Q&A: How do you start selling in Ireland? Our top 7 most-asked questions

Following the announcement that Amazon.ie has launched, we’ve been getting questions about how to start selling in Ireland. AVASK also now manages VAT compliance for Ireland, so in our January ‘E-Commerce Unlocked’ broadcast, we covered this topic.

Here are the top questions sellers want to know about it. Plus, keep reading to see Amazon’s promotional offer for Irish VAT registration.

1. Do you have to have a company or incorporate a new company in Ireland? 

You don’t have to have a company there or do anything differently. The company that you currently have established can sell in Ireland. 

2. Will Amazon send remotely before we have the VAT number in Ireland? 

Yes, they will, but the long answer is to ensure your listings are activated in Ireland.  One important reason is that to apply for a VAT number in Ireland in the future, the Irish authorities will request proof of business already conducted in Ireland.

This proof would consist of an invoice from a customer based there. The easiest way to obtain this is to have your listings open, have items sent from wherever you’re storing them, and then use that invoice alongside the supporting documents for your application. 

The short answer is that Amazon will fulfil it remotely, and you can store it there as soon as you have the VAT number live, which typically takes around two to three months. 

3. What’s the difference between activating the marketplace and storing the inventory? 

You can activate the marketplace without the VAT number. You can sell from Germany, Spain, or any European country (including the UK) and in Ireland without any issues.  

However, you will need the VAT number as soon as you want to ship and store inventory in Ireland. 

For example, you can use Amazon Pan-EU for Ireland and not store goods there. This means you don’t need the VAT number. But you will need the VAT number if you want to send goods to Ireland.  

4. Why store goods in Ireland? 

Storing in Ireland offers benefits such as:

• Lower storage, fulfilment and shipping costs
• Prime benefits
• Lower FBA fees when dispatching from mainland Europe into Ireland

5. When will inventory be available for customers to buy in Ireland? 

FBA opened on 31 January, so sellers can start sending inventory to Ireland if they have their VAT number, which takes some weeks. Once the inventory is in Ireland, it will be available for customers. Until then, it will be available for customers from other countries. 

Learn more about how much it costs to use Amazon FBA.

6. How much does Ireland VAT registration with AVASK cost? 

AVASK now manages VAT compliance for Ireland.

Our registration costs typically start at £250 for a new VAT number, and our compliance costs start at £110 per month (which can be converted to Euros if needed). But if you take advantage of Amazon’s promotional offer, you can get FREE VAT registration in Ireland* and two years of VAT filings reimbursed – a value of up to €1,600.

For more on VAT in Ireland, including VAT rates, read our VAT guide.

7. Can we use our European XI VAT number to sell in Ireland, or do we need an IE VAT number? 

You can use the number you already have. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland is part of the EU, so depending on your business plans, use the appropriate number.

Note that XI VAT and EORI numbers may be discontinued – it’s worth inquiring with your tax partner or accountant for confirmation. 

Do you have more questions about expanding to Ireland? 

• Call us on 02380 6120 (UK) or +44238 06120 (Europe). Press option 1 for the sales team
• You can also email us at enquiries@avaskgroup.com

Watch our full January 2025 broadcast

We cover:

• The launch of Amazon.ie and FBA services in Ireland
• Important changes to UK packaging charges and how they impact your business
• Updated Amazon product title requirements you need to know
• Exclusive insights to help you stay ahead of the competition!