Business visitors for establishment purposes (BVEPS)
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorization regarding entry and temporary stay
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Work permit requirements
An employment permit is not required by persons admitted under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP). Successful applicants and their nominated family members will be granted residence in Ireland for two years and they can apply for renewal for a further three years. Renewal is subject to compliance checks. After 5 years residence, participants under the programme can apply for long term residence in the State.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
Candidates should only submit applications for high potential start-up businesses. It is possible to apply for STEP if the applicant:
- is a person of good character
- has not been convicted of criminal offences in any jurisdiction
- has the required €50,000 funding available
- has an innovative business proposal.
Applications for the STEP may be made by email to startup
justice [dot] ie (startup@justice.i)e at any time. Please note that proposals submitted as part of an application are considered on a quarterly basis by an Evaluation Committee.
The following documentation is required for applying for STEP:
- Application for Start Up Entrepreneur Programme and immigration approval
For the online application you must submit the following by email:
- Completed STEP application form.
- Supporting documentation as listed in the Guidelines including evidence of your €50,000 funding, details of the source of this funding and evidence of your good character.
- A proposal outlining your innovative business idea.
These documents must be submitted by email to startup
justice [dot] ie (startup[at]justice[dot]ie). - Application Fee
An application fee of €350 is required and must be paid by electronic transfer. Details are provided on the ISD website at https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-options-for-working-in-ireland/coming-to-work-for-more-than-90-days/start-up-entrepreneur-programme-step/. The €350 fee covers the principal applicant and all nominated family members. Application fees are non-refundable in the event of unsuccessful applications.
The Evaluation Committee will consider the proposal and may seek further information from the candidate if required. It should be noted that the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme unit will only communicate with the candidate and their nominated legal or financial representative.
Applicants who are successful and whose proposals are deemed suitable by the evaluation committee and the Minister for Justice, will be issued with a letter granting them permission to reside in the State.
Applicants must be able to provide evidence that the funds for their STEP project are readily accessible and are held in a financial institution as set out in the guidelines on https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-options-for-working-in-ireland/coming-to-work-for-more-than-90-days/start-up-entrepreneur-programme-step/.
The following conditions must be met in order for permission to be granted, the applicant:
- must establish the business as outlined in your application
- must work on this business on a full-time basis
- must not be employed in any other capacity
- must not become a financial burden on the Irish State
- must not be convicted of a criminal offence in any jurisdiction.
Residency status under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme may be withdrawn if these conditions are not met.
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme does not provide for preferential access to citizenship for successful applicants. Successful applicants are free to apply for citizenship in the normal manner under the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1957-2004.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
Spouses and minor children are allowed to accompany successful applicants.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
Permission will be renewed thereafter subject to:
- the start-up business remaining in place for the designated period
- renewal application being received in the STEP unit by email to startupjustice [dot] ie (startup[at]justice[dot]ie)
- the candidates maintaining their good character
- the candidates maintaining their private medical insurance and not having recourse to publicly funded welfare programmes. On renewal, residency permission will be granted for 3 further years. Thereafter permission may be renewed in 5-year instalments.
The decision of the Minister is final and a rejection of an application for residence under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme shall not be subject to a review or appeal. Applications for renewal of permission are subject to compliance with the terms of the programme.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
If you are a visa required national, you will be granted a multiple entry visa for the period of two years. This is to facilitate business related travel. During this period you must have private medical insurance and must not have recourse to public funds.
Short-term business visitors (STBV)
Short-stay business visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
A short stay business visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for activities related to your job, including to:
- attend meetings
- negotiate or sign agreements or contracts
- -work for 14 days or less.
Work permit requirements
NA - this visa does not allow you to work in any way (paid or unpaid) for more than 14 days.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
The following documents must be submitted:
- application summary sheets
- application letter including the reason(s) you want to come to Ireland, dates you plan to arrive and leave
- you must have a written invitation from a host in Ireland to apply for a short-stay business visa. Your host may be a customer, a supplier, or a company/organisation
- accommodation plan or letter confirming everywhere that you will stay in Ireland, including the dates you will stay at each place and printed reservation confirmations (emails or letters) of your accommodation
- travel & medical insurance
- proof of fee payment (where relevant)
- passport
- travel plan to-or-from Ireland through a different country
- if you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from you must submit proof that you have permission to be in that country
- passport photos
- finance plan
- proof you will return home
- details of any previous visa refusals
More details about your application for a short-stay visa
Where and how to file an application
You must apply for a visa from your home country, or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel. All short-stay visas are called 'C' visas. The application has 3 parts:
- Create a visa application online here
- Pay the visa application fees if applicable
- Send your passport & other documents for processing
- In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after receipt of documents.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport (up to a maximum of 90 days). You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain in Ireland without permission.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
In exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland. To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unexpected way after you arrive in Ireland.
