Company Limited by Guarantee in Ireland — Import / Export & Trading Formation Guide
Choose a jurisdiction with strong logistics infrastructure, favorable customs agreements, and access to major trade blocs (like the EU or US). Consider VAT deferral schemes and free trade zones.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
12.5%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$58
Annual Fee
$23
Forming a Company Limited by Guarantee in Ireland as a Import / Export & Trading means a total tax burden of 12.5% and an official formation cost of $58. There is no minimum capital requirement. Standard formation takes 5-10 business days, or 3-5 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
≈ $455
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $422
Why Company Limited by Guarantee for Import / Export & Trading?
A business model focused on sourcing goods from one country and selling them in another. Success relies heavily on supply chain efficiency, customs compliance, and navigating international trade tariffs.
Ideal for
- Physical product brands
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Dropshippers scaling to bulk inventory
- Cross-border B2B traders
Challenges to watch
- Complex customs and import duties
- High shipping and logistics costs
- Cash flow management due to inventory delays
- Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
Key decision criteria
- Proximity to major ports or logistics hubs
- Availability of Free Trade Zones (FTZs)
- VAT and sales tax registration requirements (e.g., EORI in the EU)
- Double taxation treaties between sourcing and selling countries
Company Limited by Guarantee formation requirements
Minimum capital
None
Standard timeline
5-10 business days
Expedited timeline
3-5 business days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
At least one director must be resident in the European Economic Area (EEA). If neither director is an EEA resident, the company must secure a Section 137 Non-Resident Director Bond (costing approx. €1,500-€2,000 for two years).
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $1,000,000 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. The domestic threshold is €80,000 for goods and €40,000 for services.
Banking & payments for Import / Export & Trading
Opening a traditional bank account in Ireland as a non-resident director can be challenging and often requires an in-person meeting or extensive documentation. However, digital banking platforms and fintechs like Revolut Business, Wise, or Fire offer a much smoother, fully remote onboarding process for Irish companies with non-resident founders.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Revolut Business
Highly popular among Irish startups for its multi-currency accounts, virtual cards, and fully remote onboarding process.
Wise Business
Excellent for international transactions and holding multiple currencies. Easy remote setup for Irish companies.
Fire
An Irish fintech providing digital accounts with EUR and GBP IBANs, ideal for businesses operating across the UK and Ireland.
Ireland incentives & advantages
Charitable Tax Exemption (CHY Status)
0% corporate tax rate on income applied to charitable purposes.
Company Limited by Guarantee formation steps
Choose a unique company name that ends with 'Company Limited by Guarantee' or 'CLG' (or the Irish equivalent 'CTR').
Draft the company's Constitution, which must include a Memorandum of Association detailing the specific non-profit objects, and Articles of Association.
Appoint a minimum of two directors and a company secretary. The secretary can be one of the directors.
Secure a registered office address located physically within the Republic of Ireland.
Submit Form A1 along with the Constitution to the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and pay the €50 state filing fee.
Register the new CLG with Revenue for Corporation Tax and, if applicable, apply for Charitable Tax Exemption (CHY status) via the Charities Regulator.
Open a corporate bank account in Ireland or through a remote-friendly European fintech platform like Revolut Business or Fire.
File the company's details with the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) within 5 months of incorporation.
Import / Export & Trading FAQ
Do I need a company in the country I am importing to?
Not always. You can often act as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI), but having a local entity can simplify customs, VAT registration, and local banking.
What is an EORI number and do I need one?
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for businesses importing or exporting goods into or out of the European Union.
Should I incorporate in a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?
FTZs offer tax exemptions and simplified customs procedures, making them ideal if you plan to re-export goods without them entering the local domestic market.
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Related guides
Complete Company Limited by Guarantee guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Company Limited by Guarantee cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
🇧🇬 Import / Export & Trading — Single-Member Limited Liability Company (EOOD)
Tax 10.0% · formation $30
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Tax 15.0% · formation $265
🇨🇾 Import / Export & Trading — Sole Proprietorship
Tax 0.0% · formation $100
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