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Startup Visa in Ireland

One documented route of this kind in Ireland, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.

Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

Allows non-EEA nationals with an innovative high-potential start-up business proposal and minimum EUR 50,000 funding to obtain residency in Ireland and work full-time in their own business. Managed by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). Proposals are evaluated quarterly by an Evaluation Committee. Leads to long-term residency after 5 years.

Processing time
Applications are evaluated on a quarterly basis by the Evaluation Committee. No fixed turnaround is published; ISD communicates the outcome in writing.
Validity
2 years initial, renewable for 3 further years, then in 5-year instalments
Language requirement
No statutory language requirement; business plan and application must be submitted in English
Permanent residence
Eligible to apply for long-term residency (Stamp 4) after 5 years of continuous residence under STEP
Citizenship
May apply for naturalisation under standard Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts after 5 years reckonable residence (no preferential access)

Requirements

  • Non-EEA national
  • Innovative business proposal for a High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) in the innovation economy
  • Secured funding of at least EUR 50,000 (second and subsequent co-principals: EUR 30,000 each)
  • Business must be capable of creating 10 jobs and EUR 1 million in sales within 3 years
  • Business headquartered and controlled in Ireland, less than 5 years old
  • Good character: police clearance certificate from every country of residence for 6+ months in the past 10 years
  • Affidavit of good character (produced by an Irish-registered legal practitioner) submitted after approval and before residence permission is issued
  • Must not become a financial burden on the Irish State; private medical insurance required
  • May not take up any other employment while under STEP

Required Documents

  • Completed STEP application form required
  • Comprehensive business plan using the ISD sample template required
  • Evidence of secured funding of EUR 50,000 or more (bank statements covering 3 consecutive months, or letters from financial institutions, VCs, or Irish State Agencies) required
  • Evidence that funds can be transferred to Ireland (letter from regulated financial institution) required
  • Police character certificate from every country of residence for 6+ months in the past 10 years required
  • Affidavit of good character by Irish-registered legal practitioner (submitted post-approval, before permission is issued) required
  • Most recent audited accounts (for existing businesses relocating to Ireland)
  • Evidence of marriage/civil partnership for accompanying spouse
  • Birth certificates for minor children included in application

Official fees

  • Application fee (principal applicant + all nominated family members) 350 EUR
  • Irish Residence Permit (IRP) registration fee on arrival 300 EUR

Process Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare business plan and secure funding

    Develop a comprehensive business plan using the ISD template. Secure at least EUR 50,000 funding from personal resources, business loan, angel/VC investment, or Irish State Agency grant.

  2. 2

    Gather documentation

    Collect police character certificates from all countries of residence (6+ months) in the past 10 years, evidence of funding, and proof of the funding's transferability to Ireland.

  3. 3

    Submit application

    Email the completed application form, business plan, supporting documents, and payment of EUR 350 (by electronic funds transfer) to startup@justice.ie. Subject line must include applicant name, project name, and 'STEP Programme'.

  4. 4

    Evaluation Committee review

    The Evaluation Committee reviews applications quarterly. They assess whether the proposal is genuinely innovative with significant export potential. Additional information may be requested. The decision is final and not subject to appeal, though new applications may be submitted.

  5. 5

    Transfer funds to Ireland on approval

    Successful applicants must transfer the required EUR 50,000 to a financial institution regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, and submit the affidavit of good character produced by an Irish-registered legal practitioner.

  6. 6

    Receive residence permission and register

    Once conditions are met, ISD issues Stamp 1 residence permission for 2 years (with multiple-entry visa for visa-required nationals). Applicant must register at the Burgh Quay Registration Office and pay the EUR 300 IRP fee.

Official Sources

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