Ireland has become one of Europe’s most founder-friendly gateways to the EU market. English-speaking, tech-savvy, and deeply connected to the United States and Europe, it’s a country where you can launch globally from day one—without needing a giant team or decades of local history. If you’re exploring business immigration to Ireland, you’ll quickly run across two phrases online: Startup Visa and Investor Visa. In Ireland, those map to the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) and the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)—but only one of them is open today.
Here’s the essential update up front: the Investor Programme closed to new applications in February 2023, while the Startup Entrepreneur Programme remains open for innovative founders with at least €50,000 in funding and a scalable idea. This guide unpacks what that means in practice, who qualifies, how to apply, what Stamp 4 permission gives you, and where to find legitimate support.
Ireland’s business migration snapshot
Ireland offers one active route designed for founders—STEP—and has closed its passive investor route (IIP). STEP is modern, fully electronic, and assessed by an independent committee on a quarterly cycle. Successful applicants (and qualifying family members) are granted permission to live and work in Ireland for two years, typically on Stamp 4 conditions, with a renewal pathway. The Investor Programme, by contrast, ceased accepting applications on 15 February 2023; existing projects continue to be monitored, but newcomers cannot apply.
Startup Entrepreneur Programme basics
STEP allows non-EEA founders with an innovative, internationally scalable business to live in Ireland full time while building the company. You must be of good character, have no criminal convictions, show €50,000 in funding for the first principal founder (additional principals typically require €30,000 each), and submit a credible business plan. Retail, hospitality, and other domestically oriented local services are not suitable—the programme targets export-focused innovation.
Who qualifies as innovative
In Ireland’s ecosystem, “innovative” aligns closely with High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) criteria: you’re introducing a new or innovative product or service to international markets; you’re capable of creating around 10 jobs and €1 million in sales within about three years; you’re led by an experienced management team; the business is headquartered and controlled in Ireland; and it is generally under five years old. These benchmarks are used by the evaluation committee and by Enterprise Ireland, the State’s venture and export agency.
How STEP funding works
You must evidence €50,000 for the first principal (and €30,000 for each additional principal, if any). Acceptable sources include your own funds, a business loan, angel or venture capital funding, or a grant from an Irish State agency. You’ll provide bank statements or official letters (typically showing a three-month history) and show that the funds can be transferred to Ireland into an account with a Central Bank-regulated institution. The committee will only approve proposals that are genuinely innovative with credible export potential—money alone doesn’t guarantee approval.
Application steps and timelines
Applications are submitted by email with the form, supporting documents, and your business proposal, plus a €350 fee paid by electronic funds transfer. Proposals are reviewed quarterly by an independent evaluation committee of senior public servants, which may seek further information. If approved, you’ll be issued a letter granting permission, and once funds are lodged in an Irish bank and the required affidavits of good character are filed (for the applicant and family members aged 16+), the authorities issue your residency permission (and an Irish multi-entry visa if you’re visa-required).
Permission, stamps and work rights
Successful STEP applicants and their family members receive residence permission for two years, renewable for three more (2+3). The permission is generally registered as Stamp 4, which allows you to work or be self-employed without an employment permit. However, programme-specific conditions apply: the principal founder must establish the business, work on it full-time, and cannot take other employment. Private medical insurance is mandatory, and you must not become a financial burden on the State while on STEP.
Dependants and family options
Spouses or partners and minor children can be included and are granted residency on similar terms to the principal. Because STEP is typically registered on Stamp 4, spouses or partners on Stamp 4 can generally work without an employment permit. Note that some policy pages use general language; your grant letter and local registration will confirm stamp type and any conditions. Affidavits of good character are required for family members aged 16+ as part of the approval stage.
What counts toward long-term status
Historically, STEP guidance noted eligibility for long-term residence after five years of residence. In early 2025, the Long-Term Residency page clarified that time on the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (Stamp 4) does not count for that specific long-term residency scheme (which is oriented to work-permit histories). Naturalisation (citizenship) is a separate process with its own residence rules. In short: you can renew and remain on STEP while building your business; plan your long-term pathway with current official guidance in mind.
Investor visa status today
The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), often called Ireland’s “Investor Visa,” closed to new applicants on 15 February 2023. Existing applications have been processed, and approved projects continue to be monitored, but you cannot start a new IIP application. If you see websites advertising new IIP submissions today, treat them with caution. For legitimate investor-type residency, Ireland does not currently offer a passive investment route; the realistic pathway is to found and build via STEP.
Taxes, grants and ecosystem
STEP itself has no special tax provisions, but Ireland’s general regime is a major draw: 12.5 percent corporation tax on trading income, a 25 percent R&D tax credit, and an intellectual property regime with tax write-offs on qualifying IP—plus a deep bench of startup supports from Enterprise Ireland. If your company is or aims to be an HPSU, Enterprise Ireland has equity and advisory programmes. Remember, tax outcomes depend on your structure and activities—get professional advice.
Hiring international talent
Your Stamp 4 lets you work and be self-employed, but it doesn’t automatically authorize non-EEA hires to work for you. If you recruit non-EEA staff, they’ll typically need an employment permit (Critical Skills, General, Intra-Company Transfer, etc.) issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through the online platform introduced in April 2025. Plan hiring timelines accordingly and check current occupation lists and wage thresholds before making offers.
