If you want to invest in Ireland in 2026 and you need to apply for a visa for investments/business, you can always rely on our lawyer for legal advice, who can present all the visa options available for businessmen.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | EU citizens do not need a visa. It is designed for non-EU and non-EEA investors |
Business investment option (YES/NO) | yes, startup venture, innovative products or services, manufacturing |
Real estate investment option (YES/NO) | No |
| Other investment options (if available) | Not Applicable
|
| Living requirement in Ireland (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | successful applicants will receive the Stamp 4 Residence Permit, which can open the pathway to permanent residency if the investments are maintained as per the selected investment program |
| Direct immigration with family members (YES/NO) | yes, only after the investment is approved |
| Family members allowed to join the program | spouse, civil partner, partner (for unmarried couples), minor children with an age below 18 years old. |
| Residence visa/citizenship processing time (approx.) | approximately 12-16 weeks |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (YES/NO) | Not specified |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment | 5 years for permanent residency / 9 years (the citizenship procedure can be started in a period of 12 months after the permanent residency was granted) |
| Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Reasons to choose Ireland | Ireland is the 1st country in the world on flexibility, inward investments, investment incentives. / It stands amongst the top 15 countries for innovation./ 10/10 top global pharma companies operate here, 14/15 medical tech companies carry business operations in Ireland |
| Personal income tax rate | 2 basic taxes, charged at 20% and 40% |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | 190 countries |
Table of Contents
Who is required to apply for an investment visa in Ireland?
While the citizens of EU member states do not need a specific visa to immigrate to Irelandfor business purposes, non-EU citizens are required to obtain appropriate immigration documents if they want to obtain an Ireland investment visa.
How can investors apply for the Ireland investment visa?
Foreign businessmen can apply for the Start-up Entrepreneur Program (STEP) if they reside in a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Some of the prerequisites are:
- the company in Ireland, founded by foreign investors, has to create an innovative product or service that will have the potential of being sold on international markets;
- the company can be involved in the manufacturing of the said product or services;
- the company can also operate as a business involved in services traded at a global level;
- the start-up company must be able to create 10 new jobs on the Irish employment market;
- in terms of revenues, the company must achieve EUR 1 million in sales in a period of 3-4 years since its incorporation;
- the founders must be able of hiring a management team with experience in the field and, of course, the company has to be managed from Ireland.
What documents are necessary for the STEP visa?
The law on immigration to Irelandprescribes a set of documents that have to be submitted by any eligible applicant interested in a business/investment visa. For the STEP visa, investors must prepare the following documentation:
- the investor’s passport;
- the passport of his or her family members (spouse and children – if it is applicable);
- provided that the investor will move to Ireland with close family members, the documents that attest the family ties must be added to the file (birth certificates, marriage certificate, adoption papers);
- documents attesting the minimum capital;
- company documents.
Does the STEP program impose a minimum investment?
Yes, those who want to move to Ireland for this purpose must know that the minimum investment for the STEP program is of EUR 50,000.
What financial sources are considered acceptable for the investment?
The Irish authorities will ask visa applicants to prove they have the necessary capital. They also need to present the source of these funds, as acceptable funds can be any of the following:
- personal financial resources;
- loans;
- venture capital;
- grants from the Irish state agencies.
Do I need to obtain a residence permit?
Yes, as an investor relocated here for business purposes, you must also make sure that you have anIrish residence permit, regardless of the immigration program you participate in.
Can I obtain permanent residency in Ireland?
The most important right investors can gain via an investment visa is permanent residency, but current immigration programs do not grant automatic permanent residency. Investors can obtain temporary residency at first, followed by permanent residency (after 5 years of stay) if the investment conditions are maintained.
What is the validity of the STEP visa?
Investors who apply in 2026 must know that the residency rights have been expanded to 2 years of stay, granted not only to the investors but to their family members as well. Please know that the program grants, overall (by renewal), the right to residency for 5 years.
Do I need to pay visa processing fees?
When applying for this program, the applicant has to pay a fee of EUR 350, a fee that is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Do I have employment obligations?
Yes, you will have to work full-time on your newly founded company and you will also not have other employment arrangements than the ones of your business for which you have received the STEP visa.
Are there any character requirements?
Investors interested in participating in the STEP program must know that the Irish authorities impose character requirements, which means that the applicant must provide evidence on having a good reputation.
Who can I relocate with?
As a foreign businessman applying for the STEP program, you are entitled to migrate to Ireland with your close family members, who, in this case, can be any of the following:
- spouse (proof of legal marriage/civil partnership is required);
- partners (proof of at least 2 years of cohabitation is required);
- children (they qualify for the same visa application provided that they are under the age of 18).
What is the duration of the STEP visa processing?
It can take around 2-3 months to complete the visa application. Our immigration lawyer in Ireland will make sure that the process will be a successful one. Below, you can read our infographic on the Irish investment visa, provided that you are interested to participate in this program in 2026:
How can your lawyers help me invest in Ireland?
Our team can:
- inform you on the applicable law and all other requirements of this visa program;
- provide legal representation in the visa application formalities;
- assist in incorporating a legal entity;
- represent you in the process of renting a property for residential and/or commercial purposes;
- help you in opening a local bank account;
- represent you in front of all institutions involved in the procedure.
What tax benefits can I obtain if I invest in Ireland?
Foreign businessmen can obtain a variety of tax benefits if they choose Ireland for investment purposes. We mention that Ireland is one of the top European destinations for innovative businesses, which are drawn on the local market on account on tax advantages such as:
- 12,5% corporate tax;
- 25% research and development (R&D) tax credit, refundable in certain situations;
- tax write-offs under the Intellectual Property regime;
- tax exemption on foreign dividends;
- withholding tax exemptions;
- capital gains tax exemptions (for companies operating in holdings).
Can I appeal a negative visa decision?
You will not be able to make an appeal concerning the rejection of the visa application documentation. The law states that if the application is rejected, the Irish Department of Justice will inform competent parties on why the application is rejected, and this where the procedure ends, as the decision can’t be reviewed.
Do not hesitate to contact our immigration lawyersin Ireland for assistance. Our team can help foreign investors and their families in the process of relocating to this country.
