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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Ireland Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was closed to new applications on February 15, 2023. For those seeking residence through investment, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) and the approved charitable donation route offer limited alternatives; Ireland retains its appeal as an English-speaking EU country.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

IIP status
Closed (February 15, 2023)
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Innovative business, ~EUR 50,000 funding
Donation route
Approved projects (limited, oversubscribed)
Residence
At least one visit per year
Language
English-speaking EU country

Who is it for?

  • Those seeking alternative routes to live in Ireland now that the IIP has closed.
  • Entrepreneurs wishing to establish an innovative and scalable business (STEP).
  • Those prioritizing residence in an English-speaking EU country.
  • Those seeking residence with a low physical presence requirement (one visit per year).

Alternatives After the IIP

Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP): Offers a residence route for entrepreneurs with an innovative, high-potential business idea.

Charitable donation route: Assessed through qualifying capital donations to approved healthcare and education projects; however, eligible projects are limited and oversubscribed.

Building a Startup Route

With the Immigrant Investor Programme closed, Ireland's most active route for investment-minded applicants now runs through enterprise rather than passive capital. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme suits founders with an innovative, scalable business idea and the funding to support it, which makes it a natural fit for those who genuinely want to build something in an English-speaking EU country. The path begins with an eligibility assessment, moves through a credible business plan or project, then the application, and finally residence. Because the physical presence expectation is light, requiring only periodic visits, it works for entrepreneurs who split their time across borders while establishing the venture. Preparation should be thorough. A clean criminal record and clear evidence of the legal source of your funds are essential, and families can be included, so gathering documents for a spouse and children early is sensible. The alternative donation route exists but is limited and heavily subscribed, so it rewards realistic expectations. Since these programmes turn on the strength of a business case rather than a fixed sum, and criteria can shift, it is worth testing your plan with a qualified adviser before applying.

Benefits

  • Residence in an English-speaking EU country.
  • Possibility of establishing an innovative business through STEP.
  • Low physical presence requirement (one visit per year).
  • Family members can be included.

Requirements

  • An innovative and scalable business plan and funding for STEP.
  • An approved project for the donation route.
  • Clean criminal record and legal source of funds.

Costs

IIP (investor program)
No longer available (closed in 2023)
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
~EUR 50,000 funding
Donation route
Project-based

Process

  1. Eligibility assessment

    Determining eligibility for STEP or the donation route.

  2. Business plan / project

    Preparing the approved business plan or donation project.

  3. Application

    Submitting a formal application to the relevant program.

  4. Residence

    Obtaining the residence permit after approval.

FAQ

Is the Ireland golden visa (IIP) still open?
No. The IIP was closed to new applications on February 15, 2023.
Is residence through investment still possible in Ireland?
The direct investor program has closed; however, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) or the approved donation route may be considered.
Do I have to live in Ireland?
Continuous residence is not required; however, at least one visit to Ireland per year is required to maintain the permit.
How much funding is required for STEP?
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme generally requires approximately EUR 50,000 in funding and an approved business plan for an innovative and scalable business.
What happens to existing IIP holders?
IIP permits approved before the program closed are preserved and can be renewed as long as conditions are met.
Is there a path to citizenship in Ireland?
Irish citizenship can generally be applied for after 5 years of reckonable residence.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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