Chinese applicants · Republic of Ireland
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) for Chinese citizens
Residence programme for founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up in Ireland.
This page covers the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) specifically for Chinese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to China. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 6 weeks – 3 months
- Government fees
- Stamp fees €300 per year; funding requirement €50,000 minimum.
- Typical duration
- Initial 2-year permission; renewable; leads to Stamp 4 after 5 years.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Schengen Area
Consular processing: a Republic of Ireland consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Chinese nationals are set by Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Key figures for Chinese applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
6 weeks – 3 months
Business-plan assessment by the STEP evaluation panel runs 6–12 weeks. Immigration permission stage is separate.
Verified 1 June 2026 · Irish Immigration Service — STEP →
Time to permanent residence
Arrival → Stamp 4 (2 years on CSEP, 5 on GEP) → citizenship (5 years reckonable, typically year 6–7 from arrival).
Leads to Long-Term Residence / Stamp 4, then Irish citizenship.
Visa overview
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) grants residence to non-EEA founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) in Ireland. The business must be introducing a new product or service with potential to create at least 10 jobs in 3–4 years and €1m turnover.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓High Potential Start-Up credentials: new product or service in an internationally traded sector.
- ✓Funding of at least €50,000 for the business.
- ✓Business plan showing potential to create 10+ jobs and €1m turnover in 3–4 years.
Common blockers
- !Business is primarily retail, catering, or similar non-traded sector.
- !Funding below the €50,000 threshold.
Typical evidence
- ·Detailed business plan.
- ·Evidence of funding.
- ·Proof of qualifications and experience.
Application pathway
Develop HPSU business case
Refine the business concept in consultation with Enterprise Ireland or an experienced advisor.
Apply to STEP
Submit business plan and supporting documents to the Immigration Service Delivery evaluation committee.
Secure visa and travel
Once approved, apply for an entry visa and travel to Ireland.
Register and build
Register with ISD, receive Stamp 1 permission, and execute the business plan with reviews at 2 and 5 years.
Other Republic of Ireland routes covered for Chinese applicants
Not sure Republic of Ireland is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer entrepreneur routes that Chinese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)?+
Eligibility for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is set by Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Chinese applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Schengen Area. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)?+
a Republic of Ireland consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for Republic of Ireland as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Chinese nationals are set by Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
How long does the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) take to process from China?+
The typical published decision window is 6 weeks – 3 months. Chinese applicants usually file via a Republic of Ireland consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: Irish Immigration Service — STEP, verified 1 June 2026.
How long until permanent residence in Republic of Ireland?+
Arrival → Stamp 4 (2 years on CSEP, 5 on GEP) → citizenship (5 years reckonable, typically year 6–7 from arrival). The route leads to Long-Term Residence / Stamp 4, then Irish citizenship. See ISD — Irish citizenship by naturalisation for the qualifying-residence rules.
Can STEP founders bring their family?+
Yes. Spouses and dependants can accompany STEP founders, with spouses on Stamp 3 (no work) or eligible to apply for their own permit.
What are the requirements for the Irish STEP visa?+
STEP is for founders of a High Potential Start-Up: a business in an internationally traded sector, introducing a genuinely new product or service, with the potential to create at least 10 jobs and €1m in sales within three to four years. You need at least €50,000 in funding committed to the business and a credible business plan. Retail, catering, and similar local-service businesses do not qualify. Always confirm the current criteria with Immigration Service Delivery before applying.
How much money do I need for the STEP visa?+
The minimum is €50,000 committed to the business, and it can come from the founder, a business angel, a venture fund, or a combination. That figure is investment into the company rather than a fee. On top of it, residence registration costs €300 per year. Treat the €50,000 as a floor, not a guarantee of approval — the evaluation committee still assesses whether the start-up is genuinely high-potential.