Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Dublin

About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Dublin, Ireland

Investment and business structuring in Dublin involves choosing the right corporate and financial framework to own, finance, and transact assets or businesses. Common approaches include setting up Irish companies, holding companies, partnership structures, and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for specific projects. The aim is to balance tax efficiency, governance, and regulatory compliance while enabling cross-border activity within the EU and UK markets.

In Dublin, reputable structuring often centers on Irish entities such as a limited company, ICAV or AXA-style funds, and SPVs used for securitisation, real estate, or corporate acquisitions. Lawyers in this space advise on entity type, capital structure, shareholder agreements, and regulatory requirements from inception through exit. The regulatory environment is dynamic, with ongoing updates to fund regimes, corporate governance standards, and cross-border taxation rules.

Key considerations for Dublin residents include local company law compliance, access to Irish tax incentives, and aligning global business goals with Irish regulatory expectations. An experienced solicitor provides not only drafting and filing support but also strategic risk assessment tailored to Irish law and EU requirements. This guide outlines practical steps and current frameworks relevant to Dublin-based investors and businesses.

For further context on Irish corporate law and funds regulation, consult CRO, Revenue and Central Bank resources.

“Ireland remains a leading domicile for investment funds and securitisation vehicles in Europe, supported by a flexible regulatory regime and a broad tax treaty network.”

“A well-structured Irish entity can simplify cross-border investment, provide robust governance, and facilitate access to EU markets for Dublin-based enterprises.”

Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Setting up a Dublin holding company to own Irish assets. A startup planning to acquire Irish real estate or European subsidiaries often needs a holding company with appropriate shareholding, governance, and dividend flow rules. A solicitor helps choose the right jurisdiction, draft shareholder agreements, and ensure compliance with Irish company law from day one.
• Establishing an SPV for securitisation or property investments. If you plan a securitisation deal or large property project, a Section 110 SPV or similar vehicle may be used to manage tax and risk. Legal counsel is essential to structure the SPV, draft security instruments, and address reporting obligations.
• Launching an Irish ICAV or UCITS fund for investors. Dublin is a competitive fund domicile, and establishing a fund structure requires regulatory filing, governance, and investor-communications documents. A solicitor coordinates fund formation documents, appoints compliant directors, and liaises with the Central Bank of Ireland.
• Cross-border mergers or reorganisations involving Irish entities. For mergers or reorganisations, you need a coordinated plan covering statutory timelines, member approvals, and share-for-share exchanges under the Companies Act 2014 framework.
• Negotiating complex shareholder and service-provider agreements. When multiple investors or service providers are involved, you will need precise shareholder agreements, management agreements, and risk-shifting contracts to avoid disputes later.
• Advisory on tax-efficient structures for Dublin operations. While this guide does not replace tax advice, a qualified solicitor can align corporate structure with Irish tax rules and reporting obligations, reducing compliance risk and streamlining administration.

Local Laws Overview

The Irish legal framework for business structuring blends national statutes with EU directives. Two cornerstone areas are Irish corporate law and fund regulation, both central to Dublin’s commercial activity.

• Companies Act 2014 (commenced 2015) governs formation, governance, and dissolution of Irish companies. It modernised director duties, annual reporting, and capital maintenance rules, impacting how Dublin businesses are structured and operated. Key sections include director responsibilities and annual return requirements.
• Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended) underpins Irish taxation for corporate structures, including provisions frequently used for investment vehicles. It supports mechanisms such as capital allowances, transfer pricing rules, and related party transactions. Ireland frequently updates ancillary schedules via Finance Acts to reflect policy shifts.
• Section 110 SPVs under Irish tax law (as amended) provide a tax-neutral framework for securitisation and asset-backed financing. This structure remains widely used for Dublin transactions involving property portfolios or debt securities. Revenue guidance outlines eligibility and compliance obligations for SPVs.

