The Brexit transition period was completed on the 1st January 2021 and the United Kingdom is no longer a part of the EU customs union and single market. Many companies find themselves in a predicament and may feel that they are being forced to choose a side as part of their Brexit strategy. The completion of Brexit brings a serious threat to certain business operations across European borders. Whilst a last-minute free trade deal was reached between the UK and the European Union the cross-border trade of goods has become a lot more burdensome with customs and regulatory checks, rules of origin and stringent local content requirements.

Why Not Move your UK Company to Ireland?

The Department for International Trade (DIT) recently advised that the best way for UK Companies to avoid border issues and VAT problems is to register new firms within the EU. Furthermore, The British government recently announced that the Corporate Tax rate across the UK will rise from 19% to 25% in 2023, twice that of the 12.5% rate in the Republic of Ireland.

The challenges brought on by Brexit have put the Republic of Ireland in a unique position because of its shared land border with the UK via Northern Ireland. Ireland’s trade relationship with the UK has led to special provisions with the United Kingdom, which is currently the world’s 6th largest economy. The deal states that the Irish land border will remain open and customs checks will take place in the Irish Sea. Northern Ireland will continue to be aligned with the EU single market in a limited way, avoiding new regulatory checks.

The UK has remained part of the Common Transit Convention post-Brexit. This creates a key advantage for Irish businesses allowing exports to pass from Ireland through the UK to their final destination with reduced customs checks and controls. Additionally, the Republic of Ireland maintains the EU Free Trade agreement allowing businesses to trade across European borders freely.

What are the Benefits of Moving your Company to Ireland?

Cross-border trade is not the only benefit of registering a company in Ireland. Some of the main advantages include:

  • Very favourable tax system for companies. Low corporate tax rate of 12.5%
  • Ireland will be the only predominantly English-speaking country in the EU
  • Euro currency, no exchange fees when dealing across the majority of EU countries
  • Excellent Holding Company Regime
  • One of the easiest and most efficient countries in the world to do business
  • No Withholding Tax (‘WHT’) on dividends from Irish Holding Company to EU/tax treaty countries
  • Reduced rate of corporate tax for R&D/intangibles

Ireland is the ideal country for foreign direct investment and an attractive market for a business aiming to establish an EU presence.

Company Structure Options

Irish Subsidiary Company – 51% or more of this company’s shares are owned by the existing UK or overseas company

Irish Branch Company – This company does not issue shares and is viewed as an extension of the parent company

Irish Holding Company – This is a parent company that typically exists to hold shares of various subsidiary companies

Stand Alone Irish Company – This would entail registering a company in Ireland and transferring all assets of the existing overseas company

Order A Company Online

Company Starter Package €950 (includes VAT)

We have designed a special package to assist company owners in entering the Irish market for under €1,000. This Company Limited by Shares (LTD) package is suitable for establishing an Irish Holding Company, an Irish Subsidiary Company, or a Stand Alone Irish Company. Our Company Starter Package includes the following services:

  • LTD Company Formation – Premium package with a Company Seal
  • Registered Office with mail forwarding for one year
  • Named Company Secretary for one year

Contact the Company Bureau team today to avail of our Company Starter Package. Or if you would like to learn more about the various options available to your business when moving your company to Ireland as part of your Brexit strategy. We have many years of experience in company formations, company secretarial and corporate services. We can also assist with other essential services for your business including setting up a Corporate Bank Account, Corporate Tax, and VAT Registrations. Please complete our contact form or call us at +353 (0) 1 6461625 our expert team would be happy to advise you.

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FAQ's

Yes, non-residents can be the director of an Irish company. Irish companies are required to have at least one director who is a resident within the European Economic Area (EEA). However, if none of the directors meets this requirement the company must take out a Non-EEA Resident Director Bond.

Learn more about starting a company in Ireland as a non-resident >>

Company Bureau has a free company name check tool. Simply fill in your details and a memeber of our team will confirm if your company name will be accepted under the CROs requirements.

Ireland is internationally renowned for its low and stable corporate tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest in the EU. Ireland also offers several additional tax advantages, including:

  • No withholding tax on dividends paid to EU or tax treaty countries

  • Favourable R&D tax credits to support innovation and development

  • An attractive Holding Company Regime for multinational structures

  • Reduced rates for profits derived from intellectual property and intangible assets

These incentives and more make Ireland a compelling destination for businesses aiming to maximise after-tax profits and remain competitive in the EU market.

Learn more about the benefits of Ireland's tax rates >>

Yes, and they are significant. Ireland remains part of the Common Transit Convention (CTC), which allows Irish businesses to move goods through the UK without paying duties or undergoing excessive customs checks—an advantage not available to many third countries. Additionally:

  • The Windsor Framework (which superseded the Northern Ireland Protocol) ensures no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, with arrangements implemented progressively through 2025.
  • Goods can transit between Ireland and the EU without the rules of origin challenges faced by UK-only companies.
  • Ireland benefits from all EU trade agreements, including recent agreements like the modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement concluded in January 2025.

These advantages help companies maintain operational efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and remain compliant with EU trade regulations.