Ireland 2025: Government Websites and Practical Guide for Overseas Companies

This guide collects the up-to-date government and department websites overseas companies need when starting or operating in Ireland in 2025. It covers company registration, tax registration and filing, employment law, permits and visas, and practical operation steps with key precautions . The content synthesizes current policies and common operational practices to help non‑Irish firms comply quickly and efficiently.

Essential Government & Agency Websites

Key 2025 Policy Highlights and Interpretations

• Company formation: The CRO continues to require electronic submissions for most filings; expect verification steps for officers and increasing checks on beneficial ownership to meet AML obligations.
• Tax compliance: Revenue emphasizes timely e‑filing through ROS, digital submission of PAYE/PRSI, and continuing focus on VAT cross‑border rules post‑EU guidance. Transfer pricing documentation is increasingly enforced for multinationals.
• Employment & permits: The Critical Skills Employment Permit remains prioritized for high‑value talent. General Employment Permits often require a labour market needs test; intra‑company transfers follow defined salary/time thresholds.
• Immigration: Visa and permission processing timelines can vary regionally. After permit approval, non‑EEA employees typically apply for entry visas (if required) and register for immigration permission/IRP on arrival.
• Data & safety: GDPR enforcement and workplace safety inspections continue as enforcement priorities; companies must keep clear records and safety policies.

Step-by-Step: Registering a Company and Getting Ready to Trade

1. Decide business structure (private limited company PLC/Designated Activity Company/branch). For most foreign entrants, a private limited company (LTD) is standard.
2. Check and reserve company name with CRO; prepare constitutional documents and complete Form A1.
3. File incorporation documents online via CRO and pay the fee. Expect identity verification for directors and beneficial owners.
4. Open an Irish bank account—prepare certified incorporation documents, proof of directors, and AML information.
5. Register with Revenue: obtain Tax Registration Number(s), set up ROS for e‑filing, register for VAT if applicable, and register as an employer for PAYE/PRSI/USC.
6. Register with Data Protection Commission if processing personal data; put data protection policies and contracts in place.

Step-by-Step: Hiring and Employment Compliance

1. Decide employment model: local contract, secondment, or branch employment. Draft compliant contracts reflecting statutory rights (minimum wage, working time, leave entitlements).
2. Check whether the role requires an Employment Permit (use employmentpermits.ie). For General Permits, conduct and document the labour market needs test if required.
3. Apply for the appropriate permit online; once approved, non‑EEA hires apply for any required entry visa.
4. On arrival, register employee with immigration (IRP) where applicable and obtain PPS numbers for payroll and social welfare registration.
5. Set up payroll with PAYE, PRSI and USC deductions. File regular returns via ROS and remit taxes by deadlines.

Visa & Immigration: Practical Flow

1. Offer employment and confirm salary and duration.
2. Employer applies for the employment permit online; gather job description, contract, and evidence of advertising (for General Permit).
3. Upon permit approval, employee applies for entry visa if their nationality requires one.
4. Employee arrives and registers with immigration authorities (IRP) and local Garda station if required, then obtains PPS number and joins payroll.

Precautions and Key Notes

• Timing: Start CRO and Revenue registrations before trading—VAT and employer obligations begin when you first have taxable transactions or employees.
• Local presence: Banks and some officials expect a physical Irish address and demonstrable local management for certain tax/visa advantages.
• AML & beneficial ownership: Be transparent about ultimate beneficial owners; disclosures to the CRO and bank are strict.
• PPS numbers and IRP: Delays in securing PPS/IRP can block payroll and benefits—prioritise these steps after arrival.
• Employment contracts: Use clear probation, notice, and confidentiality clauses and ensure statutory entitlements are explicit.
• Data protection: Cross‑border transfers of personal data require lawful bases and documentation under GDPR.
• Tax planning: Seek professional advice on thin capitalization, transfer pricing, and permanent establishment risks to avoid unexpected liabilities.

Short Case Examples

Case 1: Tech startup hiring engineers from outside EU

A US‑based software firm set up an Irish LTD in Dublin. They used the Critical Skills Employment Permit for senior engineers (no labour market test). After permit approval they arranged short‑term relocation packages, registered employees for IRP and PPS within two weeks, and used payroll software integrated with ROS to manage PAYE.

Case 2: Manufacturing branch with local hires

A German manufacturer opened a branch in County Cork. They registered the branch with CRO, obtained VAT registration before imports, and performed WRC‑recommended employment contract audits to ensure compliance with collective agreements in the sector.

Additional Resources

• Employment permits: employmentpermits.ie
• Company registration: cro.ie
• Tax & payroll: revenue.ie
• Workplace rights: workplacerelations.ie
• Data protection: dataprotection.ie

For companies looking for hands‑on offshore employee services and cross‑border hiring support, consider SailGlobal for tailored assistance in relocation, compliance and payroll coordination.

Final Advice

Plan registrations and permit applications early, keep clear records of recruitment and tax decisions, and use local professional advisors for complex tax or immigration scenarios. Following the steps above will reduce delays and help overseas companies maintain compliance with Ireland’s 2025 regulatory landscape.