Long-Term Stay - More Than 90 Days

STEP - Start-up Entrepreneur Programme

The Irish Government introduced the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) in 2012 as a means for innovative entrepreneurs to seek permission to establish their businesses and reside in Ireland on a full-time basis. The programme provides an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their innovative ideas to Ireland and contribute to the country’s business landscape.

Eligibility

  • Are a person of good character
  • Have not been convicted of criminal offences in any jurisdiction
  • Have the required €50,000 funding available
  • Have an innovative business proposal.

The key features of Ireland’s Tax Regime

  • Corporate tax rate of 12.5% for active business.
  • 25% Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit which may be refundable over a three year period.
  • An Intellectual Property (IP) regime which provides a tax write-off for broadly defined IP acquisitions.

Who will not qualify for residency under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme.

The scheme is not intended for retail, personal services, catering or other businesses of this nature. While each application will have to be considered on its merits, the sort of business intended for this programme are those that are part of the innovation economy, in areas of high potential growth in the future. The State agencies will play a key role in evaluating the suitability of proposed business proposals for the programme.

A High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) is defined as a start-up venture that is:

  •  Introducing a new or innovative product or service to international markets.

     Involved in manufacturing or internationally traded services.

     

    • Capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising €1 million in sales within 3 years of starting up.
    • Led by an experienced management team.
    • Headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
    • Less than five years old from the date registration as per Article 22 of GBER

    from the EU Commission.

    • Applicants are required to have secured funding of €50,000 for their business

    Proposal.

Residency Permission available under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme

    1. a) Applicants for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme who have their investment proposals approved by the Evaluation Committee shall be invited to apply for Residency Permission under the Programme.

     

    1. b) Once the applicants have provided verifiable evidence that they have transferred the funds identified in their application for approval to a business bank account in Ireland, they will be granted the following residency permission in Ireland.
    • Permission to reside and work in Ireland for two years. Where an applicant is a visa required national they will be granted a multiple entry visa for the period of two years. This is to facilitate business related travel.
    • During this period beneficiaries must have private medical insurance and must not have recourse to public funds.
    • Spouses and minor children shall be allowed to accompany successful applicants.

Renewal of Residency Permission

Permission will be renewed thereafter subject to;  

 

  • The Start-up remains in place thereafter for the designated period  
  • An assessment by the Evaluation Committee of the success or viability of the investment.  
  • The Candidates maintain their good character.  
  • The candidates maintain their private medical insurance and not having recourse to publicly funded welfare programmes.

 

 On renewal, residency permission will be granted for 3 further years. Thereafter permission may be renewed in 5 year instalments.

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