How much does it cost to hire an employee through an EOR in Ireland?

EOR pricing typically ranges from $400–$700 per month per employee, plus the employee's base salary and benefits. Beyond the EOR fee, you'll pay: (1) **Base salary**—market rate for the role in Ireland. (2) **Employer contributions**—approximately 11% on top of salary for taxes, social insurance, and mandatory benefits. (3) **Optional benefits**—health insurance, bonuses, stock options. For example, hiring a developer earning $3,000/month would cost approximately $3,000 + (11% = $330) + $500 EOR fee = $3830/month total.

Is using an EOR legally safe in Ireland?

Yes, using an EOR in Ireland is fully legal and compliant when you work with established providers like Deel, Remote, or Oyster. These providers are registered employers in Ireland and handle all legal obligations. Ireland has moderate employer burden (11% PRSI) and English language business environment. EU membership provides regulatory stability. Ireland is a major tech hub (Dublin especially). Employment law is clear and English-language guidance available. The EOR assumes the legal employer role, so you avoid misclassification risks that come with contractor arrangements. However, choose reputable EOR providers with proven track records in Ireland—smaller or unregistered providers carry significant risk.

What are the mandatory benefits I need to provide to employees in Ireland?

Ireland requires employers to provide several mandatory benefits: - **PRSI**: Employer contributes 11% to statutory social insurance (pension, health, unemployment). - **Annual Leave**: Minimum 20 days per year (or 4 weeks). - **Statutory Sick Leave**: 3 days per year (2021 onwards, expanding). - **Public Holidays**: 9 public holidays at full pay or payment in lieu. - **Severance**: Statutory redundancy: 0.5 weeks per year for age 18-25, 1 week per year for 25+. These benefits are built into the EOR fee and handled automatically by your EOR provider. You don't need to manage them separately—just pay the total monthly fee and the EOR handles all compliance.

How long does it take to onboard an employee through an EOR in Ireland?

With an EOR, the typical timeline is 10 days from offer acceptance to the employee's first paycheck. The process includes: (1) **Days 1–2**: Background checks and document verification. (2) **Days 3–5**: Employment contract in local language, tax registration. (3) **Days 6–10**: Payroll setup, benefits enrollment, system access. This is dramatically faster than hiring via a subsidiary (which typically takes 2–3 months), making EOR ideal for time-sensitive hiring.

Should I use an EOR or set up a legal subsidiary in Ireland?

Use an **EOR** if you're: hiring your first employee in Ireland, want to avoid legal complexity and ongoing compliance costs, or plan to hire fewer than 5 people. EORs typically cost $400–$700/month per employee and offer simple, predictable pricing with zero additional administrative burden. Use a **subsidiary** if you're: planning to hire 10+ people in Ireland, want direct control over hiring and contracts, or are already established in the country. Setting up a subsidiary takes 2–3 months and costs $2,000–$10,000 in legal and accounting fees, but gives you flexibility and lower per-employee costs long-term. For most small companies hiring their first international team, EOR is the faster, safer choice.

Which EOR providers support hiring in Ireland?

The major EOR providers supporting Ireland are: **Deel** (150+ countries), **Remote** (80+ countries), **Oyster** (130+ countries), **Rippling** (50+ countries), and **Multiplier** (150+ countries). Each offers similar core features—payroll, compliance, tax handling—with varying prices, customer support, and platform quality. Compare based on: (1) **Price**: $400–$700/month, (2) **Support quality**: Check reviews for your timezone, (3) **Feature set**: Some offer built-in benefits, others are payroll-only, (4) **User experience**: Platform simplicity varies significantly.

What happens to my EOR employee if I stop using the EOR service?

If you decide to leave an EOR service, your options depend on your long-term plan: (1) **Switch to another EOR**: The employee transitions to a new EOR provider within days—no job loss. (2) **Set up a local subsidiary**: The employee becomes employed by your subsidiary. Most EOR providers can help facilitate this transition. (3) **Separate from the employee**: You can terminate the employment agreement with notice (typically 30–60 days in Ireland), following all local severance requirements. Because the EOR is the legal employer, any transitions or terminations must comply with Ireland's labor laws—another reason to use established, licensed EOR providers.

