Business & investor visas
Irish Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
A residence route for non-EEA founders with an innovative, high-potential business proposal, letting them establish their start-up and build the company in Ireland.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The €50,000 funding figure and two-year permission length are drawn from the STEP Guidelines; verify against the latest published STEP Guidelines on irishimmigration.ie before publishing, as programme terms can change.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ireland government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
- Route type
- Business / entrepreneur residence programme (Immigration Service Delivery)
- Funding
- Evidence of €50,000 in funding for the business
- Confirm against the current STEP Guidelines before publishing
- Initial permission
- Two years' residence to establish the business
- Assessment
- Proposals evaluated on a quarterly basis by an evaluation committee
Who it is for
- Non-EEA entrepreneurs with an innovative business proposal
- Founders of high-potential start-ups in the innovation economy
- People able to fund and work on their business full time in Ireland
Requirements
- An innovative business proposal in a high-potential growth area
- Evidence of €50,000 in funding and details of its source
- Evidence of good character (no criminal convictions in any jurisdiction)
- Commitment to work on the business full time and not take other employment
- The business must not become a financial burden on the State
What you can do
- Establish and run your start-up in Ireland
- Reside in Ireland on a full-time basis for the granted period
- Cannot be employed in any other capacity while on the programme
How to apply
- Complete the STEP application form and a proposal outlining your innovative business idea
- Submit supporting documentation including proof of funding and good character
- Applications are considered quarterly by the evaluation committee
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.