Ireland•EuropeSTEP — Start-up Entrepreneur Programme
At a Glance
2–3 months
EUR €350
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Irish residence for non-EEA founders of high-potential start-ups backed by €50,000+ in funding.
Ireland's Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), run by Immigration Service Delivery since 2012, grants residence to non-EEA founders of High Potential Start-Ups capable of 10 Irish jobs and €1 million in turnover within three to four years. The innovation-led business must be headquartered and controlled in Ireland, with at least €50,000 in evidenced funding.
Successful applicants get Stamp 1 for 2 years initially, renewable for 3 more years; long-term residence is available after 5 years. The non-refundable €350 application fee is paid by electronic transfer, and proposals are reviewed quarterly by an independent committee. Immediate family receive matching residence and the spouse may work without restriction.
This visa is ideal for non-EEA founders of innovation-led, internationally scalable ventures in tech, life sciences, fintech, or advanced manufacturing with at least €50,000 in funding.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a non-EEA national with an innovative business idea.
Must have secured funding of at least €50,000 for the start-up venture.
The business must be a High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and reaching €1 million in sales within 3-4 years.
The business must be headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
Applicant must be a founder or main decision-maker (e.g., CEO, CTO).
Must be of good character and have no criminal convictions.
Must work on the business on a full-time basis.
KEY CRITERIA
Investment
50,000 EUR
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Business plan
Financial projections
Proof of funds
CV/background
Bank statements
No criminal record
Health insurance
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Permission for founder plus immediate family from day one, with spouse free to work
- 2-year initial Stamp 1 permission, renewable for a further 3 years
- Pathway to long-term residence and eventual citizenship after 5 years
- No job offer or Irish employer sponsorship required
- Funding can come from personal resources, loans, business angels, VC, or government grants
- No formal English-language test mandated for the programme
- Modest €350 application fee compared with most investor visa routes
Worth Knowing
- Business must be 'innovation-led' and capable of 10 jobs and €1m turnover in 3-4 years
- Retail, catering, and personal-service businesses are generally non-qualifying
- Applications are evaluated quarterly by an independent committee, not on rolling SLA
- Founder must work full-time on the business and headquarter it in Ireland
- Funding of at least €50,000 must be evidenced and its source documented
- Open only to non-EEA nationals; EEA and Swiss citizens are not qualifying
- Less than €50,000 in evidenced start-up funding disqualifies the application
Application Process
Develop business plan
Create an innovation-led High Potential Start-Up proposal capable of 10 Irish jobs and €1m sales within 3-4 years.
Secure €50,000 funding
From personal resources, loan, business angels, VC, or government grants; document the source.
Complete STEP application form
Download from the Irish Immigration Service Delivery STEP page.
Submit application
Email the completed form, business proposal, evidence of €50,000 funding, source of funds, and character evidence to step@justice.ie.
Pay €350 fee
Non-refundable application fee via electronic funds transfer, referencing 'STEP – passport number'.
Quarterly evaluation
An independent committee evaluates proposals on a quarterly basis; the Minister for Justice makes the final decision.
Receive permission-to-reside letter
Successful applicants are issued a letter; apply for a D entry visa if visa-required, then register Stamp 1 for 2 years on arrival.
Related visas
More visas in Ireland
Work visas in other countries
- Employment Pass (EP)
Singapore
- Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates
- TRP - Researcher/Lecturer (Leidimas laikinai gyventi - tyrėjas/dėstytojas)
Lithuania
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