Ireland expansion strategy
Expand Confidently. Thrive in Ireland.
A tailored Irish market entry strategy helps international companies set up quickly, meet Irish and EU rules, and use Ireland as an English-speaking, euro-based gateway to the EU single market. From your first market assessment to your first Irish hire, our Dublin team is with you at every step.
Incorporation of an Irish subsidiary (usually an LTD) with the Companies Registration Office (CRO), typically within 5 to 10 working days, or registration of an Irish branch, including registered office, directors and company secretary, the EEA-resident director requirement, and beneficial ownership (RBO) filing.
Registration with Revenue for corporation tax (12.5% on trading income), VAT (thresholds of €85,000 for goods and €42,500 for services, or voluntarily) and PAYE as an employer, and on-time CRO annual returns and Revenue tax returns.
GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 compliance: privacy frameworks, data processing agreements, international data transfers and data protection officer appointments. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission is also the lead EU regulator for many international tech companies.
Written terms of employment, the national minimum wage (€14.15 an hour in 2026), employment permits for non-EEA staff, statutory leave and sick pay, and pension auto-enrolment (My Future Fund), which started in January 2026.
Approvals from Irish regulators, such as the Central Bank of Ireland for financial services, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) for medicines and medical devices, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), ComReg for communications and the CRU for energy, as well as screening of investments in sensitive sectors where it applies.
Help opening an account with an Irish bank or payment provider, including euro and multi-currency accounts and SEPA payments.
Bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, annual financial statements and corporation tax returns, and transfer pricing for intra-group transactions.
We have helped startups, SMEs and established companies enter new markets, covering incorporation, compliance, banking and ongoing advice. With our Dublin office, our partner-led model means you work with senior advisers who know the Irish market from day one.
Why STC
18+ years guiding international businesses into new markets, now including Ireland
We have helped startups, SMEs and established companies enter new markets, covering incorporation, compliance, banking and ongoing advice. With our Dublin office, our partner-led model means you work with senior advisers who know the Irish market from day one.
- Irish and EU regulatory expertise, including UK–Ireland cross-border trade after Brexit
- Sector-specific advisory
- End-to-end execution, from strategy to first hire
Mitigation Summary
Risk
How We Help You Mitigate
Regulatory change and UK–EU divergence
Monitor Irish and EU regulatory changes and the UK–EU relationship, particularly for goods moving between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain; build flexibility into your offering and work with regulatory advisers.
Competitive Intensity
Differentiate on service, innovation or a niche; build a local brand; partner with established Irish companies.
Talent Acquisition Challenges
Offer competitive pay, flexible or hybrid working and a strong employer brand; plan for high housing costs in Dublin, and allow time for employment permits for non-EEA hires.
Customer acquisition cost above forecast
Test pricing and channels before launch, and refine your go-to-market based on early results. |
Currency Risk
If revenue is in euro and costs are in GBP or USD (or the reverse), consider hedging and adjust pricing.
Regulatory Non-Compliance
Appoint a person responsible for compliance, set clear procedures, and engage advisers for regulated sectors and investment screening.
Disclaimer:The information on this page is general consultancy information about doing business in Ireland. It is not legal, tax, financial or regulatory advice. Please seek qualified professional advice for your sector and structure before making decisions.
Why Choose Us
Industry Expertise
Multi-sector experience with insight into the challenges each industry faces when entering Ireland.
Tailored Solutions
Market entry plans built around your goals, your sector and Irish market conditions.
Global Investor Network
Investors, lenders and partners in Ireland, the UK, the EU, North America and beyond.
End-to-End Support
From market assessment through company setup, hiring and scaling across the EU.
Trusted by Businesses Across Three Continents
From startups to multinationals, we have helped clients in Hungary, the UK, Ireland, the EU, North America and beyond set up, expand and stay compliant.
- 18+ Years Experience
- 30+ Satisfied Clients
- 25+ Expert Team
- 4 International offices
- Glasgow
- London
- Dublin
- Budapest
Average Rating
4.9
(30+) Customer reviews
Key Questions
It depends on your business model, sector and goals. Most companies start with a market entry strategy, then set up an Irish subsidiary or branch, open a bank account, register with Revenue and put compliance in place. Larger projects may also engage with IDA Ireland early on.
The CRO aims to issue a certificate of incorporation within 5 working days with a standard constitution, or 10 working days otherwise, once documents are ready. Timing also depends on director arrangements, registered office and any sector licences.
It is strongly recommended for paying Irish taxes and salaries, receiving payments and SEPA transactions. Options include Irish banks and regulated payment providers.
Most companies register for corporation tax. VAT registration is required once turnover passes €85,000 for goods or €42,500 for services, and many businesses register voluntarily. You must register for PAYE as an employer before paying staff.
Keep proper accounting records, file an annual return with financial statements to the CRO, file corporation tax returns and pay preliminary tax to Revenue, and meet ongoing VAT and payroll obligations. Filing your annual return late can cost you your audit exemption.
Any business processing personal data in Ireland must comply with the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, including privacy notices, processor agreements and internal procedures. The Data Protection Commission supervises compliance and can impose significant fines.
You need to give employees written terms of employment (core terms within five days of starting), pay at least the national minimum wage (€14.15 an hour in 2026), meet working time and leave rules, enrol eligible staff in pension auto-enrolment, and obtain employment permits for non-EEA staff. Permit salary thresholds rose on 1 March 2026; for example, a Critical Skills Employment Permit now needs at least €40,904 with a relevant degree.
Some sectors do, for example Central Bank of Ireland authorisation for financial services, HPRA approval for medicines and medical devices, and FSAI registration for food businesses. Acquisitions by non-EU investors in sensitive sectors worth €2 million or more may also need to be notified under Ireland’s investment screening regime.
Regulatory change and UK–EU divergence, competition, talent costs, customer acquisition costs, currency exposure and non-compliance. See the risk table above for how to manage each.
A consultancy with a Dublin team helps you move faster and avoid costly setup mistakes, with one point of contact for structure, tax, compliance, banking, hiring and go-to-market planning.
Monday - Thursday : 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
