Setting up a Branch in Ireland

Investors who want to start the procedure of Irish company formation through a branch office must consider that this business structure is not clearly defined by the Companies Law, as there is no statutory definition of the term; however, investors choose to set up a branch office due to the fact that it incurs much lower costs (initial costs and operational costs) compared to registering a subsidiary. 

 

Steps to incorporate a branch in Ireland

 

The establishment of a branch office in Ireland will require the same requirements as for a domestic business. These are:

 

1. registering the entity with the Companies Register;
2. obtaining a tax identification number;
3. applying for the business permits necessary for operations.

 

 A bank account must also be opened for the branch in Ireland. So is having a local address in the city n in which it will operate. With respect to the trading name, the branch will bear the same name as the parent company.

 

If you need assistance in registering a branch, you can rely on the assistance of our Irish company formation professionals. They can complete the procedure on your behalf and act as representatives of the local entity.

As a general rule, the branch office is a concept that is available under the European Union’s legislation and which tends to define a permanent place of business, with the main characteristic being that the respective business is an extension of the parent company on a foreign market. Furthermore, the branch office is not considered a legal entity, since it is subordinated to a business form, namely the parent company, that has already been incorporated in a given jurisdiction.  

 

 

 

 

 

An enhanced protection of a branch' goods or services can be ensured through trademark registration in Ireland.

 

If you want to set up a company in Ireland and know little about the first step, you can contact us. Our agents will explain where to start from. We can also offer various services in connection to having a business in Ireland. For detailed information, do not hesitate to send us an email with all your questions about the company incorporation procedure.

 

The main characteristics of branches in Ireland

 

Setting up a company in Ireland is an easy decision, as the country is quite prolific from an economic point of view, however, when it comes to choosing the appropriate entity, it can be difficult. Foreign enterprises can choose between branches, subsidiaries, and representative offices with the mention that the last type cannot perform economically. Therefore, the first two are the most employed.

 

In order to choose correctly, it is fair to know what the characteristics of Irish branches are:

 

1. they need to comply with fewer incorporation requirements, compared to the subsidiary of limited liability company;
2. they imply minimal operational specifications, as they are entirely supervised by the parent company;
3. they have less stringent management and control standards;
4. the overseas business is responsible for the actions of its branch or branches.

 

Also, one of the most important aspects that can contribute to the decision making process is that an Irish branch will only be allowed to complete the same activities as the parent company.

 

In terms of taxation, for the profits obtained from in Ireland, the branch is subject to the local tax rules. Double tax agreements are also applicable to the revenue generated by branch offices.

 

If you need support in setting up a branch office in Ireland, you can rely on our local specialists.

 

What are the required documents for setting up a branch in Ireland in 2023?

• • a F12 registration form for companies in the  European Union (EU), or a F13 registration form for companies in non-EU countries;
• • a notarized copy of the parent company’s certificate of incorporation and a notarized copy of the articles of association of the parent company;
• • a notarized copy of the parent company’s charter and copies of  the accounting documents according to Regulation 4(2) (i) or 7 (2) (j);
• • besides these, it is necessary to appoint a legal representative for the branch office to be registered in Ireland;
• • it is also necessary to appoint an Irish resident that satisfies the EU Branches Disclosures law demands.

Other requirements when establishing a branch in Ireland at the level of 2023

Our experts in Ireland company formation matters invite you to watch the video below which shows how to set up a branch office in Ireland:

Local representation

Compliance requirements for Irish branches

• - every year, the parent company must file a copy of its annual accounts, together with any consolidated accounts of the group if it has one or more branches;
• - the company must also submit annual reports from the directors;
• - the auditors' report on the company's financial statements must also be filed in Ireland.

• - the first annual return must be filed within 6 months from incorporation;
• - then, annual returns must be filed every year and must contain financial statements that are to be submitted with the Companies Register within 56 days;
• - companies can change their annual return dates after the 2^nd year of activity, but for no more than once in 5 years.

What are the main differences between a subsidiary and an Irish branch office? 

What are the tax requirements for Irish branches?