Starting business with non-Irish citizen

Hey,I was wondering if anyone can help me.

A guy I know has a good idea for an website business venture. What I am wondering is what are the ramifications of going into business with a non-Irish citizen? He has a part time job but he is not legal,or has not got an Irish passport and Im pressuming he has not got a PRSI number.

He suggest putting the business into my name,but there are still other issues such as tax,etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thx

Is he a citizen of an EU member state?

He is Canadian

I would be very wary of this.

No matter how well you know the person, how nice they are, etc . . . if the business subsequently runs into difficulty they can cut their ties immediately and leave you with all the grief and aggro in your name.

z

thats a very good point,thx for ur feedback

Perhaps he could be an official partner but from his Canadian address. It is a little fiddly but do-able. This might also make it easier for him to eventually go legal here. If he fears unwanted attention because of his situation perhaps you could register the company in Canada with you as the non resident partner? You could even host the site there if need be. As an internet business you are less restricted by borders than most.

If none of the above is possible then I would tread carefully. What if you build a successful business and then he is deported. Or if the company goes belly up and lands in debt you could find it difficult explaining to the authorities about a business partner who is liable for 50% of debts but for whom no records exist.
Good luck!

As he is setting up a business here has he tried getting a work visa?