🇮🇪 Ireland vs 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Company formation compared. Tax, setup, banking, costs.
🇮🇪
Ireland
Private Limited Company (LTD)
Tax: 12.5% trading profit
Setup: €69 (€19 + €50 CRO)
Time: ~5 business days
- ✓ EU member — OSS VAT for digital
- ✓ 12.5% trading tax (half of UK)
- ✓ Easier EU bank access
- ✓ English speaking + EU
- ✓ Lower long-term costs
- ✗ Higher initial setup vs UK
- ✗ Section 137 if non-resident
- ✗ Smaller talent pool
🇬🇧
United Kingdom
Tax: 25% (or 19% small profits)
Setup: £12 Companies House + accountant
Time: 24 hours
- ✓ Cheapest filing fee in Europe (£12)
- ✓ Fastest incorporation (24h)
- ✓ Larger talent pool
- ✓ Mature legal system
- ✗ 25% corporation tax (vs 12.5%)
- ✗ Outside EU post-Brexit
- ✗ No EU OSS — separate VAT in each country
- ✗ Customs friction with EU
Honest verdict