How to Start a Business in Ireland 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know that Ireland had approximately 309,919 enterprises operating in its non-financial business economy in 2023? And here’s the kicker – despite all the doom and gloom you hear, business registrations have been steadily climbing year on year.

But let me guess – you’re sitting there thinking: “How much is this going to cost me?” “How long will it take?” “Is the paperwork going to drive me mental?”

I get it. When I first helped a client with their company formation in Ireland back in 2015, they came to me with a folder thick as a Dublin phonebook, convinced they needed a law degree just to register a business. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. And neither do you.

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it – starting a business in ireland involves some paperwork and patience. But it’s nowhere near as complicated as most people think. In fact, with the new digital systems, you can register a company online in about 5 working days for as little as €50. That’s less than a decent night out in Temple Bar (and probably more productive).

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to start a business in ireland, step by step. No legal jargon, no unnecessary complications – just the practical stuff you actually need to know. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur with a brilliant idea, a foreign investor eyeing Ireland’s 12.5% corporation tax rate, or someone who’s just fed up with their boss and ready to go solo, this guide’s got you covered.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll know:

• Which business structure saves you the most tax (and hassle)
• Exactly what forms to fill out and where to submit them
• How much it’ll actually cost (with no hidden surprises)
• The tax obligations you can’t ignore (and the ones you can delay)
• Common mistakes that could cost you thousands

Ready? Let’s turn that business idea into reality.

Choosing Your Business Structure in Ireland

Right, first things first – you need to decide what type of business structure suits you best. This isn’t just bureaucratic nonsense; it affects everything from your personal liability to how much tax you’ll pay.

I remember sitting with a tech entrepreneur last year who was dead set on forming a limited company because “that’s what everyone does.” After we ran the numbers, turns out staying as a sole trader would save him €8,000 in the first year alone. So yeah, this decision matters.

The Big Decision: Sole Trader vs Limited Company

Here’s the comparison table that’ll save you hours of Googling:

Tax Implications – The Real Numbers

Let me break this down with actual figures because that’s what really matters, right?

Sole Trader Example (€60,000 profit):

• Income Tax: €11,800 (after credits)
• USC: €2,193
• PRSI: €2,400
• Total Tax: €16,393 (27.3%)
• Take home: €43,607

Limited Company Example (€60,000 profit):

• Corporation Tax: €7,500 (12.5%)
• Company profit after tax: €52,500
• If you take it all as salary: Similar to sole trader
• If you take €35,000 salary + €17,500 dividend:
  • Tax on salary: ~€4,000
  • Tax on dividend: ~€5,775 (at 33%)
  • Total Tax: €17,275
  • Take home: €42,725

“But wait,” you’re thinking, “the company pays more tax!”

Not quite. See, with a company, you can control when you take money out. Leave profits in the company, and you’re only paying 12.5%. Need to buy equipment? Pay from the company before tax. Want to build up a pension? Company contributions are way more tax-efficient.

When to Choose a Sole Trader Structure

Go sole trader if:

• You’re testing a business idea (you can always incorporate later)
• Your profits will be under €40,000
• You work in a low-risk industry (consultancy, online services)
• You value simplicity over everything else
• You need all the cash now (not building for the future)

I had a client, a freelance graphic designer, who started as a sole trader in 2020. She’s still a sole trader today because her profits hover around €35,000, she has no employees, and the simplicity lets her focus on what she loves – design, not paperwork.

When to Choose a Limited Company

Form a company if:

• You’re in a high-risk industry (construction, food, anything with liability)
• You plan to have employees
• Your profits will exceed €50,000
• You want to raise investment
• You’re buying expensive equipment (more tax deductions)
• You need that “Ltd” credibility for contracts

True story: A software developer I know lost a €100,000 contract because the client “only dealt with limited companies.” He registered the next day. Sometimes perception matters as much as reality.

The Hybrid Approach

Here’s something most guides won’t tell you – you can start as a sole trader and incorporate later when it makes sense. The process is called “transfer of business” and while it involves some paperwork, it’s totally doable.

