Ireland Golden Visa & Residence Permit

At a glance

IIP status

Closed (February 15, 2023)

Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

Innovative business, ~EUR 50,000 funding

Donation route

Approved projects (limited, oversubscribed)

Residence

At least one visit per year

Language

English-speaking EU country

Benefits

• Residence in an English-speaking EU country.
• Possibility of establishing an innovative business through STEP.
• Low physical presence requirement (one visit per year).
• Family members can be included.

Requirements

• An innovative and scalable business plan and funding for STEP.
• An approved project for the donation route.
• Clean criminal record and legal source of funds.

Costs

IIP (investor program)

No longer available (closed in 2023)

Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

~EUR 50,000 funding

Donation route

Project-based

Process

1. 01

   Eligibility assessment

   Determining eligibility for STEP or the donation route.

2. 02

   Business plan / project

   Preparing the approved business plan or donation project.

3. 03

   Application

   Submitting a formal application to the relevant program.

4. 04

   Residence

   Obtaining the residence permit after approval.

FAQ

Is the Ireland golden visa (IIP) still open?

No. The IIP was closed to new applications on February 15, 2023.

Is residence through investment still possible in Ireland?

The direct investor program has closed; however, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) or the approved donation route may be considered.

Do I have to live in Ireland?

Continuous residence is not required; however, at least one visit to Ireland per year is required to maintain the permit.

How much funding is required for STEP?

The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme generally requires approximately EUR 50,000 in funding and an approved business plan for an innovative and scalable business.

What happens to existing IIP holders?

IIP permits approved before the program closed are preserved and can be renewed as long as conditions are met.

Is there a path to citizenship in Ireland?

Irish citizenship can generally be applied for after 5 years of reckonable residence.