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For directors living outside the EEA

Non-EEA resident directors starting a company in Ireland

Live outside Europe and want an Irish company? You can, and you don't have to travel. Irish law asks for one link to the EEA: either a director who lives there, or a Section 137 bond that covers you if nobody does. We'll sort whichever route suits you and handle the registration remotely.

Talk to our team See pricing

Do you need a bond?

Two quick questions. Nothing is stored or sent.

1. Does at least one director live in the EEA?That means an EU country, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein.
Your answer appears hereStart with question 1.
The rule in plain English

Where your directors live is what counts

Irish company law says every company needs at least one director who lives in the European Economic Area. It's about where the director lives, not what's in their passport.

This meets the rule

  • Living in an EU country, such as Ireland, France or Germany
  • Living in Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein

This doesn't

  • Living in the UK, which left the EEA at the end of 2020
  • Living in the US, UAE, India, Australia or anywhere else outside the EEA
  • Holding an EEA passport but living somewhere else
Your options

Three ways to meet the rule

Pick whichever fits your business. We'll explain the trade-offs honestly.

Appoint an EEA-resident director

Add someone who lives in the EEA to your board. If you don't know anyone suitable, we can arrange a nominee director for you.

Nominee director service

Take out a Section 137 bond

A financial guarantee from an insurer that covers certain fines and debts if the company fails its obligations. Your board stays exactly as it is.

About the bond

Show a real link to Ireland

If your company genuinely trades here, you can apply for an exemption from the bond. It suits businesses with real operations in Ireland.

How the link works
How it works

From your home country to a registered Irish company

Five steps, all done remotely.

Tell us about your directors

Where they live and who they are.

Choose your route

Resident director, bond or exemption.

Sort ID and address

A PPS number or IPN, plus your Irish registered office.

We file with the CRO

We prepare the forms, you sign, we submit.

Start trading

Then tax, banking and compliance.

How long does it take? Once your bond and documents are ready, registration usually takes a few working days. The bond and director ID are what take extra time, so start those first.
What to have ready

Your document checklist

Passport or photo IDFor every director
Proof of addressFrom your home country
PPS number or IPNOne for each director
The 8 company detailsName, type, shares and more
An Irish registered officeWe can provide one
Shareholder detailsNames, addresses and shares
After you're registered

What comes next

Registration is just the start. We can help with each of these.

Tax registrationCorporation tax, and VAT if you qualify.VAT for non-residents
A bank accountBanks run extra checks on overseas directors, so allow several weeks.Banking guide
Annual complianceAnnual returns, beneficial ownership and company records.Secretarial services
Accounts and taxBookkeeping, accounts and your corporation tax return.Accounting services
A word on tax residence and substance. An Irish-registered company isn't automatically taxed only in Ireland. Tax residence follows where decisions are really made. Revenue also looks for real intent to trade in Ireland before issuing a VAT number, such as an office, a director and the right paperwork. If the 12.5% rate is part of your plan, speak to us before you incorporate.
Quick answers

Questions from non-resident directors

Do I need to be an Irish resident to form a company?
No. You can own and direct an Irish company from anywhere. You do need one EEA-resident director, or a Section 137 bond if you have none.
Do I need to be in Ireland to form it?
No. Everything can be done remotely, including your director ID and registered office. You'll just need proof of identity and address from your home country.
Does an EEA passport mean I don't need a bond?
No. The rule is about where you live, not your citizenship. A director with an EEA passport who lives outside the EEA still needs the bond or another route.
Does a UK-resident director count?
Not any more. The UK left the EEA at the end of 2020, so a UK-resident director doesn't meet the rule by themselves.
Can my Irish company get a VAT number?
Yes, if you can show Revenue a real intention to trade in Ireland and the right documents. Read about VAT for non-residents.
Should I set up a branch instead?
A branch extends your existing company, while a subsidiary is a separate Irish company. Compare a branch and a limited company.

Let's get your Irish company started

Tell us where your directors live and what the business does. We'll recommend the simplest route and take care of the paperwork.

Register your company Talk to our team

General information only, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so please confirm your own situation.

GUIDEThe non-resident director bond: complete guide OVERSEAS FOUNDERSBarriers for foreign founders setting up in Ireland UK COMPANIESHow to move a company from the UK to Ireland EXPANDINGRegistering a subsidiary or branch in Ireland

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Office Address

Unit 80, Cherry Orchard Business Park, D10NX96, Dublin 10, Ireland

Working Hours

Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Email or Call Us

Email: moh@tasconsulting.ie

Mobile: +353 85 1477625