Republic of Ireland · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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
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.
- ✓Funding of at least €50,000 for the business.
- ✓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.
- !Funding below the €50,000 threshold.
Typical evidence
- ·Detailed business plan.
- ·Evidence of funding.
- ·Proof of qualifications and experience.
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.
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare Republic of Ireland with
Related routes
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 →