Ireland — founder

Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

Guide last reviewed: . Check the linked official guidance for current rules and application availability.

Requirements we check

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1 more requirement for Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

  • ✓See every requirement this route actually checks
  • ✓Find out which ones you already meet
  • ✓Get your single highest-impact next action

The full guide

STEP grants residence to a non-EEA entrepreneur (and their immediate family) to build a genuinely scalable, innovation-economy business in Ireland — it explicitly excludes retail, catering, personal services, and similar traditional businesses, whatever the business plan's quality. Applications are reviewed quarterly by an independent evaluation committee, and there's no appeal or review process if you're refused, so the application needs to be right the first time.

Cost: €350 non-refundable application fee

The full guide is locked

See exactly what Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) requires

  • ✓Every document you'll need, with what assessors actually look for
  • ✓The real stage-by-stage process, with fees and processing times
  • ✓Common pitfalls that actually cause refusals for this route
  • ✓See if YOU qualify — your real fit score, not a generic checklist

This is everything your application involves. Start a plan to get it done.

Check my own fit

Turn your research into a relocation plan

Use these free resources alongside the official instructions for your chosen route.

Pasage provides immigration pathway information and preparation help based on official public criteria. We are not immigration lawyers, regulated advisers, or agents, and we do not guarantee any visa outcome. Rules and thresholds change — always confirm against the official source linked above before you apply.

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