Republic of Ireland · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 7 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Residence programme for founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up in Ireland.
- Processing time
- Varies with evaluation committee review cycle.
- 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
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) for Republic of Ireland has typical processing of 6 weeks – 3 months. Sources: official Republic of Ireland government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/ireland/step-startup-visa#answer
What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) in Republic of Ireland?
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is an unsponsored Ireland route. Indicative government fees are Stamp fees €300 per year; funding requirement €50,000 minimum; indicative processing time is Varies with evaluation committee review cycle; typical duration is Initial 2-year permission; renewable; leads to Stamp 4 after 5 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) on 22 June 2026.
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian founders are a substantial STEP cohort, particularly SaaS, fintech, and ed-tech founders building European operat…
Chinese applicants
Chinese STEP applicants face heightened source-of-funds scrutiny. The €50,000 minimum funding requirement must be eviden…
Brazilian applicants
Brazilian founders use STEP particularly for SaaS, fintech, and renewable-energy ventures. Apostille via the Brazilian M…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓High Potential Start-Up credentials: new product or service in an internationally traded sector.Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) / Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ↗
- ✓Funding of at least €50,000 for the business.Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) / Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ↗
- ✓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.Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) / Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ↗
- !Funding below the €50,000 threshold.Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) / Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Detailed business plan.Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) / Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ↗
- ·Evidence of funding.Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) / Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ↗
- ·Proof of qualifications and experience.Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland) / Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ↗
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for STEP ↗
Use the official STEP page to download forms and follow the email submission and fee-payment process.
Immigration Service Delivery · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Stamp fees €300 per year; funding requirement €50,000 minimum.. A decision then typically takes 6 weeks – 3 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
How long does the STEP visa take to lead to long-term residence in Ireland?+
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme grants an initial 2-year permission that is renewable and leads to Stamp 4 after 5 years. The business plan is reviewed at the 2-year and 5-year points.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in IrelandHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Immigration Service Delivery (Ireland)
Last checked: 22 June 2026