Republic of Ireland · investor
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)
Historic golden-visa equivalent; closed to new applications from 15 February 2023.
Last reviewed:
Overview
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.
Government fees
Not applicable.
Typical duration
Closed to new applicants.
Primary source
ISD — Immigrant Investor Programme (closed) · Immigration Service Delivery
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
Route is closed to new applications from 15 February 2023.
Pre-closure routes required one of: €1m Enterprise Investment for 3 years, €1m Investment Fund participation, €2m REIT investment, or €500,000 Endowment to an approved public-benefit project.
Existing grantees retain their residence and renewal rights under the original terms; approximately 1,500 primary applicants were approved over the programme lifetime.
Common blockers
Route closed to new applicants — no appeal or grandfathering for unsubmitted files.
Historic applicants needed to demonstrate net worth of at least €2m and lawful source of funds.
Typical evidence
Existing holders renewing their Stamp 4 continue to evidence ongoing investment or endowment terms.
Application pathway
Step 1
Route closed
Ireland no longer accepts new IIP applications. Consider STEP or business-led routes instead.
Step 2
For existing holders — renew Stamp 4
IIP investors renew Stamp 4 at registration expiry, evidencing continued investment or endowment where applicable.
Step 3
Alternative Irish investor routes
STEP (Start-up Entrepreneur Programme) remains open for founders with €50,000+ HPSU-endorsed business plans.
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Related routes
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Residence programme for founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up in Ireland.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Fast-track employment permit for high-skill roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
General Employment Permit
Sponsored employment permit for roles not on the Critical Skills list but above the general salary threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Irish IIP open?
No. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. Prospective investor migrants to Ireland now typically use STEP (for genuine start-ups) or look at comparable routes in other jurisdictions.
What happens to investors already on the IIP?
Existing grantees continue on Stamp 4 under the original terms of their approval. Renewal remains available so long as the investment or endowment conditions are honoured. The Minister for Justice may still consider naturalisation after the standard 5-year reckonable residence period.
What are the alternatives to the closed Irish IIP?
Ireland's remaining business-led residence routes are the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) for genuine high-potential start-ups with €50,000 funding, and the Critical Skills Employment Permit for skilled workers on qualifying Irish salaries. Other EU jurisdictions still operate golden-visa-style routes — Portugal D7/D8 and Spain's digital-nomad visa, though Spain's property-based golden visa also closed in April 2025.
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