One restaurant owner I worked with operated as a sole trader for two years while building the business. Once profits hit €80,000, we incorporated. She saved about €15,000 in taxes and fees during those first two years.

Other Structure Options

Partnership: Only if you really trust your business partner. Seriously. I’ve seen too many partnership disputes end badly. If you must partner up, consider two separate companies working together instead.

DAC (Designated Activity Company): Overkill for most small businesses. Only needed if you have very specific requirements in your constitution.

PLC (Public Limited Company): Unless you’re planning an IPO, forget about it. Minimum €25,000 share capital required.

Co-operative: Great for community projects but complex to run. Works well for farmers’ markets or community shops.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Alright, you’ve chosen your structure. Now comes the fun part – actually registering your business. And by “fun,” I mean “mildly tedious but necessary.”

Don’t worry though, I’ll walk you through it like you’re my neighbor who asked for help over a pint. Because that’s basically how I learned half this stuff myself.

Pre-Registration Checklist

Before you dive into forms and fees, let’s make sure you’ve got your ducks in a row. Nothing worse than getting halfway through registration and realizing you’re missing something crucial.

Essential items you’ll need:

• [ ] Your PPS number (obviously)
• [ ] Proof of address (utility bill from last 3 months)
• [ ] Business name (checked for availability)
• [ ] Registered office address (can’t be a PO Box)
• [ ] €50 for company registration (€20 for business name)
• [ ] Director/Secretary details (if limited company)
• [ ] Share capital decision (€1 is fine, seriously)
• [ ] Business activity description (be specific but not limiting)

Pro tip: Your registered office doesn’t have to be where you actually work. I know plenty of businesses registered at their accountant’s office. Just make sure someone’s there to receive official post.

CRO Registration Walkthrough

The Companies Registration Office (CRO) is where the magic happens. Or at least where the bureaucracy happens. Their CORE system is actually pretty decent now – a far cry from the paper forms of yesteryear.

Step 1: Create a CORE Account Head to core.cro.ie and create an account. You’ll need:

• Email address (use one you check regularly)
• Password (make it strong, you’ll be using this account for years)
• Security questions (write these down somewhere safe)

Step 2: Company Name Search This is crucial. Your name must:

• Be unique (obviously)
• End in “Limited” or “Ltd” (or Irish equivalents)
• Not be offensive or misleading
• Not imply government connection

I once had a client who wanted to call their company “Irish Revenue Services Ltd.” That was a hard no from the CRO.

Step 3: Complete Form A1 This is the main formation document. Key sections:

• Company name and type
• Registered office address
• Business activity (use NACE codes)
• Director and secretary details
• Share capital and shareholders

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using a residential address without permission
• Vague activity descriptions (“general trading” won’t cut it)
• Forgetting to sign digitally (yes, this counts as signing)

Step 4: Upload Your Constitution For standard companies, use the model constitution. It’s template provided by CRO and covers 99% of small businesses perfectly. Don’t pay someone €500 to draft a custom one unless you have very specific needs.

Step 5: Pay and Submit €50 for electronic submission. That’s it. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Revenue Registration Process

Once your company exists, Revenue wants to know about it. The good news? You can do this online too.

Step 1: Register for ROS (Revenue Online Service) Go to ros.ie and register. You’ll receive:

• ROS Access Number (by post, takes 5-7 days)
• Digital certificate (download immediately)

Step 2: Complete Tax Registration Using Form TR2 (companies) or TR1 (sole traders), register for:

• Corporation Tax/Income Tax
• Employer’s PAYE (if you’ll have employees)
• VAT (if your turnover will exceed thresholds)

Step 3: Set Up Payment Methods You can pay by:

• Direct debit (easiest)
• Single debit authority
• Online banking
• Credit/debit card

Timeline for Each Step

Here’s what to expect, assuming no hiccups:

Costs Breakdown Table

Let’s talk money – here’s what starting a business in ireland actually costs:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ pain:

1. Using formation agents unnecessarily – You can do this yourself in an hour. Save the €300.
2. Picking the wrong company type – LTD works for 95% of businesses. Don’t overcomplicate.
3. Forgetting about the registered office – Using your home address? Make sure your lease allows it.
4. Ignoring name availability – “Apple Ireland Ltd” isn’t going to fly, no matter how much you like iPhones.
5. Missing the 30-day deadline – Register your business name within 30 days of trading or face fines.
6. Not keeping records – Screenshot everything during registration. You’ll need these details later.

