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VAT Registration Ireland: Complete 2025 Guide

Everything you need to know about VAT registration Ireland including 2025 thresholds, mandatory VAT registration requirements, and step-by-step application process through Revenue Ireland.

Services: €42,500 threshold
Goods: €85,000 threshold
Updated for 2025

Complete Your Business Setup First

Before applying for VAT registration Ireland, ensure your business structure and basic registrations are complete

Business Structure

Choose between sole trader, partnership, or limited company

Compare structures →

Business Registration

Register your business name and get required permits

Setup guide →

Tax Registration

Get your PPS/TRN number and basic tax setup

Business startup →

Important Note

For companies: Complete your Corporation Tax registration first to get your TRN (Tax Registration Number) - you'll need this for VAT registration.

1Determine if You Need to Register for VAT

Before applying, confirm whether your business is required to register for VAT or if voluntary registration is beneficial.

Mandatory Registration

You must register for VAT if:

  • Your annual turnover from supplying goods exceeds €80,000.
  • Your annual turnover from supplying services exceeds €40,000.
  • You are a non-resident business making taxable supplies in Ireland (no turnover threshold applies).
  • You engage in intra-EU trade or receive services from abroad for business purposes (e.g., reverse-charge VAT or intra-Community acquisitions).
  • You are an online seller with distance sales exceeding €10,000 annually to EU consumers.

Voluntary Registration

If your turnover is below the thresholds, you can still register voluntarily to:

  • Reclaim VAT on business purchases (e.g., office supplies, equipment).
  • Enhance your business's professional image with suppliers and clients.
  • Prepare for future trade if you expect to exceed thresholds soon.

Intention to Trade

If your business hasn't started trading but plans to, you can apply for VAT registration by providing evidence of future taxable activities (e.g., business plans, contracts).

2Gather Required Information and Documents

To apply for a VAT number, you'll need to provide specific details and supporting documents to demonstrate your business's eligibility.

Business Information

  • • Business name and address
  • • Type of business (sole trader, partnership, limited company, trust, etc.)
  • • Estimated annual turnover
  • • Nature of goods or services supplied
  • • Bank account details (for Irish business accounts)
  • • VAT registration date (when you intend to start charging VAT)

Personal/Director Information

  • • For sole traders: Personal Public Service (PPS) number or Identified Person Number (IPN)
  • • For companies: Tax Registration Number (TRN) from Corporation Tax registration (must be completed first)
  • • Names and addresses of directors or responsible persons

Evidence of Trade

  • • Invoices or contracts showing trade with Irish suppliers or customers
  • • Business plans, bank statements, or agreements demonstrating economic activity in Ireland
  • • For non-resident businesses: Documentation confirming taxable supplies in Ireland (e.g., courier service invoices, supplier agreements)

Additional Notes:

  • • Non-resident businesses may need to provide utility bills or other evidence of activity if hiring employees or establishing a presence in Ireland.
  • • Ensure all documents are accurate to avoid delays or rejection.
3Choose the Appropriate Registration Form

Select the correct form based on your business structure and residency status. Most registrations are submitted online via the Revenue Online Service (ROS), but paper forms are available for specific cases.

Online Forms (via ROS)

TR1 Form

For sole traders, partnerships, or trusts established in Ireland

TR2 Form

For limited companies established in Ireland

Paper Forms (for non-residents)

TR1 (FT) Form

For non-resident individuals, partnerships, trusts, or unincorporated bodies

TR2 (FT) Form

For non-resident companies

Two-Tier VAT System:

Specify whether you need "domestic-only" registration (for trading within Ireland or with non-EU countries) or "intra-EU" registration (for trading with EU businesses, requiring additional documentation like EC Sales List reporting details).

Note: Non-residents can submit paper applications to: Business Taxes Registrations, Office of The Revenue Commissioners, P.O. Box 1, Wexford. Online registration via ROS is preferred for faster processing.

4Register Through the Revenue Online Service (ROS)

Most businesses register for VAT online through ROS for efficiency. Follow these steps:

1

Create a ROS Account

Visit the ROS website at www.ros.ie and register for a ROS account if you don't have one.

You'll need your PPS number (for sole traders) or TRN (for companies).

2

Complete the Appropriate Form

Log in to ROS at www.ros.ie and select the TR1 or TR2 form based on your business type.

  • • Fill in all required fields, including business details, turnover estimates, and VAT registration date
  • • Indicate whether you're applying for "domestic-only" or "intra-EU" status
3

Upload Supporting Documents

Attach evidence of trade (e.g., invoices, contracts) and any required identification documents.

For "intra-EU" registration, include details on transportation arrangements, types of supplies, and due diligence for verifying customers/suppliers.

4

Submit the Application

Review your application for accuracy to avoid delays.

Submit the form through ROS. You'll receive a confirmation of submission.

Alternative for Non-Residents: If you cannot use ROS, complete the TR1 (FT) or TR2 (FT) paper form and mail it to the Revenue Commissioners at the Wexford address provided above. Non-Resident VAT Registration Guidance

5Await Processing and Respond to Queries

Once submitted, the Revenue Commissioners will review your application.

