Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Ireland is home to over 1,000 enterprise offices and headquarters. Global enterprises such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, GSK, and so many more.

For businesses looking to start, this creates a wealth of opportunity when it comes to accessing and networking with skilled talent and surrounding themselves with an ecosystem built with startups and success in mind.

Accessible and easily connected with mainland Europe and the States, Ireland's Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is a unique visa. More than just a permit, this is an invitation to join a vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs shaping the future.

If you have a high-potential business idea and the drive to make it a reality, STEP provides a clear pathway to residency in Ireland, opening doors to funding opportunities, a supportive ecosystem, and the chance to scale your venture globally.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the Ireland STEP visa?

The Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is designed to attract ambitious entrepreneurs who can bring innovation and economic growth to Ireland. To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Innovative business proposal: Your business idea must be deemed innovative and have high potential by an independent evaluation committee. This means your product or service should introduce something new or significantly improved to the market, potentially creating jobs and generating substantial revenue in Ireland.
• Funding: You must have secured a minimum of €50,000 in funding for your startup. This funding can come from various sources, including your own resources, business loans, angel investors, venture capital, or grants from Irish state agencies. If you have co-founders, each additional founder beyond the first will need to demonstrate an additional €30,000 in funding.
• Key role in the business: You must be one of the main founders or decision-makers in the business, holding a crucial position such as CEO, CFO, CTO, or CIO. This demonstrates your active involvement and commitment to the venture's success.
• Good character: You must be a person of good character with no criminal convictions in any jurisdiction. This ensures that individuals participating in the program are trustworthy and will contribute positively to Irish society.

If you tick these four boxes, then you're good to go when it comes to applying for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme.

What is the Ireland STEP application process?

The Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is rather easy to apply for and involves:

Note: It can pay to read the guidelines first to see what the STEP program is about, what it offers, and why it may suit you. You can read the full guidelineshere.

Step 1: Submit an online application

You'll need to prepare and submit the following documents electronically:

• Completed STEP application form: This form captures your personal information, business details, and funding information. You can find the application formhere.
• Supporting documentation: This includes evidence of your €50,000 funding, details of the funding source, and evidence of your good character, such as a police clearance certificate.
• Business proposal: A comprehensive proposal outlining your innovative business idea, target market, financial projections, and growth strategy.

Submit these documents via email to [email protected].

Step 2: Pay the application fee

• Pay the non-refundable application fee of €350 by electronic fund transfer.
• Ensure the reference field contains only the following information: "STEP - Your passport number".
• You are responsible for any transfer or currency exchange fees. The full amount of €350 must be received.

The bank account details to pay the fees are:

• IBAN: IE75 DABA 9515 9900 0042 43
• BIC/SWIFT: DABAIE2D
• Name of Account: Department of Justice
• Bank name: Danske Bank
• Bank address: 3 Harbourmaster Place, Dublin 1

Make sure you check the official website for the bank details listed there before wiring any money.

Important notes:

• Incomplete applications will be returned, so double-check all requirements before submitting.
• Lobbying or canvassing will disqualify applicants and their projects.

After submitting your application and paying the fee, your proposal will be evaluated by an independent committee.

What are the conditions of permission?

If your application is successful and your business proposal is approved, you'll be granted permission to reside in Ireland under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme. However, this permission comes with specific conditions that you must adhere to:

• Establish the business: You are obligated to establish the business as outlined in your application. This includes registering the company, securing premises (if applicable), and commencing operations.
• Full-time work: You must dedicate yourself to working on this business full-time. This means you cannot be employed by any other company or engage in any other significant business activities.
• No financial burden: You must not become a financial burden on the Irish State. This means you should have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family without relying on social welfare benefits. This rate is currently €10,000, which must be immediately available to you.
• No criminal offences: You must maintain a clean criminal record in all jurisdictions. Any convictions during your residency in Ireland could lead to the revocation of your permission.

Failure to comply with these conditions can result in withdrawing your residency status under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme.

Duration and pathway to citizenship

If you're looking to move to Ireland permanently, perhaps seeking long-term residency or citizenship, the Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme can offer a clear pathway to making that happen.

This is provided your startup venture thrives and meets the requirements.

Initial residence permit

• Upon approval of your application, you'll be granted an initial residence permit valid for two years. This allows you ample time to establish your business, generate revenue, and demonstrate its potential for growth and job creation.

Renewal and extension

• After the initial two-year period, you can apply for a residence permit renewal. To be eligible for renewal, your startup must be actively operating, and you'll need to secure a positive assessment from the Evaluation Committee, confirming its success and viability.
• If the assessment is favourable, you'll be granted a three-year extension of your residence permit. This extended period allows you to solidify your business further and contribute to the Irish economy.
• After the three-year extension, you can renew your residence permit in five-year increments, regardless of the performance or even the existence of your initial business. This provides long-term stability and flexibility for your stay in Ireland.

Pathway to citizenship

• After eight years of residency in Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for naturalisation and become an Irish citizen.
• To qualify, you must have resided in Ireland for at least 365 days continuously before your application and have a total reckonable residence in the State amounting to 1,460 days (four years) during the eight years preceding your application.
• You may also be required to attend an interview and pass an examination on Irish culture, history, and values.

The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, therefore, offers a clear and attractive route to long-term residency and potential citizenship in Ireland for successful entrepreneurs.

Additional information you need to know

Beyond the core eligibility criteria, application process, and duration, here are some additional points to consider regarding the Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP):

• Evaluation committee factors: The Evaluation Committee of Enterprise Ireland(EI) assesses your business proposal based on several factors, including:
  • Introduction of a new or innovative product or service to international markets
  • Potential to create 10 jobs in Ireland and generate €1 million in sales within three to four years
  • Experience and capability of the management team
  • Headquarters and control are located in Ireland
  • Business age (less than six years old)
• Family inclusion: You can include your spouse/partner and children in your application, allowing them to join you in Ireland and potentially access the labour market.
• Relocating an existing business: If you're relocating an existing business to Ireland, you'll need to submit the most recent audited accounts for that business as part of your application.
• Business plan requirements: Your business plan should be comprehensive and include details about all locations where your startup will operate (both in Ireland and elsewhere), as well as the number of employees in each area.
• Other requirements: In addition to the core criteria, you'll need to provide proof of comprehensive health insurance and a clean criminal record.
• Dual citizenship: Ireland recognizes dual citizenship, so you won't be required to renounce your previous nationality to become an Irish citizen.

Talk to a visa consultant

The Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme offers a unique opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs to establish their businesses and build a successful future in Ireland. However, navigating the application process, crafting a compelling business proposal, and meeting all the eligibility criteria can be complex.

Don't let these challenges hinder your entrepreneurial ambitions. Partnering with an experienced immigration consultant can make your journey to Ireland smoother and more successful.

They can provide expert guidance, streamline the application process, and help you present your business idea in the best possible light.

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