One client forgot his CORE password and couldn’t file his annual return. Cost him €100 in late fees. Don’t be that guy.

Tax Registration and Obligations

Ah, taxes. Everyone’s favorite topic, right?

Look, I’ll level with you – tax registration isn’t exactly thrilling, but mess it up and Revenue will make your life miserable. I’ve seen businesses get hit with penalties that would make your eyes water, all because they didn’t understand their obligations from day one.

The good news? Once you understand the system, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Let me break it down for you.

Registering for Income Tax/Corporation Tax

This is non-negotiable. Every business needs to register, but the process differs based on your structure.

For Sole Traders: You’ll register for Income Tax using Form TR1. It’s actually the same form you use for all tax registrations – Revenue loves efficiency. Key points:

• Register within 30 days of starting to trade
• You’ll get a “trading” designation on your PPS number
• File Form 11 annually (by October 31st)
• Pay preliminary tax for next year with your return

For Limited Companies: Form TR2 is your friend here. Corporation tax registration is automatic when you register for tax, but here’s what you need to know:

• 12.5% rate on trading income (that’s most businesses)
• 25% on non-trading income (rental, investment income)
• File CT1 return within 9 months of year-end
• Pay preliminary tax for current year

Real numbers example: A company with €100,000 profit pays €12,500 corporation tax. Same profit as a sole trader? You’re looking at about €35,000 in combined taxes. See why structure matters?

VAT Registration Thresholds and Process

Here’s where it gets interesting. Budget 2025 just increased the VAT thresholds:

• Goods: €85,000 (was €80,000)
• Services: €42,500 (was €40,000)

But here’s the thing – sometimes you WANT to register for VAT even if you’re below the threshold.

When voluntary registration makes sense:

• You’re selling to other VAT-registered businesses
• You have significant startup costs
• You want to appear more established

I had a consultant client who voluntarily registered for VAT. Yes, he had to charge his clients 23% extra, but since they were all VAT registered, they reclaimed it anyway. Meanwhile, he reclaimed VAT on his €5,000 laptop, €3,000 office furniture, and every business expense. Saved him about €2,000 in year one.

The registration process:

1. Register through ROS (part of your TR1/TR2)
2. Decide on filing frequency:
   • Bi-monthly (standard): For most businesses
   • Monthly: If you’re regularly in refund position
   • Annual: If turnover under €3 million
3. Get your VAT number within 5 days

Critical VAT tip: The €10,000 EU distance selling threshold is gone. Sell anything online to EU consumers? You might need to register in their country or use OSS (One Stop Shop).

PAYE Registration if Hiring

Planning to hire? Even if it’s just yourself as a company director, you need PAYE registration.

When you must register:

• Hiring any employee
• Paying yourself as company director
• Engaging contractors (sometimes – be careful here)

What you’ll be dealing with:

• PAYE (income tax): 20% up to €44,000, then 40%
• USC: 0.5% to 11% depending on income
• PRSI: 4.05% employee, 11.05% employer (going up in 2025)

The monthly process:

1. Calculate payroll (use software, seriously)
2. File through ROS by 23rd of following month
3. Pay what you owe
4. Don’t be late (penalties start at €4,000)

True story: A restaurant owner I know didn’t realize paying his wife €100 a week required PAYE registration. Revenue found out two years later. The back taxes, interest, and penalties? €12,000. Ouch.

Tax Deadlines Calendar

Print this out and stick it on your wall:

Extensions? Forget about it. Revenue doesn’t do extensions unless you’re literally in hospital.

