Limited Partnership (LP) in Ireland — Game Development Studio Formation Guide
Prioritize jurisdictions with strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection and favorable R&D tax credits. If you plan to publish on Steam, Epic, or mobile app stores, consider the withholding tax treaties between your company's jurisdiction and the US to avoid double taxation on royalties.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
0.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$110
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Limited Partnership (LP) in Ireland as a Game Development Studio means a total tax burden of 0.0% and an official formation cost of $110. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 5-10 business days, or 1-3 business days expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $110
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $107
Why Limited Partnership (LP) for Game Development Studio?
A business model focused on designing, developing, and monetizing video games for PC, console, mobile, or VR platforms. Revenue typically comes from premium sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or publisher funding.
Ideal for
- Indie game developers
- Mobile app creators
- VR/AR studios
- Esports game developers
Challenges to watch
- Long development cycles with delayed revenue
- High platform fees (e.g., 30% on Steam/Apple)
- Complex international withholding taxes on royalties
- Protecting intellectual property and game assets
Key decision criteria
- US tax treaty network for royalty withholding taxes
- Availability of R&D tax incentives or video game tax reliefs (VGTR)
- Strong IP assignment laws for contractors and employees
- Access to global payment gateways for direct sales
Limited Partnership (LP) formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
5-10 business days
Expedited timeline
1-3 business days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Not required
No local resident partner is required. Both General and Limited Partners can be non-residents or foreign entities.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $250,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 23%. Registration threshold: 80,000 EUR. Non-established businesses supplying digital services to Irish consumers must register for VAT from the first sale, with no threshold, or use the EU OSS scheme.
Banking & payments for Game Development Studio
Opening a traditional bank account in Ireland for a non-resident LP can be challenging due to strict AML regulations, often requiring an Irish resident partner or a face-to-face meeting. However, digital fintech platforms like Revolut Business, Wise, and Fire offer more accessible, remote-friendly alternatives for international founders.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Revolut Business
Highly popular digital bank in Ireland offering multi-currency accounts and easy remote setup for companies with EEA ties.
Wise
Excellent for international LPs needing to manage multiple currencies with low conversion fees.
Fire
An Irish fintech providing digital accounts with dual EUR and GBP IBANs, ideal for UK-Ireland cross-border trade.
Ireland incentives & advantages
Knowledge Development Box (KDB)
Effective tax rate of 6.25% on qualifying IP income.
R&D Tax Credit
30% tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure.
Limited Partnership (LP) formation steps
Choose a Partnership Name: Ensure the name is unique and complies with CRO guidelines. If the name differs from the partners' true names, register it as a Business Name (Form RBN1B).
Draft the Limited Partnership Agreement: Create a private agreement outlining the rights, duties, profit-sharing, and capital contributions of the general and limited partners.
Appoint the Partners: Designate at least one General Partner (unlimited liability, manages the business) and at least one Limited Partner (limited liability, passive investor).
Secure a Registered Office: Obtain a physical address in the Republic of Ireland to serve as the principal place of business.
Submit Form LP1 to the CRO: Complete the Application for Registration of a Limited Partnership, signed by all partners, and pay the €2.50 filing fee.
Obtain the Certificate of Registration: Receive the official certificate from the Companies Registration Office, confirming the LP's legal status.
Apply for a Tax Reference Number (TRN): If the LP will trade in Ireland or requires a VAT number, register with the Revenue Commissioners (requires a local presence or active business).
Open a Business Bank Account: Apply for a corporate account using digital fintech platforms (like Revolut or Wise) or a traditional Irish bank if local substance requirements are met.
Game Development Studio FAQ
Why does the US tax treaty matter for game developers?
Major platforms like Steam and Apple are US-based. Without a favorable tax treaty, the IRS may withhold up to 30% of your US sales revenue. Incorporating in a jurisdiction with a 0% or low treaty rate for royalties is crucial.
Should I incorporate before starting development?
Yes, incorporating early ensures that all IP created by founders and contractors is legally owned by the company from day one, making it much easier to secure publishers or investors later.
What are R&D tax credits?
Many countries offer tax incentives for software development. Jurisdictions like the UK, Canada, or France provide specific tax reliefs for video game production, which can significantly lower your effective tax rate or provide cash rebates.
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Complete Limited Partnership (LP) guide
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Limited Partnership (LP) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
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