Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

The applicant must be a non-EEA national of good character, without criminal convictions, and must present an innovative business proposal. A qualifying high-potential start-up should introduce a new or innovative product or service to international markets, operate in manufacturing or internationally traded services, have an experienced management team, and be headquartered and controlled in Ireland. Retail, catering, hospitality, personal services and similar local-market businesses are generally not suitable.

The first founder must secure at least EUR 50,000. Each additional principal who is not a family member must generally show EUR 30,000. Funding may come from personal resources, a business loan, angel or venture-capital investment, or an Irish State-agency grant. Applicants must document where the money came from, that it is genuinely available, and that it can be transferred to Ireland. Following approval, the approved funding must be transferred to an Irish regulated financial institution or business bank account before residence permission is issued.

A comprehensive business plan is mandatory. It should clearly explain the innovation, international customer need, competitors, management team, ownership and Irish control, operating model, funding, use of capital, staffing by country, revenue model and three-year growth potential. Viamora may assist with market research, competitor analysis, business modelling, financial projections, implementation planning and commercial supporting documents.

A note on AI-generated plans: Generic, copied, inaccurate or unverified AI-generated material can undermine credibility and should never replace founder-specific evidence and independent verification.

STEP publishes no fixed personal net-worth or separate maintenance-fund amount. However, the founder must not become a financial burden on the State and must maintain private medical insurance without relying on public welfare. The STEP application fee is EUR 350 and covers the principal and nominated family members. Visa-required applicants may also pay the applicable entry-visa fee, and immigration registration is generally EUR 300 per person where payable.

Applications may be submitted electronically at any time. The application includes the official form, business proposal, evidence of funding and its source, and good-character documentation. An Evaluation Committee considers business proposals quarterly and may request more information. Ireland does not publish a fixed end-to-end STEP processing time, so applicants should plan around the quarterly evaluation cycle and later visa, transfer and registration stages.

A spouse or partner and minor children may generally accompany the successful founder, subject to relationship and custody evidence. STEP entrepreneurs are currently within the category that may seek immediate family reunification for spouses, partners and minor children. Initial residence is granted for two years and may be renewed for three years if the business remains viable and programme conditions continue to be met. The Guidelines indicate possible long-term residence after five years. Citizenship is separate, discretionary and not guaranteed by STEP.