First-Year Tax Tips

Your first year is special – and not always in a good way. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Preliminary Tax Confusion In year one, you pay 100% of your final liability as preliminary tax. But wait – you don’t know your final liability yet! Solution: Make a reasonable estimate and top up if needed when filing your return.
2. Cash Flow Planning Nothing kills new businesses faster than unexpected tax bills. Set aside:

• Sole traders: 30-35% of profit
• Companies: 12.5% of profit + personal tax on money you take out

3. Keep Every Receipt Not just for expenses – for VAT reclaims too. That €2,000 computer? You can reclaim €420 in VAT. But only with a proper VAT invoice.
4. Start-Up Relief New companies can get relief from corporation tax for three years if:

• Total corporation tax would be under €40,000
• You’re a genuine new business
• You create employment

5. R&D Tax Credits Spending money on innovation? You might get 30% back as a tax credit. And it’s not just for tech companies – I’ve seen restaurants claim for developing new recipes.

One client claimed €50,000 in R&D credits for developing a new software product. That’s €15,000 straight off their tax bill.

Warning: Revenue is cracking down on aggressive R&D claims. Make sure yours is legitimate.

The Nuclear Option: Tax Warehousing

Still recovering from COVID? The Tax Debt Warehousing Scheme might help, but:

• Interest free period is over
• Phased payment plans available
• Don’t ignore it – €3 billion has already been repaid

Remember: Revenue knows everything. They data-match with banks, social welfare, and other government departments. That cash job you didn’t declare? They probably know about it. Stay compliant from day one – it’s much cheaper than fixing mistakes later.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

Right, let’s talk about the legal stuff. I know, I know – about as exciting as watching paint dry. But ignore this section and you might find yourself in hot water faster than you can say “workplace relations commission.”

I learned this the hard way when a client called me in a panic because they’d received a compliance notice. Turns out they hadn’t even realized they needed employer’s liability insurance. Cost them €5,000 in backdated premiums and nearly gave them a heart attack.

Company Law Obligations

If you’ve gone the limited company route, congratulations – you now have legal obligations that sole traders can smugly ignore.

Annual Requirements:

• Annual Return: File B1 form yearly (€100 online, €365 if late)
• Financial Statements: Due within 9 months of year-end
• AGM: Hold one within 18 months of incorporation, then annually

The Companies Registration Office doesn’t mess around with deadlines. Miss your annual return date? That’s €365. Still haven’t filed after a month? Your company could be struck off.

Director Duties (the serious stuff):

• Act in company’s best interest (not your own)
• Maintain proper books and records
• Not trade while insolvent (this is the big one)
• Avoid conflicts of interest

Quick story: A director I knew used company money to pay his personal credit card. “It’s my company!” he said. Revenue disagreed. The resulting tax bill, penalties, and legal fees? €45,000. Don’t be that guy.

Record Keeping Requirements: Keep these for 6 years minimum:

• All invoices (sales and purchases)
• Bank statements
• Contracts
• Board meeting minutes
• Shareholder resolutions

Pro tip: Go digital from day one. Dropbox or Google Drive – doesn’t matter, just back everything up.

Employment Law Basics

Hiring someone? Even part-time? You’ve just entered the wonderful world of Irish employment law.

Day One Obligations:

• Written statement of terms within 5 days
• Register for employer PAYE
• Get employer’s liability insurance
• Comply with minimum wage (€13.50/hour from 2025)

The Core Rights You Can’t Ignore:

• Minimum wage compliance
• Working time limits (48 hours average)
• Annual leave (4 weeks minimum)
• Public holidays (10 per year)
• Sick pay (statutory scheme coming in 2025)

The Workplace Relations Commission has great templates for employment contracts. Use them. That €500 lawyer-drafted contract? Probably based on the same template.

Common Employment Law Mistakes:

1. No written contract – Illegal and asking for trouble
2. Calling employees “contractors” – Revenue will catch you (see my previous article!)
3. Ignoring break entitlements – 15 minutes per 4.5 hours, 30 minutes per 6 hours
4. No payslips – Required by law, use payroll software
5. Discriminatory job ads – “Young dynamic team” = age discrimination lawsuit

One restaurant owner learned this expensive lesson: fired someone without proper procedures, ended up paying €25,000 in an unfair dismissal case. Document everything, follow procedures.

