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How to Start a Company in Ireland as an EEA Resident (2025)

By:
Stuart Connolly
Jan 11, 2025
4
Min Read
Who should read this?

This article is for you if you are an EU or EEA resident and want to start a company in Ireland.

No EEA-resident team member? Visit our non-EEA resident section here.

Key Takeaways:

  • For Irish companies, there has to be an EEA-resident director at all times (see the exception below).
  • Additional directors can be based anywhere in the world.
  • Directors without an Irish Government number (PPS) need to get a Verified Identity Number (VIN) - which is easy to get.
  • A company secretary must be appointed, but can be based anywhere in the world.
  • The registered office must be a physical address in Ireland, not a PO box.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to maintain a physical presence in Ireland to run my company?

While you don't need to be physically present in Ireland, you must maintain a registered office address there for official correspondence and comply with all filing requirements. You just need at least one director to be resident anywhere in the EEA at any given time.

Can I act as both director and company secretary?

You can serve as both director and company secretary but only if the company has at least two directors. Many companies choose to appoint a professional service provider in Ireland as company secretary.

What happens if I relocate outside the EEA?

If you move outside the EEA, you must either appoint another EEA-resident director or obtain a Section 137 Bond to maintain compliance with Irish law.

Can I appoint non-EEA residents as additional directors?

Yes, once you satisfy the EEA-resident director requirement, you can appoint additional directors from any location worldwide without requiring a Section 137 Bond.

Do I need a bond as an EEA resident?

No, as an EEA resident, you don't need a Section 137 Bond.

What happens if I move outside the EEA?

If you move outside the EEA, you must either:

  • Appoint another EEA-resident director, or
  • Obtain a Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond

Can shareholders be from outside the EEA?

Yes, shareholders can be from anywhere in the world. However, shareholders owning more than 25% of the company will also need either a PPS number or VIN to file their details with the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership which is a legal requirement.

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