Starting a business when you return to Ireland

Introduction

This page has information on about how to become a business-owner in Ireland, including guidance on how to write a business plan, hire staff, and manage your taxes.

If a non-Irish citizen is coming with you to Ireland to set up a business with you, they may need to apply for permission first. Read about coming to set up a business in Ireland as a non-EEA, UK or Swiss national.

The ‘Back for Business’ programme

Back for Business is a free development programme to help returning Irish citizens who have returned to Ireland to develop a business. The programme is funded through the Emigrant Support Programme at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

If you are interested in participating in the next cycle of the programme, you can register online. Back for Business will send you a link to the application form when it becomes available.

Visit our page about the Back for Business programme.

Your guide to starting a business in Ireland

Whether you ran a business while living abroad or you are becoming an entrepreneur for the first time, you can read the following information about starting a business in Ireland can help you understand the process:

Financial considerations

You must consider a range of financial issues before you startstarting a business. For example, your tax responsibilities will change. You might also need a start-up grant or want to hire employees.

Learn more about:

More information

You can find the representative body for your specific industry for to get tailored guidance and support.

If sustainability is important to you, see thethere are range of supports available to make your business eco-friendlya range of supports available to make your business eco-friendly.

See Visit our list of websites, Government departments, and agencies with information to that can help you start a business in Ireland.

You can also contact the following organisations for guidance:

Enterprise Ireland

East Point Business Park
The Plaza
Dublin 3
D03 E5R6

Tel: (01) 727 2000

Companies Registration Office

Bloom House
Gloucester Street Lower
PO Box 12858
Dublin 1
D01 C8P4

Tel: (01) 804 5200

Workplace Relations Commission - Information and Customer Service

O'Brien Road
Carlow
R93 E920

Opening Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm
Tel: (059) 917 8990
Locall: 0818 80 80 90
Page edited: 20 August 2025