GDPR Requirements

May 2018 changed everything. GDPR isn’t just for big tech companies – if you hold any personal data (and you will), you need to comply.

Basic Requirements:

• Privacy policy on website
• Lawful basis for processing data
• Data protection procedures
• Respond to data requests within 30 days
• Report breaches within 72 hours

For Most Small Businesses:

• Register with the Data Protection Commission (free)
• Use template privacy policies (customize them though!)
• Password protect everything
• Delete data you don’t need
• Train your staff (seriously, most breaches are human error)

Penalties? Up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover. Yes, even for small businesses.

A local gym got fined €15,000 for sending marketing emails without consent. They thought having members’ email addresses was enough. It wasn’t.

Insurance Requirements

Some insurance is legally required, others just smart business.

Mandatory Insurance:

• Motor Insurance: If you have company vehicles
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million cover minimum if you have employees

Highly Recommended:

• Public Liability: Protects against customer claims
• Professional Indemnity: For consultants/professionals
• Buildings/Contents: If you have premises
• Cyber Insurance: Increasingly important

Typical Costs:

• Employer’s Liability: €300-500/year
• Public Liability: €400-800/year
• Professional Indemnity: €500-2000/year

Shop around. I’ve seen quotes vary by 300% for identical cover. Insurance Ireland has a list of providers.

Industry-Specific Licenses

Here’s where it gets complicated. Depending on your business, you might need:

Food Business:

• HSE registration (before you start)
• Food safety training
• HACCP procedures

Alcohol Sales:

• Liquor license (€500-2,500)
• Fire certificate
• Planning permission often needed

Construction:

• Safe Pass certification
• Relevant Contracts Tax registration
• Possible C2 certificates

Financial Services:

• Central Bank authorization
• Professional qualifications
• Substantial capital requirements

Retail:

• Planning permission (change of use)
• Signage licenses
• Sunday trading registration (if applicable)

The Local Enterprise Office is brilliant for checking what licenses you need. They’ll even help with applications.

Quick Compliance Checklist:

• [ ] Company law obligations scheduled
• [ ] Employment contracts drafted
• [ ] GDPR privacy policy in place
• [ ] Insurance quotes obtained
• [ ] Industry licenses identified
• [ ] Compliance calendar created

Look, I get it – this section isn’t fun. But spending a day getting compliant beats spending months (and thousands) fixing problems later. Trust me on this one.

Banking and Finance

Let’s talk money – specifically, where to keep it and how to get more of it when you need it.

Setting up business banking in Ireland used to be a nightmare. I remember queuing for hours in 2010 just to open a basic account. These days? Still a bit painful, but manageable if you know what you’re doing.

Business Bank Account Requirements

First things first – yes, you need a separate business account. “But I’m a sole trader!” I hear you cry. Doesn’t matter. Mixing personal and business finances is like mixing Guinness and milk – technically possible but absolutely horrible.

What You’ll Need to Open an Account:

For Sole Traders:

• Proof of identity (passport/driving license)
• Proof of address (utility bill < 3 months)
• Revenue tax registration number
• Business plan (sometimes)

For Limited Companies:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Company constitution
• Board resolution to open account
• ID for all directors/signatories
• Proof of registered office address

The Hidden Requirements: Here’s what they don’t tell you upfront:

• Initial lodgement (€100-1,000 depending on bank)
• Face-to-face meeting (still required by most)
• Beneficial ownership declaration
• Source of funds explanation

I had a client rejected by three banks because they couldn’t explain their projected turnover convincingly. “I hope to make money” isn’t a business plan, apparently.

Comparison of Irish Business Banks

Let me save you hours of research. Here’s what’s actually on offer:

My Take: For most startups, I’m recommending Revolut Business these days. Free plan, instant setup, great app. Traditional banks hate them, which tells you everything.

But – and this is important – Revolut doesn’t do cash, cheques, or face-to-face service. Running a shop? You’ll need a traditional bank.

