Ireland•EuropeBusiness Permission
At a Glance
2–4 months
EUR €300
1 to 8 years
1 yr initial · extendable to 8 · Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work not allowed
Overview
The Business Permission Scheme was suspended on 16 March 2016 and is no longer open to new applicants.
The Business Permission scheme was an Irish Department of Justice route allowing non-EEA nationals to remain in Ireland to operate their own business on Stamp 1 (self-employed). It was suspended to new applications on 16 March 2016 and has not been reopened; the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is now the active pathway for non-EEA founders.
Existing holders may renew annually if they still meet the original criteria (€300,000 personal investment and employment for two EEA nationals) and produce tax clearance and business viability evidence. Renewals go through the ISD Online Portal, with the standard €300 IRP registration fee on issuance. Spouses and dependants hold Stamp 3 without work rights.
This visa is ideal for legacy holders renewing an existing Business Permission; prospective entrepreneurs should apply under STEP instead.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
| Extendable up to | 8 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Historical: €300,000 investment
Historical: Create employment for 2 EEA nationals
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Business plan
Evidence of funds
Tax clearance
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Permits non-EEA self-employment in Ireland on Stamp 1
- Renewable annually for existing holders with no statutory cap
- Leads to long-term residency and a PR pathway after 5 years
- Spouse and children may reside in Ireland on Stamp 3
- Dual intent permitted — does not preclude later naturalisation
Worth Knowing
- Closed to new applicants since 16 March 2016 — renewals only
- Original criteria require €300,000 personal investment from own funds
- Must demonstrate employment created for at least two EEA nationals
- Annual tax clearance and business viability evidence required to renew
- Dependants on Stamp 3 cannot work in Ireland
- Scheme suspended to new applications since 16 March 2016 — new applicants must use STEP
- No waiver of the €300,000 personal investment threshold for existing holders
Application Process
Renewals only
Submit via ISD portal
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