Quick facts and timelines
Below is a compact table you can save and share with co-founders and advisers.
| Item | STEP details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum funding | €50,000 for first principal; €30,000 for each additional principal | Sources: own funds, loan, angel or VC, or State grant |
| Assessment cycle | Quarterly review by evaluation committee | Electronic application and €350 fee by electronic funds transfer |
| Initial permission | Two years, then three-year renewal (2+3) | Multi-entry visa if visa-required, after funds lodged and affidavits filed |
| Stamp and work rights | Generally Stamp 4; principal must work full-time on the startup | No other employment for principal; private medical insurance required |
| Eligible business type | Innovative, internationally traded, export-focused | Retail or local services generally not suitable |
| Family members | Spouse or partner and minor children included | Residency on similar terms; affidavits required from age 16+ |
| Investor visa (IIP) | Closed to new applications since 15 Feb 2023 | STEP is the viable alternative for entrepreneurs |
Step-by-step application checklist
- Validate eligibility: Confirm your business is innovative and internationally scalable; review HPSU-style metrics (jobs, exports, leadership, headquarters in Ireland).
- Evidence your funding: Prepare bank statements or official letters showing the required €50,000 (plus €30,000 for each additional principal) and that funds are transferable to an Irish bank.
- Write a robust plan: Use the STEP business plan guidance and be explicit about the problem, IP, market entry, unit economics, hiring plan, and export strategy.
- Compile supporting documents: Passport, CVs, evidence of experience, incorporation plans, and police clearance. The affidavit of good character will be sworn in Ireland with an Irish practitioner once pre-approved.
- Submit electronically and pay fee: Email your application and transfer the €350 fee. Incomplete fee payment can delay or prevent consideration.
- Engage during evaluation: Respond quickly to committee queries; lobbying or canvassing is not allowed and can disqualify a project.
- Post-approval steps: Transfer funds to an Irish bank, file affidavits for you and any family members aged 16+, receive your permission letter and (if applicable) a multi-entry visa, then register your stamp locally.
Conditions, renewals and compliance
Your permission can be withdrawn if conditions aren’t met (for example, you take outside employment, lack private health insurance, or the business was misrepresented). If the startup fails, the authorities may review your status; you could seek to remain under another legal basis (such as an employment permit route) subject to the current rules at that time. Keep meticulous records, file taxes, and renew on time; renewals examine the startup’s viability and your ongoing good character.
Nationality-specific restrictions
As of the most recent official update, the Minister for Justice has instructed that no further STEP applications from Russian or Belarusian citizens will be accepted. Always check the current notice before you invest time and money; nationality restrictions can change.
Practical tips for founders
Anchor in Ireland early: Secure an Irish bank account, registered office, and accountant. Use approved providers and keep KYC and AML documentation tidy to avoid delays in fund transfers and registration.
Leverage Enterprise Ireland: If you meet HPSU criteria, explore supports such as equity, grants, market discovery vouchers, and introductions to accelerators and overseas offices. This can strengthen your STEP case and your runway post-arrival.
Plan non-EEA hiring: Build realistic timelines for employment permits and factor in the online system launched in 2025; avoid promising start dates you can’t meet.
Stamp clarity: At registration, verify your stamp and conditions, especially for spouses or partners. In most STEP cases, Stamp 4 applies and allows work without an employment permit, but rely on your grant letter and local registration record.
Think ahead on status: STEP renewal is common for viable businesses, but if your long-term goal is citizenship, map the naturalisation residence rules separately; the Long-Term Residency scheme’s reckonability criteria do not currently include time on STEP.
FAQs
Is there still an Investor Visa for Ireland?
No. Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. Existing projects continue to be monitored, but new filings are not accepted.
What is the minimum capital for the Irish Startup Visa?
€50,000 for the first principal founder, with €30,000 for each additional principal. Funds can be personal, a loan, angel or VC, or a State grant, but must be transferable to an Irish bank.
How long is permission granted under STEP?
Two years initially, then three years on renewal (2+3). You’ll need private medical insurance, and you must work on the startup full-time.
Can my spouse work in Ireland?
Family members are granted residency on similar terms. STEP is typically registered as Stamp 4, which allows work without an employment permit. Check your grant letter and registration for your family’s exact stamp.
What kinds of businesses are excluded?
Primarily retail, personal services, catering, and other domestically focused businesses. STEP is designed for innovation and export-led growth.
How often are applications reviewed?
The evaluation committee considers proposals on a quarterly basis. Submit electronically and transfer the €350 fee by electronic funds transfer.
Does STEP have special tax breaks?
No special tax rules in the programme itself. Ireland’s broader regime—corporate tax, R&D credits, and IP rules—applies based on your activities.
Final take: build, don’t buy
If your goal is EU access, scale, and credibility, Ireland remains a standout choice. The Investor Visa route is closed, but the Startup Entrepreneur Programme is very much alive—and tailored for founders with global ambition: innovative product, transferable funding, credible plan, and the grit to execute full-time. Do the paperwork right, keep your compliance tight, and plug into Enterprise Ireland and the local venture community to accelerate. For personalised strategy—corporate structure, tax, permits for key hires, and long-term status—speak with a qualified Irish immigration adviser before you file. Your next customer, partner, and investor could all be a short flight away from Dublin.
Sources: official guidance and policy pages from Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery, STEP guidelines, Enterprise Ireland, and Department of Justice notices. Always confirm current rules before you apply; immigration and employment-permit policies update regularly.