Hidden Banking Costs:

• Lodgement fees: €0.50-3.00 per €100 cash
• Cheque fees: €0.50-1.00 each
• Overdraft setup: €150-300
• International transfers: €15-30 + exchange markup

One café owner I know pays €180/month in banking fees. That’s €2,160 a year just to use their own money!

Funding Options in Ireland

Right, you’ve got your bank account. Now, how do you fill it with someone else’s money?

1. Revenue’s Own Money (Sort Of) Start with what you’re entitled to:

• Start-up Relief: 3 years corporation tax relief
• R&D Tax Credits: 30% of qualifying expenditure
• Employment grants: Up to €7,500 per job created

2. Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Grants Your Local Enterprise Office is brilliant. Seriously underused. They offer:

• Feasibility grants: Up to €15,000
• Priming grants: Up to €150,000
• Business expansion grants: Up to €150,000
• Trading online vouchers: €2,500

Requirements:

• Manufacturing or internationally traded services
• Under 10 employees
• Viable business plan

Reality check: They reject about 40% of applications. Polish that business plan.

3. Enterprise Ireland For bigger ambitions, Enterprise Ireland offers:

• High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) funding: Up to €250,000
• Competitive Start Fund: €50,000
• Innovation vouchers: €5,000

But they want scalable businesses with export potential. Your local coffee shop won’t cut it.

4. Private Funding Options

Bank Loans:

• Term loans: 5-12% APR
• Overdrafts: 8-15% APR
• Invoice financing: 3-5% of turnover

Reality: Banks want 2 years trading history, security, and your firstborn child.

Alternative Finance:

• Microfinance Ireland: Up to €25,000, no security needed
• SBCI: Lower rate loans through banks
• Crowdfunding: Depends on your sob story
• Angel investors: If you’re tech/scalable

5. The Nuclear Option: Credit Cards I’ve seen it work. 18-23% APR is brutal, but if you need €5,000 for stock and will turn it over in 30 days… just don’t make it a habit.

Grants Available

Everyone loves free money. Here’s what’s actually accessible:

For Most Businesses:

• Trading Online Voucher: €2,500 (50% funded)
• Green for Business: Up to €1,800 for sustainability
• Technical Assistance Grant: €2,500 for exporting
• Lean for Micro: €2,500 for process improvement

Sector-Specific:

• Tourism: Fáilte Ireland capital grants
• Food: Bord Bia marketing grants
• Tech: New Frontiers entrepreneur programme
• Retail: Town centre regeneration grants

The Grant Reality Check:

• Competition is fierce
• Applications take time (budget 20-40 hours)
• Match funding usually required
• Paid in arrears (you need cash upfront)

One client spent 60 hours on a grant application for €15,000. They got it, but calculated they “earned” €250/hour for the effort. Worth it? Your call.

Grant Application Tips:

1. Read the criteria. Then read it again.
2. Answer what they ask, not what you want to say
3. Include real numbers and projections
4. Get someone else to proofread
5. Submit early (systems crash on deadlines)

My Funding Hierarchy:

1. Customer revenue (bootstrap if possible)
2. Grants (free money, worth the effort)
3. Microfinance (accessible, reasonable rates)
4. Angel investors (if you want to scale)
5. Bank loans (when established)
6. Credit cards (emergencies only)

Remember: Most successful Irish businesses started with the founder’s savings and early customer revenue. Boring but true.

One last thing – beware of grant consultants charging thousands upfront. If they’re that good at getting grants, why do they need your money first?

Practical First Steps

Alright, we’re in the home stretch now. You’ve chosen your structure, understood the registrations, know your tax obligations, and figured out the banking. Now for the real work – actually starting your business.

This is where most people freeze. Analysis paralysis, they call it. I see it all the time – people with brilliant ideas who spend months “planning” but never actually start. Don’t be that person.

Creating a Business Plan

“But I hate business plans!” Yeah, join the club. Those 50-page novels that nobody reads? Forget them. You need a business plan that actually helps YOU, not one that impresses some mythical investor.

The One-Page Business Plan That Actually Works:

1. The Problem (2 sentences) What problem are you solving? Who has this problem?

Example: “Small restaurants waste 30% of food due to poor inventory management. They need simple tracking that doesn’t require a computer science degree.”

