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Ireland or Netherlands: where to set up your company?
Two deliverable jurisdictions, side by side on the facts our profiles carry — company form, tax, capital, timeline, banking, substance and our price. Who each one fits, what really decides between them, and the traps of each.
| Ireland | Netherlands | |
|---|---|---|
| Usual company form | Ltd | BV |
| Corporate taxation | 12.5 % on trading activities | 19 % on the lower band, headline rate above |
| Share capital | €1 | €1 |
| Incorporation time | 2–3 days | 2 weeks |
| Banking access | Accessible | Accessible |
| Substance requirement | Necessary, but not sufficient on its own | Real presence required |
| Our services | from 4,090 € | from 3,990 € |
Ireland — who it's for
- 12.5 % on trading activities, one of the lowest rates in the Union.
- Dense banking and fintech ecosystem, used to foreign shareholders.
Netherlands — who it's for
- One of the widest tax treaty networks in the world.
- Excellent standing with commercial counterparties.
- Effective participation exemption regime for a holding company.
What really decides between them
- Corporate tax — Ireland : 12.5 % on trading activities · Netherlands : 19 % on the lower band, headline rate above
- Minimum capital — Ireland : €1 · Netherlands : €1
- Registration time — Ireland : 2–3 days · Netherlands : 2 weeks
- Banking access — Ireland : Accessible · Netherlands : Accessible
- Substance — Ireland : Necessary, but not sufficient on its own · Netherlands : Real presence required
- Our price — Ireland : from 4,090 € · Netherlands : from 3,990 €
Figures from each profile; to be checked there. The right choice depends on where you will really operate and bank.
Traps — Ireland
- A director resident in the EEA is required, failing which a bond must be posted.
- Irish anti-abuse rules are applied rigorously.
Traps — Netherlands
- Some of the strictest substance criteria in Europe: a registered office alone attracts attention.
- High maintenance cost compared with other European places.
Ireland or Netherlands: frequently asked questions
Ireland or Netherlands: which is cheaper to set up?
Ireland: from 4,090 €; Netherlands: from 3,990 €. Starting prices, official fees included, excluding tax.
Ireland or Netherlands: how does corporate tax compare?
Ireland: 12.5 % on trading activities; Netherlands: 19 % on the lower band, headline rate above. To be checked on each profile.
Ireland or Netherlands: which is faster to register?
Ireland: 2–3 days; Netherlands: 2 weeks. Usual times.