Starting a business in Ireland

An introduction to Dublin’s startup ecosystem

Ireland is widely recognised as one of the most welcoming environments in Europe for startups, and nowhere is this more evident than in Dublin. As the capital and a hub for financial services, tech companies and a range of other multinationals, Dublin continues to attract strong levels of foreign direct investment(FDI).

The city’s compact scale, collaborative culture, and open business environment offer early-stage companies access to decision-makers, investors, and networks.

Establishing a business in Dublin provides entry to a robust and supportive startup ecosystem. This includes dedicated Irish state agencies committed to facilitating early-stage growth, as well as a range of accelerators and incubators designed to transform high-potential business concepts into scalable ventures.

For businesses of every size, there are a significant number of reasons to invest in Dublin. Key attractions include the city’s strategic location, which makes it the perfect gateway to Europe, the US, and the UK.

Startups in Ireland benefit from access to a young, English-speaking, and highly skilled workforce. Dublin, in particular, continues to stand out as a world-class destination for foreign direct investment.

In 2024, the Dublin Region attracted 94 foreign direct investment projects from 91 companies and was among the top 10 cities in Europe for job creation. Further to this, in the latest fDi Intelligence rankings for 2025, Dublin placed first among Small European Regions of the Future, leading in overall performance, economic potential, and business friendliness. This recognition underscores its continued appeal to high-value international investors.

Starting a business in Ireland – The essentials

Dublin offers a straightforward, pro-business environment, making it an ideal launchpad for new ventures. For entrepreneurs, the below overview provides the essential information needed to navigate the local ecosystem.

Registering your startup

Entrepreneurs can choose from several legal structures, including sole trader, partnership, or limited company, depending on their needs. The registration process is streamlined, with new companies typically incorporated within two to four working days through the Companies Registration Office (CRO).

Taxation

Ireland is widely known for the tax incentives it offers to businesses. Its 12.5% corporation tax is the third lowest in the EU. Those starting a business can also take advantage of other tax reliefs that assist innovation. Through Section 486C, for example, new companies trading on or after 1st of January 2018 are able to halve their corporation tax for the first five years of trading.

For startups, Irish Revenue provides a comprehensive guide on how to register for relevant taxes.

Startup supports

In Dublin, startups have access to a range of financial and non-financial supports. Mentoring, training, funding and financing are also available from Enterprise Ireland and Dublin’s Local Enterprise Offices.

For entrepreneurs that are working on highly innovative products, further help is available. Companies interested in R&D can benefit from funding and significant tax credits. Enterprise Ireland will also facilitate R&D initiatives by helping find collaborators and network with overseas customers.

For a comprehensive overview of the resources available to help your business succeed, explore our guide to Irish business supports.

Entrepreneurs from abroad

Entrepreneurs from the EU, UK, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein can establish businesses in Ireland without the need for visas or additional immigration permissions. However, individuals from outside these regions must secure residency status before commencing business activities, in line with Ireland’s immigration requirements.

A dedicated Startup Entrepreneur Programme is also available to support entrepreneurs who wish to relocate to Ireland to found or grow their startup.

four people sit at a pine desk in a modern office typical of dublin's startup ecosystem

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Dublin’s startup ecosystem

Dublin’s startup ecosystem has a reputation for being diverse, welcoming and accessible. In fact, Ireland and Dublin consistently rank well in the various startup ecosystem rankings that are released each year. Whether you’re looking for funding, supports or just a way to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, you’ll find what you need to know below. Startup grants, funding and supports in Ireland Investment in Dublin is strong, because the Irish state proactively tries to attract and nurture businesses of every shape and size. As a result, startups based in the city can access a w

Internal shot of the grey and white wall in NDRC in Dublin which is a startup incubator

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Business accelerators and incubators

Give your startup a headstart Dublin is acknowledged as being home to some of the best accelerator and incubator programmes in Europe. These enable entrepreneurs to meet with like-minded innovators and build their business in an environment that’s all about growth. Startup incubators and accelerators are a key part of the city’s startup ecosystem. They provide the structure, skills, investment and support entrepreneurs need to prove, launch and scale-up their businesses. Many of these programmes consist of 

people working in shared office space

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Coworking & Enterprise Centres in Dublin

Why choose a coworking office space? Coworking in Dublin has really taken off, establishing a new kind of workspace for startups and established businesses alike. You’re not just a tenant in a coworking space. Instead, you’re a member of a collective, an active part of a community made up of like-minded creators, innovators and entrepreneurs. Coworking spaces tend to be in cool, contemporary, aesthetically-pleasing buildings. But it’s their relative affordability that makes them so attractive. You can get a desk space in a fully-serviced, centrally located building for only two or three hundred euro a month. Some of them even offer pay-as-you-go and ho

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Why invest in Dublin?

Exceptionally well-educated workers, four of Forbes's top Most Innovative Companies and all the vibrancy of a European capital city: Dublin is where you want to be.