2. Your Solution (2 sentences) What’s your product/service? Why is it better?

Example: “Simple smartphone app that tracks inventory in plain English. Saves 2 hours/week and reduces waste by 50%.”

3. Target Market (Be specific)

• Who exactly will pay you?
• How many are there in Ireland?
• How much will they pay?

Not “everyone who eats food” but “500 restaurants in Dublin with 10-50 seats, currently using paper systems.”

4. Revenue Model (Real numbers)

• Price per customer
• Customers in year 1
• Total revenue projection

“€50/month subscription x 20 restaurants = €1,000/month by December 2025”

5. Costs (Don’t lie to yourself)

• Startup costs
• Monthly running costs
• Your salary (yes, include this)

6. Competition (Be honest)

• Who else does this?
• Why will customers choose you?
• What’s your unfair advantage?

7. 90-Day Action Plan

• Month 1: What exactly?
• Month 2: Specific goals
• Month 3: Measurable outcome

That’s it. One page. If you can’t explain your business in one page, you don’t understand it well enough.

Finding an Accountant

Look, I might be biased here, but a good accountant is worth their weight in gold. A bad one? Expensive decoration.

When You Actually Need an Accountant:

• Setting up a limited company (worth getting right)
• VAT registration decisions
• First year-end accounts
• Tax planning (not evasion, planning)
• When Revenue writes to you (don’t panic, call your accountant)

What to Look for:

• Qualified (ACA, ACCA, CPA, or CTA)
• Experience with your industry
• Explains things in plain English
• Returns calls/emails promptly
• Uses modern software
• Fixed fees where possible

Red Flags:

• “I can make your tax disappear” (run away)
• No professional qualifications
• Still using paper ledgers
• Charges by the hour for everything
• Can’t explain things clearly
• Misses deadlines

What It Should Cost:

• Sole trader accounts: €400-1,000/year
• Small company accounts: €1,500-3,000/year
• Monthly bookkeeping: €150-500
• Tax advice: €150-300/hour
• Company formation: €500-1,000

One client came to me after their previous accountant charged €5,000 for basic company accounts. That’s not normal. Shop around.

Questions to Ask Potential Accountants:

1. What’s included in your annual fee?
2. How do you charge for extra work?
3. What software do you use?
4. How often will we communicate?
5. Can I call with quick questions?
6. Who’ll actually do my work?

The DIY vs Professional Decision: Can you do your own accounts? Sure. Should you? Depends.

DIY if:

• Simple sole trader business
• Under €50,000 turnover
• You enjoy spreadsheets
• Have time to learn

Get professional help if:

• Limited company
• VAT registered
• Have employees
• Value your time
• Want tax planning

Setting Up Bookkeeping Systems

Good bookkeeping isn’t about impressing your accountant – it’s about knowing if you’re making money. Novel concept, right?

Cloud Accounting Software Options:

My recommendation? Start with Wave if you’re broke, upgrade to Xero when you can afford it.

The Weekly Bookkeeping Routine: Every Friday afternoon:

1. Enter/photograph receipts
2. Reconcile bank account
3. Send invoices
4. Chase overdue payments
5. Review cash position

Takes 2 hours/week max. Skip it, and you’ll spend days catching up at year-end.

Document Management:

• Photograph every receipt immediately
• Use receipt scanning apps
• Create folders by month
• Back up everything
• Keep originals for 6 years

First 90 Days Checklist

Print this out. Seriously. Stick it on your wall.

