Ireland start-up residence permit

Legal grounds

The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is designed for entrepreneurs ready to build an innovative, high-potential startup in Ireland. The main conditions:

• An innovative project. The business has to offer a new or improved product or service aimed at international markets.
• Financial requirements. You need at least $56,200 (50,000 euros) to invest in the startup. If there are several founders, each one contributes at least $33,700 (30,000 euros).
• A business plan. You need a detailed plan showing the potential to create 10 jobs in Ireland and reach $1.13 million (1 million euros) in turnover within 3-4 years of launch.

Dollar amounts use the market rates, rounded up: 1.1229 dollars per euro on 20 October 2026 and 6.65 Danish kroner per dollar on 17 October 2026.

Cost by item

• start-up funding - from $56,200 (50,000 euros), plus $33,700 (30,000 euros), for each additional founder;
• application fee - $394 (350 euros), non-refundable even if refused;
• company registration in Ireland with our support;
• residence registration after arrival, health insurance and housing.

Our manager calculates the cost of support for the programme itself in the chat.

How applications are reviewed

Applications are filed online at any time of year and assessed by an independent evaluation committee that meets quarterly. The committee looks at whether the project can become a high-potential start-up: a new product or service, international markets, 10 jobs and $1.13 million (1 million euros) turnover within 3-4 years. The programme requirements did not change in 2026. If the committee finds the project not strong enough, the application is refused, and you can reapply with a revised business plan.

Which projects do not qualify

• retail, restaurants and personal services with no technological novelty;
• projects aimed only at the Irish market;
• applications where funding is not documented for the full amount.

Path to citizenship

After the first 2 years the permission is renewed for 3 years, and after 5 years of legal residence in Ireland you can apply for citizenship. Naturalisation requires 5 years of reckonable residence in the last 9, including a continuous year before applying. More on the Irish citizenship page.

Comparison with other European start-up programmes

The Netherlands is cheaper to start but issues a one-year permit with no renewal. Ireland requires more money at the start but offers an English-speaking environment, 12.5% corporate tax and a short path to citizenship.

Documents

1. A business plan describing the product, markets, team and a 3-4 year financial forecast.
2. Proof of funding for the full amount: bank statements, investor agreements or a grant decision.
3. The founder's CV and qualifications.
4. Passport and proof of no criminal record.
5. For the family - marriage and birth certificates.

Documents in other languages are translated into English.

After approval

Russian citizens need a visa to enter Ireland, issued after programme approval. Within 90 days of arrival you must register with the immigration service and get a residence permit card; the fee is $337 (300 euros). A spouse and children under 18 move with the founder.

Taxes in Ireland

Profit from a company's ordinary trading activity is taxed at 12.5%, one of the lowest rates in Europe, while a company's passive income is taxed at 25%. Individuals' income is taxed at 20% and 40% plus social contributions. You become tax resident after 183 days in the country in a year or 280 days over two consecutive years.

What a high-potential start-up is

The committee assesses the project against the criteria of the state enterprise development agency. A high-potential start-up:

• brings a new or improved product or service to international markets;
• can create 10 jobs and reach $1.13 million (1 million euros) in annual sales within 3-4 years;
• is run by a team with proven experience;
• is registered in Ireland and managed from Ireland;
• is no more than 6 years old.

Such projects are most often in technology, medicine and pharmaceuticals, financial technology and export-oriented manufacturing.

What to know before applying

• Ireland is not in the Schengen area, so an Irish residence permit gives no visa-free Schengen travel: Russian citizens still need a Schengen visa for that.
• At renewal you show how the business plan is progressing: hiring, turnover, accounts and taxes paid.
• Project funds must be proven for the full amount at the time of application; promises from future investors do not count.

Benefits of the Ireland start-up residence permit

How to get the Ireland start-up residence permit: step by step

FAQ