Processing Time

  • • Online applications typically take 7–10 working days if no additional information is required
  • • Paper applications or complex cases (e.g., non-resident businesses) may take up to 28 days

Revenue Queries

  • • If Revenue requests further clarification or documentation, respond within 30 days to avoid delays
  • • Common reasons for queries include insufficient evidence of trade or incomplete forms

Approval

  • • Upon approval, you'll receive a VAT number in the format "IE" followed by 8 or 9 characters (e.g., IE1234567A or IE12345678B)
  • • The VAT number is effective from the start of the next taxable period (two months after application receipt) or the date you were required to register
6Understand Post-Registration Obligations

After receiving your VAT number, you must comply with ongoing VAT requirements to avoid penalties (e.g., €4,000 for non-compliance).

Charge VAT on Sales

  • • Apply the appropriate VAT rate: 23% (standard), 13.5% (reduced, e.g., food, construction), 9% (e.g., newspapers), 4.8% (super-reduced), or 0% (e.g., children's clothes, exports)
  • • Issue VAT-compliant invoices with your VAT number

Submit VAT Returns

  • • Submit VAT returns every two months, detailing sales, purchases, and VAT owed
  • • Choose between invoice basis (VAT due when invoiced) or cash basis (VAT due when paid, if turnover is below €2 million and 90% of customers are non-VAT-registered)

Note: You can calculate, submit, and pay VAT using digital platforms.

Pay VAT

Pay any VAT owed to Revenue on time to avoid penalties.

Note: You can calculate, submit, and pay VAT using digital platforms.

Reclaim Input VAT

Claim VAT paid on business purchases (e.g., supplies, equipment) if related to taxable sales. Keep valid VAT invoices for deductions.

Note: You can calculate, submit, and pay VAT using digital platforms.

Additional Reporting

  • • For intra-EU trade, submit EC Sales List reports and comply with Intrastat requirements for goods movements. EC Sales List Guidance
  • • For e-commerce, consider VAT OSS (One Stop Shop) for simplified EU sales reporting. VAT OSS Information
7Monitor and Maintain Compliance

Record-Keeping

Maintain accurate records of all VAT-related transactions, including invoices and bank statements, for Revenue audits.

Compliance Checks

Revenue may verify your compliance post-registration. Ensure transparency and accuracy in your VAT affairs.

Cancel Registration

If your business ceases trading, falls below thresholds, or no longer requires a VAT number, notify Revenue promptly. Cancel VAT Registration

Note that cancellation may result in repaying excess VAT refunds.

Industry-Specific VAT Registration Considerations

Different industries have specific VAT requirements and considerations in Ireland.

Construction

Must register for RCT and VAT, special reverse charge provisions apply

Construction VAT guide →
E-commerce

Distance selling rules, OSS registration for EU sales

E-commerce VAT guide →
Freelancers

Service thresholds, professional service considerations

Freelancer VAT guide →
Property

Rental property exemptions, development considerations

Property VAT guide →
VAT Registration Ireland: Frequently Asked Questions
How to register for VAT in Ireland 2025?

To register for VAT in Ireland in 2025, you must complete Form TR1 (sole traders/partnerships) or TR2 (companies) through the Revenue Online Service (ROS). You'll need your Tax Reference Number, business details, turnover estimates, and supporting documentation.

Key steps: Check if you meet the €42,500 (services) or €85,000 (goods) threshold, gather required documents, complete the appropriate form via ROS, and await your VAT number from Revenue Ireland.

VAT registration process for sole traders Ireland?

Sole traders must use Form TR1 for VAT registration in Ireland. You'll need your PPS number, evidence of trading activity, and projected annual turnover. The process typically takes 10-15 business days through ROS.

Sole trader requirements: Valid PPS number, proof of business activity (invoices/contracts), business bank account details, and confirmation of your service/goods classification for threshold purposes.

VAT registration thresholds for services Ireland 2025?

The VAT registration threshold for services in Ireland increased to €42,500 from January 1, 2025. This applies to professional services, consultancy, digital services, and other service-based businesses.

Important: You must register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds this threshold in the current or previous calendar year. Voluntary VAT registration is also available for businesses below the threshold.

Apply for VAT number online Ireland ROS?

Yes, you can apply for your VAT number online through Revenue's ROS (Revenue Online Service) system at ros.ie. This is the fastest method, with processing typically completed within 10-15 business days.

ROS application benefits: Faster processing, immediate confirmation, secure document upload, real-time application tracking, and digital receipts for all submissions to Revenue Ireland.

When do I need mandatory VAT registration Ireland?

Mandatory VAT registration in Ireland is required when your annual turnover exceeds €42,500 for services or €85,000 for goods. You must register within 30 days of exceeding these thresholds.

Registration triggers: Reaching annual turnover thresholds, making intra-EU supplies, distance selling above €35,000, or receiving goods from other EU countries for business purposes.

What is voluntary VAT registration Ireland?

Voluntary VAT registration allows businesses below the mandatory thresholds to register for VAT. This can be beneficial for businesses that purchase significant supplies with VAT, as you can reclaim input VAT.

Benefits of voluntary registration: Reclaim VAT on business purchases, appear more established to clients, easier intra-EU trading, and potential competitive advantages in B2B markets.

Ready to Streamline Your VAT Management?

Once you receive your VAT number Ireland, let PayVAT handle your VAT calculations, submissions, and payments. Focus on growing your business while we ensure your VAT compliance.