Republic of Ireland
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) processing time
Business-plan assessment by the STEP evaluation panel runs 6–12 weeks. Immigration permission stage is separate.
Typical window
6 weeks – 3 months
Government fees
Stamp fees €300 per year; funding requirement €50,000 minimum.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) sits in the entrepreneur category. Typical duration: Initial 2-year permission; renewable; leads to Stamp 4 after 5 years.. Indicative government fees: Stamp fees €300 per year; funding requirement €50,000 minimum..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Founders of innovative businesses with a credible growth plan, Teams able to evidence a high-potential start-up.
Primary source
Irish Immigration Service — STEP
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-options-for-working-in-ireland/coming-to-set-up-a-business-or-invest/startup-entrepreneur-programme-step/
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) take to process?
Business-plan assessment by the STEP evaluation panel runs 6–12 weeks. Immigration permission stage is separate. These figures come from Irish Immigration Service — STEP and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.