Ireland is a very attractive country for business immigration from many points of view. Our company has been helping with organising the business immigration process for many years.
Immigration package is more expensive than to Baltic countries, but it is cheaper than UK and less complicated than Czech Republic and Germany.
Here we will give a very brief description of business immigration options in Ireland, give s a call for more detailed information.
Immigrant Investor Programme
The Immigrant Investor Programme allows non-EEA investors and the immediate family obtain multi-entry visa and remain in Ireland for up to 5 years with the possibility of renewal. The investment should be beneficial for Ireland, create jobs and serve public interest.
The investor should meet certain requirements to be eligible for this Programme:
- A once-off endowment of at least €500,000 to a public project benefiting the arts, sports, health, culture or education. The endowment can be €400,000 if it is pooled by at least 5 individuals.
- A minimum €500,000 aggregate investment into new or existing Irish businesses for a minimum of 3 years
- A minimum €1,000,000 investment in a special low interest 5-year immigrant investor bond
- A mixed investment consisting of a minimum €450,000 in property and €500,000 in immigrant investor bonds
- A minimum of €500,000 in a managed fund which would invest in Irish businesses and projects
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) allows a non-EEA national with an innovative business idea and minimum funding of €50,000 to come and set up a business in Ireland. The aim of the Programme is to support High Potential Start-Ups which are defined as start-up ventures that are:
- Introducing a new or innovative product or service to international markets
- Capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising €1 million in sales within three to four years of starting up
- Led by an experienced management team
- Headquartered and controlled in Ireland
- Less than 6 years old
Business permission
If you are not eligible for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme or if you wish to start a retail, catering, personal services or similar business you should apply for a business permission. If you are applying for a business permission to start a business in Ireland, you must meet the following criteria:
- At least €300,000 of your own money to invest in business in Ireland.
- Employment for at least 2 Irish or EEA/Swiss nationals or at least maintain employment in an existing business
- Your business must add to the commercial activity and competitiveness of the State
- Your business must be a viable trading concern and provide you with sufficient income to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without resorting to social assistance or paid employment for which a work permit would be required
