Irish Taxation offers a comprehensive legal advisory service in both English and German on data protection, employment law, contract law, commercial law and debt collection. We can also provide access to leading Irish law and financial services firms.
Data Protection
In Ireland, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018. This regulation aims to protect personal data and violations can result in fines of up to 4% of the total annual worldwide turnover or of up to €20m.
We provide companies with the following services to ensure GDPR compliance:
- External Data Protection Officer: Appointing a DPO can be beneficial if the core activity of a company involves certain data processing operations.
- Data Mapping: Mandatory if data processing poses a threat to personal rights or if a company has 250+ employees.
- Data Audits: Completing an audit of your data processing system and providing technical and organisational tips to ensure compliance
- Training: In-house training of employees who work with personal data.
- Professional Advice: Integrating data protection regulations into the management system and dealing with supervisory authorities in the event of data breaches.
Company Formation
We offer assistance on company formation in Ireland and Germany.
Ireland
As the only English speaking country with the most efficient business tax system in Europe, Ireland is an attractive option for companies. Furthermore, since Brexit, businesses have been relocating their headquarters to the Republic of Ireland to maintain access to the European market. UK companies, in particular, can benefit from the similarities between the Irish and UK legal and tax systems.
Germany
With the fourth largest economy in the world, Germany is a highly desirable location for companies. Its strong and stable economy as well as easy access to the european and global markets provide the perfect ground for new and innovative ventures.
Our Services
We offer a range of services to assist you in establishing your company’s headquarters or subsidiary in Ireland or Germany. Our bilingual team of tax and legal advisors can provide you with support and advice in both German and English on company formation.
Company Formation
- Advise on the appropriate legal structure
- Brief on all necessary documents for incorporation
- Provide forms and oversee the completion of all documentation
- Submit application to the Irish CRO or German HR
Legal Address
- Register the German-Irish Chamber as the legal address of companies
- Forward all correspondence
- Provide a telephone line for your company at our offices
Company Secretary
- Provide a company secretary
- Ensure compliance with obligations
- Manage and update the company’s CRO profile
- Conduct the company’s AGM
Legal Support
- Revise contracts to ensure the inclusion of domestic requirements
- Advise on director’s duties and obligations
- Advise on legal queries
Market Entry
- Assist in entering the Irish and German markets
- Complete tax registrations
Types of Companies available in Ireland
Company Limited by Shares
- Liability of members for the debts or wrong of the company is limited to the amount, if any, left unpaid on their shares
- Types:
- Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD)
- Public Limited Company (PLC)
- Designated Activity Company (DAC) – limited by shares
Company Limited by Guarantee
- Liability of members is limited to the amount which they undertake to pay in the event of the company ceasing to exist
- Does not generally have a share capital – members are not required to provide the company with any cash on its formation or during the course of its life
- May have a share capital – then must be registered as a DAC
- At least 2 directors and 1 member (Charity companies: 3 directors and 3 members)
- Generally utilised by charities, clubs and management companies
- Types:
- Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
- Designated Activity Company (DAC) – (limited by guarantee)
Limited Partnership
- Not a separate legal entity
- Varying levels of liability for the members
- At least 2 partners (limited and general)
- Limited partner: liability restricted to extent of contribution
- General partner: unlimited liability
- Generally, no more than 20 members
Common Types of Companies (Summary)
| Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD) | Public Limited Company (PLC) | Designated Activity Company (DAC) |
| Limited by shares | Limited by shares | Limited by shares/ guarantee |
| 1 – 149 shareholders | 1 or more shareholders | 1 – 149 shareholders |
| No public offer of shares | Shares can be bought/sold on the open market and listed | No public offer of shares but can list bonds |
| 1 or more directors | 2 or more directors | 2 or more directors |
| 1 document constitution | 2 document constitution | 2 document constitution |
| No objects clause/ full capacity | Objects clause limiting its capacity | Objects clause limiting its capacity |
| No need to hold an AGM | Must hold an AGM if > 1 member | Must hold an AGM if > 1 member |
| Need not prescribe authorised share capital | Minimum capital €25,000 | Must prescribe authorised share capital in its constitution |
| Greater disclosure obligations | ||
| Prospectus invites investors to subscribe | ||
| Part 2 Companies Act 2014 | Part 17 Companies Act 2014 | Part 16 Companies Act 2014 |
Debt Collection Service
Collecting debts can be a challenging task, especially when your debtors are living abroad. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive international debt collection service and provide amicable solutions to ensure debts are recovered as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Our collection service package includes:
- The examination of the enforceability of a claim
- Negotiation with debtors
- Mediation
- Complimentary services: contract drafting and credit reports
Credit Reports
We provide credit reports on Irish companies as well as excerpts from the Irish Trade Register. The reports include information on directors, shareholders and annual accounts.