An extension will not be granted to attend a meeting/event or any non-emergency or probable reason. You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Rules regarding accompanying dependants
Each traveller must apply for a separate visa. Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
When you arrive at border control in Ireland, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering the country to the immigration officer. To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents.
Read what to expect at border control
This visa does not allow you to:
- work in any way (paid or unpaid) for 15 days or longer
- rely on Irish public services, e.g. public hospitals.
Short-stay performance/tournament visa
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorization regarding entry and temporary stay
A short-stay performance/tournament visa allows you to come to Ireland for up to 90 days to stage a performance or to take part in a competitive tournament. This includes:
- sport
- culture, e.g. music, theatre, dance, etc.
Competitions, e.g. chess, debating, etc.
Work permit requirements
N/A - This visa does not allow you to work in any way (paid or unpaid) for more than 14 days.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
You must submit the following documents:
- application summary sheets
- application letter including the reasons you want to come to Ireland, dates you plan to arrive and leave
- you must have a written invitation from a host in Ireland to apply for a short-stay business visa. Your host may be a customer, a supplier, or a company/organisation.
- accommodation plan or letter confirming everywhere that you are staying with your host (with proof of address)
- travel & medical insurance
- proof of fee payment (where relevant)
- passport
- travel plan to-or-from Ireland
- finance plan
- proof you will return home
- any previous visa refusals
More details about your application for a short stay performance or tournament visa.
Where and how to file an application
You must apply for a visa from your home country, or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel. All short-stay visas are called 'C' visas. The application has 3 parts:
- Create a visa application online here
- Pay the visa application fees if applicable
- Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you.
Application fees and indicative processing time
In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after receipt of documents.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport (up to a maximum of 90 days). You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
In exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland. To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unexpected way after you arrive in Ireland.
An extension will not be granted to attend a meeting/event or any non-emergency or probable reason. You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Rules regarding accompanying dependants
Each traveller must apply for a separate visa. Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
This visa does not allow you to:
- work in any way (paid or unpaid) for 15 days or longer
- rely on Irish public services, e.g. public hospitals.
Links
Irish Immigration Service (visas)
Garda National Immigration Bureau
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Employment Permits Section)
Department of Foreign Affairs
Contractual service suppliers (CSSS)
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorization regarding entry and temporary stay
Contract for Services Employment Permit
Work permit requirements
The Contract for Services Employment Permit is designed for situations where a third-country undertaking (Contractor) has won a contract to provide services to an Irish entity (Relevant Person) on a contract for services basis and to facilitate the transfer of non-EEA employees to work on the Irish contract in Ireland.
Generally, it is preferred that employment permit holders are employed, salaried and paid under an Irish employment contract and therefore in the case of Contract for Services Employment Permits, strict criteria apply as employees are remaining employed and salaried by a third-country based employer.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
The contract involved must be a one-to-one contract with an Irish entity. Employment permits will not be considered in instances where work is being subcontracted to a third party.
Contract for Services Employment Permits are strictly limited to positions required for the service of the contract and cannot be considered for any occupations listed in the Ineligible Categories of Employment for Employment Permits or those contrary to the public interest.
The employee in question must have been working for a minimum period of six months with the Contractor prior to transfer in order to support the contention that the Contractor was awarded the contract on the basis of the skills and service he or she could provide.
Employer ‘Contractor’ Criteria
- The Contractor in question must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners as an employer, and, if applicable, be registered with the Companies Registration Office.
- Employment permits will not issue unless at the time of application at least 50% of the employees of the Contractor or the Relevant Person (i.e. person in the State with whom a contractor has entered into a contract of service) are EEA nationals.
A Labour Market Needs Test is required in most cases, other than:
- Applications in respect of occupations on the Critical Skills Eligible Occupations List
- where the job offer is in respect of an eligible employment with a minimum annual remuneration of €64,000, or
- applications submitted with a recommendation from the Enterprise Development Agencies (this applies to client companies of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland only).
