Ireland Start‑up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

What is STEP?

• A residence permit to launch an innovative high‑growth business in Ireland.
• Initially valid for 2 years, renewable for another 3 years—leading to permanent residency after 5 years.
• Supports applicants and immediate family (spouse/partner and dependents), granting them permissions to live, work, study, or set up businesses.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

1. Be a non‑EEA national of good character (no criminal convictions).
2. Hold min. €50,000 funding (from personal resources, loans, angel/VC investment, or grants).
3. Present a High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) business plan that:
   • Offers an innovative product/service with international reach.
   • Can create ≥ 10 jobs and generate €1 million in revenue within 3–4 years.
   • Is led by an experienced team, Irish‑registered, <6 years old.
4. Ensure the business is headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
5. Exclude retail, catering, or personal services sectors.

Application Process & Timeline

1. Submit online: Completed form, business proposal, proof of funding and character to the Department of Justice via email.
2. Pay a €350 non-refundable fee by bank transfer (include “STEP – passport number” reference).
3. Quarterly evaluation: An independent committee reviews and recommends to the Minister.
4. Approval: If approved, receive a permission letter—after transferring funds and submitting affidavits.
5. Processing time: Expect 8–16 weeks, aligning with quarterly review cycles.

Conditions & Post‑Approval

• Full-time commitment to your business; cannot work elsewhere.
• Must not rely on state support, maintaining at least approx. €10,000 self-sufficiency.
• No criminal convictions post-approval.
• Must establish and run the business as stated in your application.
• Renew after 2 years; after 5, you may apply for long-term residency or citizenship.

Fees & Costs

• Application fee: €350 (non-refundable).
• Investment requirement: €50,000 committed and transferable to an Irish bank.
• IRP card: Required upon arrival; fee not included.
• Visa: Non‑EEA nationals need entry visas before traveling.
• Additional costs: Legal advice, business setup, health insurance, etc.

Why STEP?

• Access to EU markets, low corporate tax, and strong tech/startup ecosystem.
• Family-friendly: Bring spouse and dependents.
• Clear pathway to long-term residency and potentially citizenship.

Final Checklist

• Secure €50K funding and document source and transferability.
• Validate your concept is HPSU-eligible (innovation focus and high growth).
• Build a strong business plan with projections for ≥10 jobs and €1 m revenue.
• Get police clearances, health insurance, and affidavits of character.
• Prepare to pay €350 and submit quarterly aligned with evaluation windows.
• Plan for post-approval steps: bank transfer, visa application, IRP registration.