Key Steps for US Citizens Starting a Business in Ireland? 

  1. Required Company Formation Information 

To form an Irish Limited Company, you will need to provide eight essential pieces of information: 

  1. Ensure You Meet the Director Residency Requirement

Irish law requires at least one director who is resident in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes all EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. 

Option A: Section 137 Revenue Bond  

A Section 137 Revenue Bond replaces the need for an EEA‑resident director: 

  • Valid for 2 years 
  • Ensures compliance with specific Irish regulations   

We can arrange this bond for you quickly. 

Option B: Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) 

An alternative route is to take part in the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), which allows non‑EEA nationals, including U.S. citizens, to reside in Ireland while establishing an innovative start‑up.  

  • To qualify, you must: 
  • Have at least €50,000 in funding 
  • Be of good character with no criminal convictions 
  • Present an innovative, non‑traditional business proposal 

If approved, you receive: 

  • A letter granting permission to reside in Ireland. 
  • Initial 2-year residency, extendable if the business progresses. 
  • Permission for your spouse/partner and dependent children to join you. 
  1. Set Up an Irish Registered Office Address

All Irish companies must have a physical registered office within Ireland. If you don’t yet have a local presence, we offer a professional registered office service to meet this requirement. It’s worth noting here: for Corporation Tax registration, the company only needs a physical presence in Ireland. Using Company Bureau’s address as your office address would be sufficient for this registration process. However, for VAT applications, a registered address will not suffice. A trading/business address is required to demonstrate active presence in the state. 

Can I Register an Irish Company Online as a US Citizen? 

Once you’ve addressed the points above, you can form an Irish company online in as little as 5 minutes. Most companies are incorporated within 3–4 working days, allowing you to begin doing business in Ireland faster than in many other jurisdictions. 

What Happens After Your Irish Company Is Registered? 

After incorporation, we can support you with all essential post‑formation services, including: 

  • Tax Registration (Corporation Tax, VAT, Employer taxes, and if needed, PPSN & Income Tax Registration for Proprietary Directors) 
  • Opening an Irish bank account 
  • Company Secretarial & Compliance Services 
  • Providing Irish‑resident Board Directors, if required 

Whether you’re establishing a new venture or expanding an existing US business into Europe, we ensure your Irish entity is structured correctly from day one. 

Get Expert Support 

If you’d like to speak to a company formation expert who can guide you through the process, contact us today. 

Order a Company Online

FAQ's

No. You can form an Irish company as a non‑resident. However, Irish law requires at least one director to be resident in the EEA or alternatively, you can obtain a Section 137 Revenue Bond. 
A Revenue Bond is a surety that replaces the need for an EEA‑resident director. It lasts for two years and ensures the company’s compliance with certain Irish regulations. Company Bureau can arrange this for you on your behalf.   
Yes, though banks may require enhanced documentation for non‑resident owners. Formation agents like Company Bureau can support the process to simplify it. 
In most cases, no. The formation process and post‑incorporation steps (including bank account setup, depending on the bank) can often be completed remotely. 

Company Bureau Formations ULC is authorised to carry on business as a Trust and Company Service Provider (TCSP) by the Department of Justice and Law Reform of Ireland (Authorisation number TCSP APP/627/2010)