IE
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In Ireland, “umbrella company” usually means a provider that runs payroll and admin for contractors (PAYE, payslips, reporting), rather than “setting up a company” with CRO registration. That distinction changes what “setup cost” means.
Many umbrella providers do not charge a large upfront setup fee in the way a limited company does. The main cost is typically an ongoing margin (weekly or monthly).
Your true “cost” is usually the combination of provider fees plus employer-side payroll costs that reduce the amount available to be paid as gross salary.
Often a weekly or monthly amount covering payroll processing, payslips, and basic admin.
Some umbrella models effectively charge these against your invoice value before gross salary is paid.
Professional indemnity, public liability, contract review, or other add-ons may be extra.
Whether reimbursed expenses are allowed and how they are treated varies by provider and Revenue guidance.
Umbrella is usually about simplicity and speed. A personal limited company is about control and flexibility, but it comes with compliance work and ongoing costs.
The fastest way to evaluate is to keep the contract value the same, then model fees, expenses, and how much profit you plan to retain versus extract.
This page is educational. Real costs vary by provider and contract. Always treat numbers as estimates and confirm your situation with a qualified adviser and Revenue guidance.