Republic of Ireland · Processing time
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Business-plan assessment by the STEP evaluation panel runs 6–12 weeks. Immigration permission stage is separate.
How long does the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) take to process in Ireland?
The typical published decision window is 6 weeks – 3 months from a complete application. Business-plan assessment by the STEP evaluation panel runs 6–12 weeks. Immigration permission stage is separate.
Verified against Irish Immigration Service — STEP on 1 June 2026.
Typical wait
6 weeks – 3 months
from complete application
Government fees
Stamp fees €300 per year; funding requirement €50,000 minimum.
Last checked
1 June 2026
What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)?
Residence programme for founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up in Ireland.
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.
- Sponsorship: No job offer or employer sponsor is required.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residency in Republic of Ireland.
- Typical permit length: 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.
How to read this estimate
The 6 weeks – 3 months window is the time Irish Immigration Service — STEP typically associates with the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) — measured from a complete, correctly-lodged application through to a decision, not from when you start gathering documents.
- Collecting documents, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the clock starts.
- If the authority requests more information, the clock pauses until you reply — so a fast, complete response keeps your place in the queue.
- Processing times shift with application volumes and policy changes. The Irish Immigration Service — STEP page linked below is the only figure that is current on the day you apply.
Official 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?+
The typical wait is 6 weeks – 3 months from submitting a complete application. 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 2026-06-01. Always confirm on the primary source before you apply.
When does the 6 weeks – 3 months clock start?+
The clock starts when Irish Immigration Service — STEP receives a complete, valid application — not when you begin collecting documents. Gathering evidence, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the window starts.
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 Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) application as delayed?+
Wait until you have passed the upper end of the published window (6 weeks – 3 months) before treating it as delayed. At that point, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Do not chase repeatedly, as this tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.