Employer of Record in Ireland

Onboarding Time

10 days

Employer Contributions

11%

EOR Providers

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Employer Cost Breakdown in Ireland

11%

$550

Monthly cost on $5k salary

~$500

Typical EOR fee/mo

10d

Onboarding time

Ireland is a major European tech hub, especially Dublin, hosting European headquarters for Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and numerous tech startups. Irish professionals are English-fluent, well-educated, and tech-savvy. The tech ecosystem is mature and dynamic. Employment in Ireland is straightforward: moderate employer burden (11% PRSI), minimum 20 days annual leave, statutory redundancy entitlements, and clear employment law. The government actively supports tech companies and offers business tax incentives. Using an EOR in Ireland handles PAYE registration, PRSI contributions, redundancy management, and Irish employment law compliance. Onboarding is fast (10 days). You pay the EOR fee plus salary and approximately 11% PRSI contributions.

EOR Providers for Ireland

Compare the leading Employer of Record providers for hiring in Ireland. All prices are monthly and exclude employee salary and benefits.

Provider	Monthly Fee	Coverage	Best For	Key Features	Action
Deel	$599	150+	Companies scaling globally	Fast onboardingBuilt-in compliance	Get Quote
Remote	$599	80+	Mid-size companies	Own legal entitiesBenefits management	Get Quote
Oyster	$599	130+	Remote-first companies	Guided hiringLocal benefits	Get Quote
Rippling	$600	50+	Tech companies	Unified HR platformIT management	Get Quote
Multiplier	$400	150+	Cost-conscious companies	Competitive pricingMulti-currency payroll	Get Quote

Tip: Most EOR providers offer a free trial or demo. Contact multiple providers to compare features, customer support quality, and specific support for Ireland. Pricing and coverage may change after 2026.

Legal Requirements in Ireland

Business registration with Companies House

PAYE (Pay As You Earn) registration

PRSI (Social Insurance) registration

Employment contract in English

Compliance with Irish Employment Rights Acts

Mandatory Benefits

Benefit	Description
PRSI	Employer contributes 11% to statutory social insurance (pension, health, unemployment).
Annual Leave	Minimum 20 days per year (or 4 weeks).
Statutory Sick Leave	3 days per year (2021 onwards, expanding).
Public Holidays	9 public holidays at full pay or payment in lieu.
Severance	Statutory redundancy: 0.5 weeks per year for age 18-25, 1 week per year for 25+.

Compliance Guide

**Employment Contract**: Should be in English. Specify job title, duties, salary, benefits, work schedule (typically 37.5-40 hours/week), leave, and severance. **PAYE Registration**: Employer must register for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) income tax system. Income tax is withheld and remitted monthly to Revenue. **PRSI Registration**: Mandatory social insurance registration. Employer contributes 11% (varies by employee age/type): 8.8% main rate, 8.05% for employees aged 18-20, 10.75% for employees over 66. **Annual Leave**: Minimum 20 days per year (or 4 weeks). Leave must be taken or paid out at separation. **Statutory Sick Leave**: Employees are entitled to 3 statutory sick days per year (2021 onwards). Employer is not obligated to pay statutory sick leave; this is covered by the employee's own funds or private insurance. **Public Holidays**: 9 public holidays. Employees are entitled to time off with pay or payment in lieu if working. **Statutory Redundancy**: Employees with 2+ years service are entitled to statutory redundancy: 0.5 weeks per year (for age 18-25) or 1 week per year (for age 25+). Payment is tax-free up to €600/week. **Unfair Dismissal**: Employees with 12+ months service are protected against unfair dismissal. Employer must follow fair procedures. **Income Tax**: Progressive system (20% standard rate, 40% higher rate). Withholding is calculated via PAYE. **Work Permit**: Non-EEA nationals require work permit sponsorship. The EOR can assist with this process.

Why Use an EOR in Ireland?

Ireland offers EU membership, English language, and a mature tech ecosystem. EOR handles PAYE registration, PRSI contributions, redundancy management, and Irish employment law compliance.

Other EOR Options in Europe

Ukraine

Onboarding: 14 days

27% contributions→

United Kingdom

Onboarding: 10 days

13.8% contributions→

Germany

Onboarding: 14 days

20% contributions→

Netherlands

Onboarding: 14 days

18% contributions→

Spain

Onboarding: 14 days

30% contributions→

Switzerland

Onboarding: 14 days

12% contributions→

Hiring in Ireland: FAQs

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party company that becomes the legal employer of your remote workers in Ireland. You define the role, manage the day-to-day work, and set the compensation. The EOR handles all employer responsibilities: payroll, benefits, tax compliance, employment contracts, and labor law compliance. This means you can hire full-time employees in Ireland without establishing a subsidiary or legal entity. The process typically takes 10 days from offer to first paycheck.

Start hiring talent in Ireland

Deel handles payroll, compliance, and benefits. No local entity needed.

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