Compare jurisdictions side by side
See 2 or 3 jurisdictions side by side: all-in cost for year 1 and year 2, headline tax, audit, registers and time to form. Estonia is a good fit for e-Residency, digital founders. Ireland is a good fit for EU HQ for tech. United Kingdom is a good fit for UK and international trading, low running cost.
| Comparing3 jurisdictions |  Estonia |  Ireland |  United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||
| Year 1 all-in | EstoniaUS$2,290 | IrelandUS$2,290 | United KingdomUS$690Lowest |
| From year 2 | EstoniaUS$1,650 | IrelandUS$1,650 | United KingdomUS$390Lowest |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | EstoniaUS$5,590 | IrelandUS$5,590 | United KingdomUS$1,470Lowest |
| Tax & reporting | |||
| Headline tax | Estonia0% retained / 22% distributedBest | Ireland12.5% trading / 25% non-trading | United Kingdom19% / 25% |
| Annual audit | EstoniaIf large | IrelandIf not small | United KingdomIf not small |
| Public register | EstoniaPublic | IrelandPublic | United KingdomPublic |
| Setup | |||
| Type | EstoniaOnshore | IrelandOnshore | United KingdomOnshore |
| Entity | EstoniaOÜ | IrelandPrivate Limited (LTD) | United KingdomPrivate Limited (Ltd) |
| Minimum directors | Estonia1 + local contact | Ireland1 + EEA / bond | United Kingdom1 |
| Legal system | EstoniaCivil | IrelandCommon | United KingdomCommon |
| Time to form | Estonia1–5 days | Ireland5–10 days | United Kingdom1–2 business days |
| Best for | Estoniae-Residency, digital founders | IrelandEU HQ for tech | United KingdomUK and international trading, low running cost |
Ask about this comparison
AI answers from OCC’s published prices & facts · no sign-upWhich one for your situation
You need a business bank account soon
Any of them can work. We introduce you and prepare the application; the bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
United Kingdom, from US$390 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Estonia. Your home country may still tax the income, so check that first (confirm with your specialist).
You need it fast
Estonia, typically 1–5 days after KYC approval.
General guidance based on headline rules, not tax or legal advice. Your specialist confirms how tax residency, substance and banking apply to you before you pay.