Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
🇮🇪 Ireland visas · Business
What it is
Residency programme for non-EEA founders proposing an innovative, scalable High Potential Start-Up to establish in Ireland. Approved entrepreneurs (and their families) receive permission to live and work full-time on their business.
Key facts
- Category
- Business
- Duration
- 2 years initially, renewable for 3 more years; permanent residency after 5 years
- Application fee
- EUR 350
- Processing time
- Quarterly evaluation cycles by the Enterprise Ireland committee
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Key requirements
- Innovative start-up capable of creating 10 jobs and EUR 1m in sales within 3-4 years
- Minimum EUR 50,000 in funding (additional EUR 30,000 per co-founder)
- Evidence of source of funds and good character
- Business must be headquartered and controlled from Ireland
- Endorsement by Enterprise Ireland evaluation committee
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 7 June 2026.