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Five (05) years Residence Visa in Ireland Under “Start-Up
Entrepreneur” Program (STEP)

Ireland’s STEP is a highly reputable program offering residency to investors with significant contributions to the Irish economy.

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Ireland’s Start-up Entrepreneur Program (STEP) allows non-EEA nationals to establish an
innovative business in Ireland and gain residency rights for themselves and their families. The
program is designed to attract high-potential entrepreneurs who can contribute to Ireland’s
economy and innovation ecosystem. The STEP scheme enables entrepreneurs with innovative
business ideas and sufficient funding to launch and operate a start-up in Ireland while obtaining legal
residency.

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Image by Gregory DALLEAU
Image by Kristel Hayes

Key Objective
To support high-potential start-ups that create jobs, introduce innovation, and scale
internationally.

Key Benefits
Residency permission in Ireland for the applicant and immediate family
Access to the EU market and business environment
Ability to live, work, and run a business in Ireland
Pathway to long-term residency and citizenship eligibility
Access to Ireland’s strong tech, finance, and innovation ecosystem

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:

  •  Be a non-EEA national

  • Propose a High Potential Start-Up (HPSU)

  •  Have a minimum funding of €50,000 available for the business

  • Demonstrate a viable and scalable business model

  • Show potential to create jobs and generate revenue internationally

  •  Have a clean criminal record and good character

Investment Requirement

  •  Minimum investment: €50,000

  •  Funding can come from:

  •  Personal funds

  •  Business partners

  •  Angel investors

  •  Venture capital funding

Required Documents
Applicants typically submit:

  • Detailed business plan

  • Proof of funding (€50,000 minimum)

  •  Passport & identification documents

  •  Police clearance certificate

  • Evidence of business experience

  •  Financial projections & market analysis

Residency Permission
Successful applicants receive:
Initial Residence Permission: 2 years
Renewal: Additional 3 years
After 5 years: Eligible for long-term residency
Citizenship: Possible after meeting residency requirements
Family members (spouse & children) can join and reside in Ireland.

For more information, please visit the official Irish Government website.

Ireland – Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)

Ireland’s IIP is a highly reputable program offering residency to investors with significant contributions to the Irish economy.

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Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is one of the most reputable in Europe. With options like €1 million investment in an Irish enterprise, €2 million in REITs, or a €500,000 donation to public projects, investors can obtain residency within months. Ireland offers an English-speaking environment, low corporate tax rates (12.5%), and strong global business ties. Residency is renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years, with eligibility for citizenship after the same period if residence requirements are met. Ireland’s combination of stability, EU access, and international connectivity makes it a prime choice.

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Investment Options:

  • €1M in Irish enterprise (3 years)

  • €2M in Irish REITs

  • €500,000 philanthropic donation

Key Benefits:

  • Residency approval in 4–6 months

  • Citizenship after 5 years (subject to residency requirements)

  • English-speaking business hub

  • 12.5% corporate tax rate

Eligibility:

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

  • Proven financial capacity

  • Clean criminal record

Process:

  1. Select investment option

  2. Apply to Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS)

  3. Receive approval

  4. Make investment and receive residence permit

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