Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Ireland’s Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), administered via irishimmigration.ie, is for founders of high-potential innovative startups. Published expectations commonly include: secured funding of at least €50,000; headquarters and control of the business in Ireland; and a credible capacity to create around 10 jobs and generate around €1 million in sales within about 3–4 years — framed as aspirational capability for evaluation, not an instant day-one quota. Successful applicants typically receive an initial residence permission of about 2 years on Stamp 4, with renewals if conditions continue to be met. Application fee is commonly cited at €350 — verify the live fee table. Critically, Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is CLOSED; do not present or budget IIP as an open pathway. Always verify-on-official-site before remitting capital.
Min. capital
Funding ≥ €50,000
Best for: Pakistani and other non-EEA founders with innovative, fundable startups ready to locate HQ and control in Ireland.
STEP materials cite minimum funding of €50,000. Source, form, and evidence of funds must match official guidance — verify on irishimmigration.ie before transferring money from Pakistan.
Investment options
- Founder equity / paid-in funding ≥ €50,000 as STEP accepts
- External investment rounds that meet the published funding test
- Irish company with HQ and control in Ireland
- Do not use closed IIP investment products — IIP is CLOSED
Eligibility
- High-potential innovative startup as assessed under STEP
- Minimum funding ≥ €50,000 (verify live rule)
- Headquarters and control located in Ireland
- Credible path toward ~10 jobs and ~€1M sales in ~3–4 years (capability, not initial quota)
- Good character and immigration admissibility
- Pay application fee (€350 commonly cited — verify)
Process timeline
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1
Secure funding evidence
Document ≥ €50,000 and source of funds to STEP standards.
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2
Incorporate Irish HQ
Company structure with control and headquarters in Ireland.
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3
Lodge STEP application
Submit via official Irish Immigration channels; pay fee; await evaluation.
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4
Stamp 4 ~2 years & renew
Enter/register; operate; renew if conditions remain met.
Family
Spouse/partner and minor children are commonly considered under STEP family provisions — confirm inclusion, Stamp conditions, and work rights for partners on irishimmigration.ie.
Work rights
Stamp 4 under STEP is designed to allow the founder to work in the approved business. Confirm exact Stamp conditions on your permission letter.
Route to PR
Long-term residence / Stamp 5-style outcomes depend on continuous lawful residence and Irish rules after STEP renewals — verify irishimmigration.ie; STEP is not itself a citizenship product.
Route to citizenship
Irish citizenship by naturalisation is separate after meeting residence and other criteria. Dual nationality with Pakistan needs advice. IIP is CLOSED and was never a passport shortcut.
Pros
- Published €50,000 funding floor and Stamp 4 founder product
- English-speaking EU base with strong tech FDI ecosystem
- Clear official statement that IIP is closed reduces false investor hopes
- Family inclusion commonly available (verify)
Watch-outs
- IIP is CLOSED — ignore agent pitches selling “Irish investor residence” as IIP
- Growth targets (~10 jobs / ~€1M) are evaluated seriously — lifestyle businesses fail STEP
- €50,000 is necessary but not sufficient without innovation narrative
- Irish corporation tax and personal tax residency need professional advice