Navigating Irish tax laws for non-residents can be complex, whether you’re an individual or a foreign company operating in Ireland. Understanding non-resident inheritance tax, VAT for non-resident businesses, and withholding tax rules is essential to ensuring compliance and avoiding unnecessary tax liabilities.
This guide covers key aspects of non-resident taxation in Ireland, including capital gains tax for non-residents, estate tax, VAT registration, and withholding tax.
Are you a foreign company looking to do business in Ireland? Understanding VAT for non-resident companies is essential to ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties. Whether you’re importing goods, selling to Irish consumers, or offering digital services, this guide will walk you through VAT registration, compliance, and reporting requirements.
At TAS Consulting, we specialize in VAT registration for non-resident businesses and provide expert support in dealing with Irish tax authorities.
Step-by-Step VAT Registration Process
Ensuring VAT compliance in Ireland is crucial for foreign companies operating in the country. Non-resident businesses must adhere to strict VAT regulations, including invoice requirements, foreign currency reporting, error corrections, and record-keeping rules.
At TAS Consulting, we help international companies register for VAT in Ireland and stay compliant with local tax laws.
Relevant sections can be filled out and sent to revenue addresses given in this form. Registering for Irish VAT generally takes three to four weeks, although this can vary.
If you’re a foreign business looking to operate in the European Union, obtaining a VAT number is essential. Each EU country has its own VAT system, and businesses must register in at least one EU member state to comply with tax regulations.
Ensuring VAT compliance in Ireland provides significant financial, operational, and market benefits for non-resident businesses. Below, we outline the advantages of VAT registration and the key points businesses must consider when operating in Ireland.
A PESTLE analysis evaluates the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors that impact VAT compliance for non-resident businesses in Ireland.
Failing to comply with VAT regulations in Ireland can lead to financial penalties, audits, and legal consequences. Here’s what businesses need to know:
Frequently Asked Questions
✅ Yes, non-resident companies must register for VAT in Ireland if they sell taxable goods or services in the country.
📌 Example: A U.S. software company selling digital subscriptions in Ireland needs to register for VAT.
✅ No, non-resident businesses must register for VAT from the first sale (unlike Irish businesses that have a turnover threshold).
📌 Example: A Japanese logistics firm must register immediately when importing goods into Ireland.
✅ It typically takes 3-4 weeks for Revenue Ireland to process VAT applications.
📌 Example: A Hong Kong-based retailer applies for VAT for non-resident businesses in Ireland and receives their VAT number in four weeks.
✅ Standard VAT rate – 23% (most goods & services).
✅ Reduced VAT rates – 9%, 13.5%, & 0% (specific industries like hospitality & exports).
📌 Example: A Canadian tourism agency applies the 9% VAT rate for Irish travel packages.
✅ Businesses that fail to register for VAT may face penalties, fines, and potential audits.
📌 Example: A Brazilian fashion brand selling to Irish customers without VAT registration risks legal fines.
✅ Yes, non-EU businesses can reclaim VAT on business expenses via the 13th Directive VAT Refund Scheme.
📌 Example: A Swiss corporate law firm reclaims VAT on client meeting expenses in Ireland.
✅ No, but having an Irish business bank account can speed up VAT refunds & payments.
📌 Example: A South African e-commerce store opens an Irish business account to simplify VAT transactions.
✅ OSS allows non-EU businesses to register for VAT in one EU country and file VAT returns for all EU sales.
📌 Example: A New Zealand SaaS company registers for OSS VAT in Ireland to sell software across Europe.
✅ VAT returns are filed bi-monthly or quarterly, depending on turnover & tax obligations.
📌 Example: A Dubai-based wholesale distributor submits quarterly VAT returns to Revenue Ireland.
✅ Yes, but some businesses may still need additional VAT registrations in other EU countries.
📌 Example: A Singapore-based electronics exporter uses an Irish VAT number but registers separately in Germany due to high sales volume.
E-Commerce retailers based in the EU who make sales online EU Customers are required to follow distance selling rules. There are certain thresholds at present for each EU country. Once the retailer exceeds the threshold for the customer’s country, he must then switch to the domestic tax rate of that country and ensure you are VAT registered in that member state.
Contact Us
Office 80, Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate Ballyfermot Road, Co. Dublin D10NX96, Ireland.
Monday to Friday: 0900 hours – 1800 hours
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Email: moh@tasconsulting.ie
Tel: +353 01 442 8230
Mobile/WhatsApp: +353 0 85 1477625
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The prices shown are typical for each package, however, they can be tailored to you and your business. Excludes VAT.
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