International Business

Investing and locating business in Ireland

Ireland is home to many of the world's largest multinational companies, including those in the information technology, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and financial services industries. These companies establish operations in Ireland to serve local, European and international markets, leveraging Ireland’s advantages as a gateway to these markets. These advantages include:

  • A low corporate tax rate - corporation tax on trading profits is 12.5%;
  • Membership of the EU and the only English-speaking jurisdiction in the euro-zone;
  • A common law jurisdiction, similar in nature to that of the US and the UK;
  • Availability of fiscal incentives for research and development activity;
  • Strong international broadband and transport connectivity; and
  • Supportive legal and economic environment for internationally trading businesses.

Our track record

MKO Partner’s has established itself as the provider of choice to intellectual property vehicles and financial services vehicles as well as trading businesses based in Ireland. Our Firm works closely with the largest law firms in Ireland and government bodies such as the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to assist emerging companies and business establish operations in Ireland.

MKO Partners is one of the founders of an Expo that took place in Boston in 2012 (www.gatewaytoeurope2012.com). The purpose of this event is to inform and advise those who may consider Ireland as a potential location to serve the European market of the advantages of using Ireland as a base to serve those markets, and the practicalities of establishing an operation in the jurisdiction.

We provide our services through our International Desks which include our:

  • Asia Desk;
  • European Desk; and
  • North American Desk. 

These desks are managed by team members with a global perspective and with language capabilities, including French, Spanish, German and mandarin Chinese.

Our services 

MKO Partners International Business team assists clients with matters including:

1. Business/trading structure

Ensuring legal structure meets business objectives.

2. Tax - residency

Ensuring substance in Ireland to qualify for 12.5% corporate tax.

3. Tax - trading in/from Ireland

Goods & services sales tax planning. Corporate tax rate trading requirements.

4. Audit & GAAP

Financial statements: Irish GAAP & IFRS standards, statutory audit requirements.

5. Compliance obligations

Companies Office annual returns, Statistical returns, Tax returns.

6. Outsourcing of services

Determining functions for third party outsourcing. Managing these relationships.

7. Employment

Recruitment, employment terms (directors & staff), employee rights & obligations, training, govt. incentives.

8. Laws & regulations

Company law, directors’ obligations & IP law: knowledge & compliance.

9. Lifestyle

Key ex-patriot considerations: accommodation & family education.

10. Real estate

Locating & securing commercial office & industrial premises.

MKO Partners Advisory team also works close with individuals and companies seeking to invest or establish operations in Ireland. 

These services are delivered in two phases 

  1. Pre Acquisition/Investment; and 
  2. Post Acquisition/Investment.  

Additional information on these services is located at here. 

Languages & Intercambios

As a means of improving language ability and to provide additional insight regarding the cultural and language attributes and needs of MKO's International Business clients, “intercambio” language sessions are held weekly in MKO. 

An intercambio is a language exchange for two or more people who speak different languages and wish to practice each other's language.  Members of MKO’s team Rong Jin, Hao Wang, Kun Liu and Emanuela Zamboni facilitate these language sessions with staff members interested in practicing or learning Chinese, Italian and French.

Contact

Please contact Frank Keane or Brian Hillery for further information.