Remuneration Criteria
In order to achieve the minimum annual remuneration threshold of €40k for a Contract for Services Employment Permit, the following components are deemed to be remuneration:
- Basic salary to achieve at least National Minimum Wage or a rate of pay fixed under or pursuant to any enactment, as the first component of the remuneration package.
- In addition, the following components may be added to bring the proposed remuneration to the appropriate employment permits threshold of €40k:
- a payment for board and accommodation, or either of them, or the monetary value of board and accommodation directly provided by the contractor
- health insurance payments made to a health insurer registered with the Health Insurance Authority on its Register of Health Benefits Undertakings under Section14 Health Insurance Act, 1994 or what the Minister is satisfied is the equivalent.
All components of the remuneration must be paid by the contractor.
Documents required
It is a condition of the grant of the Employment Permit that the following information is included in the non-EEA national’s payslips:
- the amount of the basic salary that is paid at the time of the making of the application by the third-country employer to the third-country national,
- where the amount of basic salary is less than National Minimum Wage or a rate of pay fixed under or pursuant to any enactment, the additional payment to be made by the third-country employer to the third-country national,
- the total amount of the amounts referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b),
- all deductions to be made by the third-country employer on the amounts referred to in (a) and (b) above, (if any),
- in respect of the total amount referred to in (c) above, the amount to be paid to the third-country national during the period for which the employment permit is to be granted net of the deductions referred to in (d) above.
Payslips are required to be submitted at time of renewal of an employment permit. Payslips that do not clearly set out the basic salary as set out above will affect the application for renewal.
Information that clearly demonstrates either the payment or monetary value of the board and/or accommodation component of the remuneration package and/or the payment of health insurance will also be required at time of application for renewal of the employment permit.
Where and how to file an application
An application for a Contract for Services Employment Permit should be made to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment at least 12 weeks before the proposed employment start date. The Contractor must make the employment permit application for a Contract for Services Employment Permit.
An application can be made online on the Employment Permits Online System. There is a User Guide available on the online system which guides the applicant through the process and details the documentary requirements for each employment permit type.
Application fees and indicative processing time
The processing fee for a Contract for Services Employment Permit is:
- €500 for an employment permit of 6 months or less duration or
- €1,000 for an employment permit from 6 months up to 24 months duration.
The processing fee for renewal of a permit is:
- €750 - for an employment permit of 6 months or less duration or
- €1,500 - for an employment permit from six months, up to 36 months duration.
If an application is unsuccessful, 90% of the fee will be refunded.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
At the cessation of the contract or when the permit expires, the permit holder in question must leave Ireland.
It should be noted that a permit holder after holding a Contract for Services Employment Permit for one year may apply for an alternative employment permit e.g. a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit. The application will be evaluated in line with the normal applicable criteria and rules for the employment permit type.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
The duration of a Contract for Services Employment Permit is for the defined period given with regard to the contract.
Applications may be granted for a maximum period of up to 24 months in the first instance and may be extended upon application to a maximum stay of five years.
An application in respect of the renewal of a permit can be made online on the Employment Permits Online System within 16 weeks prior to the expiry of the existing permit, on the relevant form and supplying the information and documentation requested thereon.
Rules regarding accompanying dependants
Spouses/dependants/partners of Contract for Service Employment Permit holders are not eligible for a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit and must apply for a separate employment permit in their own right e.g. a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
Where an applicant wishes a refusal decision to be reviewed then he/she may do so within 28 days of the date of decision on the prescribed Submission of a Decision for Review Form. The review will be considered by a separate and more senior official. The confirmation of a refusal decision on review does not preclude the applicant from submitting a new application following all of the relevant procedures for the specific employment permit type.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
An employment permit is not a Residence Permission. In order to be lawfully resident in the State, it is a requirement that all non-EEA nationals in possession of an employment permit must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau following admission to Ireland and obtain a certificate of registration.
If you live in Dublin City or county, you must register at Burgh Quay Immigration Registration Office. This office is managed by the Irish Immigration Service.
If you live outside Dublin City or county, you must register at your local immigration registration office. These offices are managed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (police) and located at Garda stations nationwide.
Currently, children aged below 16 years old are not required to register.
