Republic of Ireland · Processing time
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. No new processing times apply.
How long does the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed) take to process in Ireland?
Department of Justice — IIP does not publish a central processing time for this route. Existing applicants should contact the IIP Unit at Department of Justice. New investor migration to Ireland should consider the STEP route.
Verified against Department of Justice — IIP on 1 June 2026.
Typical wait
Not centrally published
from complete application
Government fees
Not applicable.
Last checked
1 June 2026
What is the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)?
Historic golden-visa equivalent; closed to new applications from 15 February 2023.
Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was the state's residence-by-investment route. It closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. Existing holders continue under the terms of their original grants. Former investors now typically route through STEP or Critical Skills permits.
- Sponsorship: No job offer or employer sponsor is required.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residency in Republic of Ireland.
- Typical permit length: Closed to new applicants.
- Indicative government fees: Not applicable.
Official source
Department of Justice — IIP
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-ireland/preclearance/immigrant-investor-programme-iip/
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed) take to process?+
Department of Justice — IIP does not publish a central processing time for this route. Existing applicants should contact the IIP Unit at Department of Justice. New investor migration to Ireland should consider the STEP route.
When does the Not centrally published clock start?+
Because no central processing time is published, there is no fixed start point. Contact the relevant authority once your application is submitted.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Some Ireland routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed) application as delayed?+
Because no central processing time is published for this route, there is no fixed point at which it counts as late. If your wait runs well beyond comparable cases, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Duplicate chasing tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Full visa guide
Eligibility, application steps, fees, and FAQs for the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed).
All Ireland processing times
Compare decision windows across every Ireland visa route.
Government fees breakdown
Full itemised fee schedule for the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed).
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.