Ireland’s Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

Ireland has long held a reputation as a global hub for business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With a dynamic start-up ecosystem, favourable corporate tax regime, and strong government support for enterprise, it has become an attractive destination for founders aiming to build and scale globally. For non-EEA (European Economic Area) entrepreneurs, the Irish Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) presents a unique opportunity to establish a high-potential business while securing residency in a thriving EU economy.

This post explores the STEP initiative, its eligibility requirements, application process, and key benefits for international entrepreneurs considering Ireland as their business base.

Why Consider Ireland for a Start-up?

Ireland offers a compelling environment for business innovation:

• Open and competitive economy: Ranked among the most open economies in the world, with access to EU markets and a transparent regulatory framework.

• Favourable tax regime: A 12.5% corporate tax rate, robust R&D tax credits, and extensive double taxation agreements.

• Support for entrepreneurs: Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, and IDA Ireland all offer funding, mentoring, and networking resources.

• Highly educated workforce: A young, skilled population with strengths in STEM, business, and technology.

Did you know? Almost 1,000 multinational firms, including tech giants and pharmaceutical leaders, have made Ireland the hub of their European operations.

What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme?

Launched in 2012, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) provides a route for non-EEA nationals to establish high-potential start-ups in Ireland and gain residency rights for themselves and their families.

Key features include:

• Residency for two years initially, renewable for a further three years if conditions are met.

• Pathway to long-term stay and potentially citizenship through naturalisation, although citizenship is not directly guaranteed by the programme.

• No requirement for a job offer or labour market testing, unlike traditional employment permits.

• Permission to bring spouse, partner, and dependent children.

• The programme is administered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Important Update: As of 2023, no further applications from Russian or Belarusian citizens are accepted under STEP.

Who is Eligible?

The programme targets founders of High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs). To qualify, your business must:

• Offer a new or innovative product or service for global markets.

• Be capable of creating 10 or more jobs in Ireland and generating over €1 million in sales within three to four years.

• Be led by experienced and competent management.

• Have its head office and control based in Ireland.

• Be less than five years old at the time of application.

In addition:

• You must be a person of good character, with no criminal convictions in any jurisdiction.

• You must demonstrate access to a minimum of €50,000 in funding to support the start-up. For multiple founders applying, the required funding amount increases accordingly.

Example: A software start-up introducing a new cybersecurity platform for global markets could qualify if it demonstrates credible plans for job creation and export sales.

What Businesses Are Not Eligible?

STEP focuses specifically on export-driven innovation. Therefore, certain business types are excluded, including:

• Retail outlets and shops

• Personal or lifestyle services (e.g. salons, cleaning services)

• Catering or restaurant businesses

• Domestic market-only ventures (i.e. no international potential)

Example: A hairdressing salon, despite being a legitimate enterprise, would not qualify under STEP because it is not part of the innovation economy.

How Does the Application Process Work?

The STEP application process has two main stages:

Stage One: Application and Evaluation

• Application form can be submitted electronically at any time to startup@justice.ie..

• Proposals are reviewed by an Evaluation Committee on a quarterly basis.

• Applicants must submit a detailed business plan using the official template.

• An application fee of €350 (non-refundable) must be paid via electronic fund transfer. The payment reference should state “STEP – [passport number].” Applicants are responsible for all bank or currency exchange fees, and underpayment may delay processing.

• Lobbying or canvassing related to applications is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.

It is important to note: Meeting the funding threshold does not guarantee approval. The innovation and scalability of the business are key factors.

Stage Two: Residency Permission

If the application is approved in principle:

• The applicant must transfer the required funds (€50,000 or more) into a recognised Irish financial institution.

• Police clearance certificates must be provided from each country where the applicant has resided for six months or more in the past ten years.

• Upon satisfactory review of documents and compliance, residency permission is granted for two years.

• The applicant is required to work exclusively on the proposed business on a full-time basis and may not engage in other employment.

• Applicants must not become a financial burden on the Irish State and must maintain private health insurance.

• There is no access to public funds such as social welfare or housing assistance.

An entrepreneur relying on personal savings must provide original bank statements for the three months preceding the application, showing the required balance.

What Happens If Your Application is Unsuccessful?

• The decision of the Minister for Justice is final.

• There is no review or appeal process available for refusals under the STEP programme.

A rejection under STEP cannot be challenged through appeal or review channels.

What Happens After You Arrive?

Once granted residency:

• The entrepreneur can reside and work in Ireland full-time for two years, solely in their own business.

• Private health insurance must be maintained.

• No access is available to public funds.

• After two years, residency may be renewed for a further three years if the business is progressing and the individual remains of good character and compliant with programme terms.

Can Family Members Join?

Yes. STEP allows applicants to bring:

• A spouse or civil partner, or in some cases a de facto partner (with proof of cohabitation).

• Dependent children under 18, or under 23 if in full-time education.

Applicants must provide relevant documentation, including:

• Marriage or partnership certificates.

• Birth certificates for children.

• Proof of dependency for older children.

Next Steps for Interested Entrepreneurs

If you’re considering applying to the STEP programme:

• Engage professional legal or business advisory services to help draft a robust business plan aligned with Irish HPSU expectations.

• Begin developing your innovation-led start-up concept, with clear market research and international growth strategy.

• Ensure access to eligible funds and prepare documentary proof in advance.

• Review all INIS guidance documents and templates carefully.

Ireland’s Start-up Entrepreneur Programme provides a practical and well-regulated pathway for ambitious, globally minded entrepreneurs to set up their ventures in a thriving EU economy. While the bar for innovation and scalability is high, those with a compelling proposition and sound planning can benefit from both the country’s dynamic start-up ecosystem and the potential for long-term residency.

For tailored advice or support with preparing a STEP application, don’t hesitate to contact us.