Services

Start-Ups

Why locate in Ireland?

There are many excellent reasons to locate your new start-up in Ireland. From our favourable low tax regime and supportive environment for start-ups, to the availability of well-educated workforce and on a personal level, Ireland is simply a great place to live.

We work in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Here are five great reasons why many entrepreneurs are starting their businesses in Ireland

1. Ireland is a start-up friendly environment

Ireland is a low bureaucracy, low tax and stable environment that is very supportive of entrepreneurs. Ireland is traditionally ranked high in key ‘doing business’ rankings. Irish people are willing to share knowledge and to network. In addition, it is easy to find an affordable co-working space in nearly every corner of the country. One recent government initiative is ‘Knowledge Development Box’. It offers a preferential tax rate on assets such as patents which are managed from Ireland and located here.

2. Ireland is a world leader in key innovative sectors

Ireland is home to world-class companies and research centers in sectors such as ICT, life sciences, gaming, financial services and food & beverages. This gives start-ups locating in Ireland easy access to quality staff, experienced entrepreneurs, investors, suppliers, research institutes and other support services with deep expertise in these sectors. For instance, your business can benefit from access to Irish expertise and technology through Knowledge Transfer Ireland portal.

3. Ireland is a dynamic source of start-up funding and support programmes

Ireland-based start-ups have access to an extensive range of start-up support programmes and from a funding perspective, many types of investor who between them can satisfy the needs of companies across all stages of their growth. The level of funding and grants available is high by international standards. Enterprise Ireland has been ranked third in the world for seed investment by international investment platform, PitchBook.

4. Ireland is a great place to live and work

Ireland is an ideal location to live and work with great opportunities for business and a family-friendly environment. With a broad and well educated workforce, it is also a good place to recruit and retain local and international talent. Learn more about living in Ireland.

5. Ireland is a gateway to world markets

Ireland is one of the most open and globally connected countries in the world. Its geographic position, easy transport links to Europe, the US and the Middle East; and membership of the EU and Eurozone provides easy access to international markets. Learn more about Ireland as a base for accessing world markets.

Supports for Start-Ups

Funding and support are always critical issues for start-ups. If you choose to start a business in Ireland there is a wealth of support programmes and experience available to you through Enterprise Ireland. In addition, there are many funding and investment opportunities available to early stage companies and those in growth phases through public (government) funding grants and private sector sources such as VC funds and other capital providers.

Government Supports through Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland offers a comprehensive range of supports to high potential, export focused entrepreneurs and companies to make it as easy as possible to start a business in Ireland and to grow into global markets. Supports include:

  • Business Funding;
  • Advice, mentoring and introductions;
  • Practical help to enter overseas markets;
  • The level of support available from Enterprise Ireland is related to the project’s potential benefits to Ireland and is subject to specific terms of eligibility.

 

Private Sector Funding Sources for Start-Ups and Early Stage Companies

A strong and growing network of local Business Angels, Seed Funds and Venture Capitalists (VCs). On a per capita basis, the level of funding available is high by international standards

Enterprise Ireland has relationships with many of these investors in Ireland and can arrange introductions if required

Ireland has a network of start-up accelerator programmes. Almost all of these provide some form of funding to participants in addition to mentoring, incubation space, workshops and more. You can find some of them listed here

Tax Incentives

Ireland’s very favourable tax regime helps make companies based in Ireland more attractive to investors. This includes a low corporation tax rate of 12.5% combined with favourable double tax agreements. This generous tax regime is also beneficial after you become profitable. If you are hoping to sell your business, it can make your company a significantly more attractive acquisition target.

Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits

Generous R&D tax credits are available to start-ups in Ireland. Even if you are in the loss making start-up phase, these tax breaks may provide immediate cash flow benefits. For example, you could eliminate or reduce your social security contributions by crediting them against your R&D spend. Or, take one of the latest government initiatives which is called ‘Knowledge Development Box’ and which offers a preferential rate on assets such as patents which are managed from Ireland and located here.

Tax Incentives to Irish Investors in Eligible Start-Ups

Employment Investment and Incentive Scheme (EII) provides tax relief for Irish taxpayers who invest in certain companies. Most of these programmes meet Enterprise Ireland’s investment criteria.

Next Steps

If you are you considering locating your start-up in Europe, or would you like to make your services more innovative?

Our experienced team of experts will advise you free of charge and support you throughout the entire settlement process in an unbureaucratic way:

  • We will advise you on legal, tax and administrative conditions and put you in touch with the appropriate experts;
  • We network you with our local contacts;
  • We will offer you site visits and contacts to industry-specific ecosystems.;
  • We will answer all your questions about Ireland as a business and innovation location.
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