US Commercial Services Data and Reports Page with links to Ireland specific information from the US Embassy.

This page summarizes Doing Business 2015 data for Ireland. The first section presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) and the distance to frontier (DTF)** measure, overall and by topic. The second section summarizes the key indicators for each topic benchmarked against regional averages. World Bank Group

Comparison of Ireland’s business regulations for domestic firms against 189 other economies. It is a downloadable pdf document. 90 pages. World Bank Group

Irish Business Climate Ranked High on Both Sides of the Atlantic

Statistical release 11 September 2015

f you are thinking of setting up a business there are a number of issues you need to consider. Different supports and regulations apply, depending on your particular situation. You may be employed, unemployed or someone who is coming from outside Ireland to set up a business.

Company Types available in Ireland. Companyformation.ie

Non-EEA nationals can establish a business in Ireland but they require permission to do so. Following the opening of 2 new schemes for non-EEA investors and entrepreneurs on 16 April 2012 there are now 3 ways in which non-EEA nationals can invest or start a business in Ireland . They are the Start-up Entrepreneur Program, Immigrant Investor Program and Business Permission. This is an Irish Government Organizations page to links to information and requirements for opening a business.

The simplest way to operate a business in Ireland is as a sole trader, which involves unlimited liability, i.e. you have no protection if your business fails! To limit your liability, you must set up a limited company. There are four types of Irish limited company described on this site.

Ireland’s Enterprise Ireland homepage provides a gateway to information on basing your business in Ireland.

This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Ireland.

Homepage. Companies Registration Office Ireland. Register of Companies and Business (trading) Names maintained. 

There are two rates of Corporation Tax: 12.5% for trading income unless the income is from an excepted trade* in which case the rate is 25% 25% for non-trading income (e.g. investment income, rental income)

Ireland Department of Revenue website homepage.

Nearly all income is liable to tax. Tax on income that you earn from employment is deducted from your wages by your employer on behalf of the Irish Government. This is known as Pay As You Earn (PAYE). The amount of tax that you have to pay depends on the amount of the income that you earn and on your personal circumstances. 

Irish Corporate Tax Manual online

This section outlines the different rates of VAT currently applicable and the circumstances in which they apply.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax charged on the sale of goods or services and is included in the price of most products and services. Everyone pays VAT as it is a tax on consumer spending on items such as food, clothing and petrol. VAT is currently set at 21 percent.

If you intend to work in Ireland you need to know the rules about the formalities involved in travelling to Ireland, the rules about permission to land in Ireland. Helpful information you should know before travelling to Ireland for work.

Irish Government Homepage for Visas detailing all requirements for the different types of visas.

People from certain countries need a valid Irish entry visa before arriving in the State, whether by air, sea or land. An Irish visa is a certificate placed on your passport or travel document to indicate that you are authorised to land in the State subject to any other conditions of landing being fulfilled.

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration webpage for work permit application and requirements.

In general, non-EEA nationals must have an employment permit to work in Ireland. EEA and Swiss nationals do not need an employment permit. 

A guide to public transportation in Ireland

Though vastly improved during the 1990s by grants of I£6 billion in European structural funds, the Republic of Ireland’s infrastructure is still struggling to cope with the country’s unprecedented economic growth. 

Telecommunications in Ireland operate in a regulated competitive market that provides customers with a wide array of advanced digital services. This site explores Ireland’s telecommunications infrastructure including: fixed and mobile networks, voice, data and Internet services, cable television, developments in next generation networks and broadcast networks for radio and television.

Over the past twenty years the Irish Government has implemented successive programmes of infrastructure development and investment. This has helped modernise traditional areas and create new sectors around Ireland’s abundant natural energy capabilities to support Ireland’s economic progress well into the future.

Employers are responsible for ensuring all their employees receive certain basic employment rights. This is an Irish Government site providing employer requirements and contract requirements.

Under common law there is a general duty of care owed by employers to their employees. Regardless of any piece of legislation such as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, employers have always had a common law duty to provide a safe place of work/premises.

If you have been out of the workforce for some time, you will need to update yourself on changes that have occurred in the field of employment protection. There have been some substantial changes and acquainting yourself with these developments will help you to maximise your rights.

This site describes the two types of welfare payments for unemployed people in Ireland

Most employers and employees (over 16 years of age and under 66) pay social insurance (PRSI) contributions into the national Social Insurance Fund. In general, the payment of social insurance is compulsory. The term ‘insurable employment is used to describe employment that is liable for social insurance contributions. Some people who have unearned income are also liable for PRSI

Irish labour law has developed according to a British-style voluntarist model. 

International living website link with info on living in Ireland.

Ireland performs well in many measures of well-being relative to most other countries in the Better Life Index. Ireland ranks at the top in social connections and above the average in housing, personal security, health status, subjective well-being, work-life balance, civic engagement and environmental quality but below average in jobs and earnings and income and wealth.

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in Ireland

Attitudes and values exist at the core of any culture. They are a reflection of the way people think and behave and having an understanding of these can aid you significantly in successfully concluding your negotiations. 

Ireland warnings and dangers

Irish Government education website link

Education is compulsory for children in Ireland from the ages of six to 16 or until students have completed three years of second-level education.

Irish holiday list

Each year, Ireland has nine public holidays. Six of these commemorate an event or person with the other three being general bank holidays. 

Irish climate information from ireland.com

The dominant influence on Ireland’s climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude.

US State Department safety information

Mundi’s profile of Ireland’s demographics

Ireland’s population was estimated at 4,593,100 at the end of April 2013, representing a small increase on the previous year. The population is forecasted to continue to grow up to 2021.

Import and Export policies. Ireland’s Import and export policies in PDF format. Ireland Department of Revenue

On importation of goods into Ireland from countries outside the European Union, customs entry formalities must be completed by the importer or his/her agent. The appropriate customs entry is made by electronic data transfer of Single Administrative Document (SAD) declarations to Revenue’s Automated Entry Processing (AEP) system using the Direct Trader Input (DTI) facility.

US Department of State note on US relations with Ireland. Political & Economical Environment.

The Irish Citizens information Board website provides public service information on buying and renting housing in Ireland.

Property rental website

It’s a Celtic mystery: how can a country as small as Ireland be packed with so much majestic history, natural beauty, vibrant culture