Independent professionals (IPS)
Work permit requirements
Self-employed persons are not eligible for an employment permit
Investors
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorization regarding entry and temporary stay
Immigrant Investor Programme
Work permit requirements
An employment permit is not required by persons admitted under the Immigrant Investor Programme. All successful candidates and their nominated family members will be granted a residence permission in Ireland under “Stamp 4” conditions. “Stamp 4” conditions permit third-country nationals to work, to study or to start their own businesses in Ireland.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
There are four investment options for non-EEA nationals who wish to acquire permission to reside in Ireland through the Immigrant Investor Programme:
Enterprise Investment
- A minimum investment of €1.0 million in an Irish enterprise for a minimum of 3 years.
Investment Fund
- A minimum investment of €1.0 million in an approved Investment Fund for a minimum of 3 years.
Real Estate Investment Fund (REIT)
- A minimum investment of €2 million in any Irish REIT that is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. The €2 million investment may be spread across a number of different Irish REITs.
Endowments
- A minimum endowment of €500,000 in a project of public benefit in the arts, sports, health, cultural or educational field.
An IIP application form must be completed and sent with the following supporting documentation:
Enterprise Investment
- If the applicant is investing in an existing Irish business or is relocating a business to Ireland, s/he must submit the most recent audited accounts for that business.
- For investments in existing businesses, relocating business and new business proposals, the applicant should submit a comprehensive business plan, which clearly identifies the financial investment being made in support of the application for residency under this programme.
The business plan should indicate how the funds will help create or maintain employment in the business. Business plans may be completed in the template which is available for download at www.irishimmigration.ie
- The plan should also be clear as to the extent of the equity in the business being acquired by the investor and the manner in which the investor will receive a return on the investment.
Investment Fund
Details of the supporting documentation when applying for the Investment Fund option are available at: Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
- As part of the application process an investor need only indicate that a REIT investment is their preferred option and that they have the required funding for their investment. The investor must not indicate which individual listed REIT they intend to invest in. This is to avoid market sensitive information being provided.
- Any investments in a REIT made prior to the granting of approval of a REIT investment under the Immigrant Investor Programme will not be considered an eligible investment. The required minimum €2 million investment in a REIT must be made only after conditional approval has been granted.
Endowment
- Applicants who wish to pursue the endowment option should provide details of how the endowment funds are to be utilised by the beneficiary and how their endowment will be of public benefit in Ireland.
- The business plan template at the bottom of the Immigrant Investor Programme web page, can be adapted by the investor or the receiving organisation for this purpose.
Where and how to file an application
The IIP application form lists the documents which must be submitted with an application. All documents must be apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in the applicant’s country of residence. These documents must be submitted by email to iip&stepapplicationsjustice [dot] ie along with the application form.
Application fees and indicative processing time
The application form must be accompanied by proof that the application fee of €1,500 has been transferred.
Applications take on average six months although they may take longer if the Evaluation Committee require more information from an applicant.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
Immigration permission is initially for two years and may be renewed for a further 3 years, and thereafter in 5-year tranches.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
Immigration permission is initially for two years and may be renewed subject to certain conditions being fulfilled during this period. Evidence must be provided that:
- The designated investment is still in place, or your philanthropic donation has been utilised by the registered charity.
- The investor has not become a financial burden on the Irish State.
- The investor has not been investigated, indicted, or convicted in relation to any criminal offence in any jurisdiction.
A letter will issue renewing your permission for a further 3 years once you have met these conditions. After the initial five years your immigration permission may be renewed subject to certain conditions being fulfilled during this period. See further information here.
Rules regarding accompanying dependants
Residency status is also available for spouses/partners and minor children for whom the principal applicant and/or their spouse or partner has legal guardianship. In certain cases, children between the ages of 18 and 24 will be considered.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
The decision of the Minister on an application is final and a rejection of an application for residence under the Immigrant Investor Programme shall not be subject to a review or appeal. This does not, however, prevent the person concerned from making a new application at a later date.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
Further requirements
Following admission to Ireland, you must register with your local immigration officer and obtain a certificate of registration.
If you live in Dublin City or county, you must register at Burgh Quay Immigration Registration Office. This office is managed by the Irish Immigration Service.
If you live outside Dublin City or county, you must register at your local immigration registration office. These offices are managed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (police) and located at Garda stations nationwide.
Please see under ‘Conditions’ for all information on International Service Providers.
Please see under ‘Conditions’ for all information on International Service Providers.
Please see under ‘Conditions’ for all information on International Service Providers.