Days 1-30: Foundation

• [ ] Register company/business name
• [ ] Open bank account
• [ ] Register for taxes
• [ ] Get insurance quotes
• [ ] Set up basic website
• [ ] Create email signature
• [ ] Order business cards
• [ ] Set up accounting software
• [ ] Define your offering
• [ ] Price your product/service

Days 31-60: Launch

• [ ] Announce your business
• [ ] Contact 10 potential customers daily
• [ ] Set up social media (if relevant)
• [ ] Join relevant associations
• [ ] Network like crazy
• [ ] Refine your pitch
• [ ] Get first customer
• [ ] Celebrate first sale
• [ ] Set up customer feedback system
• [ ] Review and adjust pricing

Days 61-90: Momentum

• [ ] Establish routine
• [ ] Hire help (even part-time)
• [ ] Systemize repetitive tasks
• [ ] Review finances
• [ ] Plan quarter 2
• [ ] Fix what’s not working
• [ ] Double down on what is
• [ ] Set up customer referral system
• [ ] Review competition
• [ ] Plan growth strategy

The Reality Check: Your first 90 days won’t go to plan. That’s normal. I’ve yet to meet a business owner whose launch went exactly as expected.

One restaurant owner I know planned a soft launch for family and friends. Food critic from the Irish Times showed up. Chaos ensued. They got a terrible review but learned fast. Now they’re booked solid.

First Year Survival Tips:

1. Cash is king – watch it like a hawk
2. Your first idea will evolve – that’s good
3. Perfect is the enemy of done
4. Customer feedback trumps your opinion
5. Revenue before expenses
6. Network relentlessly
7. Take care of your health
8. Celebrate small wins
9. Learn from failures fast
10. Keep your day job initially (if possible)

Remember: Starting a business in Ireland isn’t about having everything perfect. It’s about starting, learning, and adapting. The business you end up with rarely looks like the one you started.

As they say in Irish business circles: “Sure, you’ll be grand.” And you know what? You probably will be.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps

So there you have it – everything you need to know about how to start a business in Ireland in 2025. No fluff, no legal jargon, just the practical stuff that actually matters.

Look, I know it seems like a lot. When I started writing this guide, even I was surprised by how much there is to consider. But here’s the thing – you don’t need to do everything at once.

The most successful businesses I’ve worked with didn’t have everything figured out on day one. They started with an idea, took the first step, then the next, and kept going. That coffee shop owner who’s now running three locations? Started with a cart at a farmers’ market. The tech company that just raised €2 million? Two lads with laptops in a spare bedroom.

Your Action Plan Right Now:

1. Today: Decide on your business structure. That’s it. Sole trader or limited company. Make the call.
2. This Week: Check if your business name is available. Do the searches on CORE and grab the domain name.
3. Next Week: Start the registration process. Whether that’s filling out Form A1 for a company or TR1 for sole trader registration.
4. Within 30 Days: Get your tax registration sorted, open that bank account, and start trading.

The biggest mistake you can make? Waiting for the “perfect” time. There isn’t one. Economic uncertainty, competition, your own doubts – there’ll always be reasons not to start. But as we saw earlier, nearly 310,000 businesses are making it work in Ireland right now. Why not yours?

Remember, every successful Irish business started exactly where you are now – with an idea and the decision to act on it. Whether you’re opening a craft brewery in Cork, launching a tech startup in Dublin, or starting a consultancy from your kitchen table in Galway, the process is the same.

Yes, there’ll be challenges. You’ll probably curse the CRO website at least once. Revenue will send you letters that make your heart skip a beat (they’re usually fine). Your first year accounts will make you question everything. That’s all normal.

But you’ll also experience the thrill of your first sale, the satisfaction of building something from nothing, and the freedom of being your own boss. Worth it? Absolutely.

Need Help?

Starting a business is exciting, but let’s be honest – the tax and compliance side can be overwhelming. If you want to focus on growing your business instead of drowning in paperwork, you might want professional guidance.

That’s where an experienced accountant in Dublin can make all the difference. From company formation to tax planning, having the right support can save you thousands and help you sleep better at night.

Final Thought

Ten years from now, you’ll regret the chances you didn’t take more than the ones you did. Ireland’s a great place to do business – low corporation tax, educated workforce, EU access, and a culture that celebrates entrepreneurship (and commiserates with failure over a pint).

So what are you waiting for? Your business journey starts with a single step. Take it today.

Good luck, and remember – we’re all rooting for you. Even Revenue (sort of).

Sláinte to your success! 🍀

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about starting a business in Ireland. Tax laws and regulations change frequently. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation. Last updated: January 2025.