Ireland is one of the top six largest investors in the US, which explains both the 211,000+ American employees who have moved and many more who are moving to Ireland from the US and the 970 US companies currently existing in Ireland.
What could be driving Americans to relocate their business or part of it to Ireland? Is there something in the Irish waters attracting top investors?
Well, according to the World Bank’s 2018 Doing Business report, Ireland was ranked the 8th best country to start a business in the world, and has been the fastest-growing country in Europe since 2014.
Any American entrepreneur who wishes to take advantage of the business and lifestyle benefits in Ireland tends to relocate his/her business to the country. This article will highlight more advantages of establishing one’s business in Ireland and the reason behind the relocation trend.
Benefits of Moving Your Business From The US to Ireland
Why Ireland is a top destination for American business owners
- Tax advantages
- Access to the European Union
- Thriving business and tech ecosystem
- Quality of life and cultural appeal
Tax Advantages in Ireland
Tax incentives for US businesses could be one of the reasons why so many of them are relocating to Ireland. For instance, Ireland has a low corporate tax rate of 12.5% while the federal corporate tax rate in the United States is 21%.
Hence, companies that wish to optimize their tax liabilities are easily attracted to make more capital investments into the economy in a bid to expand their business.
Companies that are into research and development also enjoy financial incentives provided by the Irish government to drive innovation.
Some of the companies/industries that mostly benefit from this investment are the tech & software development industry, the pharma and biotech industry, the medtech industry, the agri-food industry, and the renewable energy industry.
Holding companies also enjoy tax incentives because the structure allows a trading subsidiary business to be sold tax free, especially if the holding company has owned at least 10% of the subsidiary company’s shares for 12+ consecutive months.
Ireland also has double taxation treaties that help to prevent companies from being taxed twice while performing cross-border business activities.
Ireland uses section 110 companies, which are tax neutral for structured finance transactions in Ireland, which helps them to efficiently extract profit.
Access to the European Union
Since Ireland is a member of the EU’s single market, Irish businesses can trade more easily across Europe and internationally, and Ireland has attracted billions of euros in foreign investment.
Ireland shares close proximity to the European mainland and is an English-speaking country, which makes it a convenient hub for businesses and people traveling between North America and Europe.
Thriving Business and Tech Ecosystem
Most companies that relocate their business to Ireland are under the tech industry. The reason behind this is because of its strong reputation of having a highly skilled workforce, a business-friendly environment, and attractive corporate tax rates, which attract large multinational tech companies.
With major tech companies such as Dell, Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, Accenture, Oracle, Facebook, Apple, IBM, and Intel located in Dublin, Ireland, it is clearly evident that Ireland is a fertile soil for businesses in the tech industry.
The above advantages present Ireland as a vibrant startup scene where businesses have the strong support of the Irish government and access to venture capital. Ireland’s workforce are also extremely skilled and highly educated, which supports employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors.
Quality of Life and Cultural Appeal
Ireland’s very high quality of life ranks it among the best in the world in terms of its friendly people, healthcare, life expectancy, natural beauty, rich culture, safety and overall life satisfaction.
Its work-life balance is also regulated by the legal limit placed on working hours per week (48 hours), paid annual leave, and the right to disconnect outside of work hours.
For those relocating with their family, their children can access the high quality education that Ireland offers. Also, aside from the access and waiting times, the healthcare system in Ireland is considered generally good.
Like most western countries, common crimes like bag-snatching and pick pocketing exist in Ireland’s major cities, but overall, Ireland is well-known for its safe environment and political stability.
Continuously, owing to the fact that most Ireland nationals speak English, it will be quite easy for Americans relocating with their businesses to adjust.
How Americans Can Move to Ireland With a Business in 2025
Americans can smoothly move a business to Ireland after considering the following factors:
- Visa requirements
- Cost of living
- Ireland’s business-friendly environment
- Tax implications
- Access to talent
- The local market
- Housing availability
- Cultural differences
- Weather impact on business operations.
Despite these factors, American businesses will need to consult immigration lawyers to help them navigate the relocation process so that they do not break any corporate or tax laws in both the US and Ireland.
Step-by-Step Guide for US Entrepreneurs Starting a Business in Ireland
How to establish a company in Ireland as a US citizen
If you have a business idea that you know will meet the needs of your target market, then Ireland may be the ideal location to start the business. Write down that business idea and draft a business plan that will help you bring the idea to life.
Choose a business name and register it with the Companies Registration Office. You also have to determine the legal structure your business will adopt, such as limited companies, designated activity companies, general partnerships and cooperatives.
You need to study and understand the tax requirements for your business (you may need to consult a lawyer for this). Set up a business bank account to manage your finances, create a website and develop marketing campaigns to reach your target market.
As an American, you must apply for permission to open a business in Ireland. There are programmes that can support your innovative business ideas, such as the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP).
Legal steps for Americans relocating businesses to Ireland
Legally, you need the relevant visa or employment permit to allow you to enter Ireland and establish your business. Then with the help of a corporate lawyer, you need to properly register their business with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
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