Ireland Residence by Investment

Yes. Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), which previously required a minimum investment of EUR 1 million, was closed to new applications in February 2023. The Irish government decided not to reopen the programme. However, Ireland continues to welcome entrepreneurs and skilled professionals through the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), employment permits, and the Critical Skills Employment Permit. TopNation Global advises clients on the most suitable alternative pathway to Irish residence.

The Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is Ireland’s primary entrepreneur immigration pathway, administered by Enterprise Ireland. It is designed for non-EEA nationals with an innovative business idea and a minimum of EUR 50,000 in funding. The business must operate in the innovation, technology, or knowledge-intensive sectors and must demonstrate the potential to create employment and generate revenue in Ireland. Successful applicants receive residence permission for an initial two-year period, renewable for a further three years.

STEP is designed for innovative, scalable businesses with potential for international growth. Qualifying sectors include technology, software development, life sciences, fintech, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and other knowledge-intensive industries. Traditional businesses such as retail, catering, personal services, and property development do not qualify. The business proposal must be endorsed by Enterprise Ireland, which assesses the venture’s innovation potential, management capability, and economic contribution to Ireland.

Yes. STEP holders and employment permit holders may apply for family reunification to bring their spouse and dependent children to Ireland. Family members receive their own residence permissions, granting them the right to live in Ireland. Spouses may also apply for a Stamp 1G permission allowing them to work in Ireland without the need for a separate employment permit. Dependent children have access to Ireland’s education system. Family reunification applications are processed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

STEP applications are evaluated by Enterprise Ireland on a rolling basis, with decisions typically issued within three to six months of submission. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the business proposal, the completeness of supporting documentation, and the volume of applications under review. TopNation Global ensures all documentation is comprehensive and the business proposal meets Enterprise Ireland’s evaluation criteria from the outset, helping to minimise delays.

Irish citizenship through naturalisation requires five years of reckonable residence in Ireland — specifically, four years of residence within the eight years preceding the application, plus one continuous year of residence immediately before the application date. Applicants must demonstrate good character, intend to continue residing in Ireland, and make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State. Ireland permits dual citizenship, so applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality. An Irish passport provides visa-free access to over 190 countries and full EU citizenship rights.

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed for highly skilled professionals in occupations where Ireland has identified a shortage. It requires a job offer from an Irish employer with a minimum salary of EUR 38,000 for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List (or EUR 64,000 for certain other eligible occupations). The permit is issued for an initial two-year period, after which the holder may apply for Stamp 4 permission, allowing them to work without a permit. This pathway can lead to permanent residence and ultimately Irish citizenship.

Ireland offers one of the most competitive corporate tax environments in the OECD, with a headline rate of 12.5% on trading income. The country has an extensive network of double taxation agreements with over 70 countries. Ireland also operates a favourable regime for intellectual property, R&D tax credits, and the Knowledge Development Box. Personal income tax rates are higher (up to 40% plus USC and PRSI), but careful structuring can optimise the overall tax position. Pre-immigration tax planning is advisable, and TopNation Global works with qualified Irish tax advisors to ensure clients structure their affairs optimally.

Ireland is a member of the European Union but is not part of the Schengen Area. Irish residence permits do not automatically grant visa-free travel to Schengen countries. However, non-EEA residents of Ireland may apply for Schengen visas for short-term travel. Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the United Kingdom, permitting free movement between Ireland and the UK without immigration controls. Upon obtaining Irish citizenship, holders receive an EU passport with full freedom of movement throughout the European Union and Schengen Area.

Ireland combines EU membership and English-language business operations with one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. The country hosts the European headquarters of major technology companies including Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Salesforce. Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland actively support start-ups and foreign direct investment. Ireland’s young, highly educated workforce, strong legal protections for intellectual property, access to the EU Single Market, and competitive corporate tax rate of 12.5% make it one of the most compelling destinations for international entrepreneurs.

No. The Immigrant Investor Programme, which included a real estate investment option, was closed in February 2023. Real estate investment in Ireland remains available to foreign nationals for personal or commercial purposes, but it does not qualify as a route to Irish residence under any current immigration programme. Entrepreneurs and investors seeking Irish residence must pursue one of the alternative pathways — STEP, employment permits, or the Critical Skills route. TopNation Global can advise on combining property acquisition with an appropriate residence strategy.