Regulatory context for funds and investment vehicles is shaped by the Central Bank of Ireland, which regulates investment funds, ICAVs and UCITS structures. The Central Bank issues guidance and authorisation requirements for fund managers and registered funds. This regime supports Dublin as a hub for investment funds and asset management.

For practical references, consult the Companies Registration Office (CRO) for company formation and governance requirements, the Revenue Commissioners for tax treatment of SPVs and funds, and the Central Bank for fund regulation and authorisations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Dublin solicitor in investment structuring?

A Dublin solicitor advises on entity choice, governance, and compliance with Irish law. They draft shareholder agreements, appoint and liaise with boards, and coordinate filings with CRO and regulatory bodies.

How do I form an Irish company for expanding into the EU?

File the appropriate form with the CRO, appoint directors, and prepare a constitutional document. A solicitor helps ensure articles of association align with the Companies Act 2014 and regulatory expectations.

When should I use a Section 110 SPV for a property deal?

Use Section 110 SPVs when tax-efficient securitisation or asset financing is advantageous. Legal counsel drafts the SPV documents, ensures compliance, and coordinates with tax advisers.

Where can I find official information about Irish company law?

Official information is available from the CRO and Irish law resources. CRO provides forms, guidance, and governance requirements relevant to Irish entities.

Why is a shareholder agreement important for Dublin investments?

Shareholder agreements govern ownership, protections, and dispute resolution. They clarify control, dividend policy, and exit mechanics, preventing costly conflicts later.

Do I need a company secretary when setting up in Dublin?

Most Irish companies require a secretary or alternative governance arrangements. A solicitor can advise on the role, duties, and regulatory expectations to maintain compliance.

How much does it cost to hire a structuring lawyer in Dublin?

Costs vary by complexity and entity type but typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of euros for formation, agreements, and regulatory filings. A detailed quote should be requested after a preliminary consultation.

How long does it take to implement a basic Dublin company formation?

Simple formations can take 2-4 weeks, while complex structures with multiple entities can extend to 6-12 weeks, depending on regulatory checks and document readiness.

Do ICAVs apply to my investment fund strategy?

ICAVs are common for Irish funds with variable capital and flexible governance. A solicitor can help determine if an ICAV suits your fund strategy and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between ICAV and UCITS in Ireland?

UCITS are a EU-wide regulatory framework for investment funds with strict diversification rules. ICAVs are a flexible Irish fund vehicle designed for collective investment management within the EU framework.

Can a non-resident invest through an Irish structure?

Non-residents can invest via Irish entities subject to Irish and international tax and anti-avoidance rules. Compliance with reporting and anti-money-laundering regulations is essential.

Should I consider cross-border restructuring for efficiency?

Cross-border restructuring can unlock tax or governance efficiencies, but requires careful planning under Irish and EU law. A lawyer coordinates all steps to minimize disruption and risk.

Additional Resources

• Companies Registration Office (CRO) - Official body for company formation, annual returns, and governance compliance in Ireland. cro.ie
• Revenue Commissioners - Irish tax authority with guidance on SPVs, transfer pricing, and corporate tax regimes. revenue.ie
• Central Bank of Ireland - Regulates investment funds, fund managers, and securitisation vehicles. centralbank.ie

Next Steps

1. Clarify your business goals and identify the asset or jurisdiction you want to structure in Dublin.
2. Consult a Dublin-based solicitor with funds and corporate structuring experience to assess suitable entity types (eg, Irish company, ICAV, SPV).
3. Prepare initial documentation including a high level business plan, draft articles, and a preliminary shareholder agreement.
4. Engage CRO for company formation and schedule a regulatory readiness review with the Central Bank if funds or securitisation are involved.
5. Request a fixed-fee quote and timeline from your solicitor, including a milestone plan for filings and approvals.
6. Coordinate with tax advisers to align the structure with Irish tax rules and reporting obligations.
7. Implement governance and compliance processes, including annual returns and ongoing regulatory notifications.