Launch your innovative enterprise in Ireland with confidence. This guide walks you through eligibility, application steps, the ecosystem you’ll join, plus unique insights on approval trends, alumni achievements, post-STEP pathways and more.

What Is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme?

The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) lets non-EEA founders live and build their companies in Ireland. You need an innovative, scalable idea plus funding of at least €50,000. Once approved, you receive two years’ residence permission, renewable for up to five years.
For full eligibility criteria and requirements, see the Irish Immigration Service Delivery’s overview of the STEP programme.

Who Qualifies?

To apply, you must:
– Be a non-EEA national
– Present a business plan detailing innovation and international potential
– Show access to at least €50,000 in funding
– Demonstrate relevant management or entrepreneurial experience

How to Apply and What to Expect

STEP’s application happens through the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), with an assessment by Enterprise Ireland (EI). Here’s the process:

1. Prepare your business plan and proof of funds
2. Submit application and biographic data to ISD
3. Enterprise Ireland reviews commercial viability
4. Attend an ISD interview (if required)
5. Receive decision (2–4 months on average)
6. Upon approval, secure your Stamp 1G permission and register with GNIB

For detailed guidance on submission steps and timelines, refer to Enterprise Ireland’s Start-up Entrepreneur Programme application process.

Key Documents

• Detailed business plan
• Evidence of funding (€50,000+)
• CVs of founders
• Proof of qualifications and/or past entrepreneurial ventures

Inside Ireland’s Support Ecosystem

Ireland ranks among the top 10 countries for foreign direct investment, coming in eighth in 2022 according to Grant Thornton’s fDi Intelligence Index 2023. As a STEP participant, you tap into:

• Enterprise Ireland mentorship and network
• Access to research centres at Trinity College Dublin, UCD and Tyndall National Institute
• Seed and venture capital funds specific to start-ups
• Collaborative hubs in Dublin’s Silicon Docks and innovation spaces in Cork and Galway

Role of Irish Universities

Universities often spin out breakthrough technologies that STEP founders can licence, including:
– Trinity College Dublin: health tech and AI labs
– University College Cork: biopharma incubators
– Tyndall National Institute: photonics and semiconductor research

Unique Insights You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Historical Approval Trends

According to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service 2021 Annual Report:
– STEP approvals grew from 12 in 2016 to 33 in 2021
– Rejection rates hovered around 25% annually
– Over 150 entrepreneurs have joined Ireland via STEP since launch

High-Profile Alumni

• DataRobot co-founder Jeremy Achin expanded European R&D in Dublin after entering through STEP
• Previnus, a Medtech Ireland start-up, scaled clinical trials in Cork under STEP support
  Explore more in MedTech Ireland’s STEP case studies.

Post-Arrival Challenges

Even with permission, founders often face:
– Adapting to local B2B sales cycles
– Navigating health insurance and banking setup
– Securing workspace amid high Dublin real-estate costs

STEP vs. Other EU Programmes

| Feature | Ireland (STEP) | France (French Tech Visa) | Germany (Start-up Visa) |
|———————-|—————————|———————————|————————————–|
| Minimum funding | €50,000 | €30,000 | No fixed amount; business plan focus |
| Processing time | ~3 months | 4–6 months | 3–4 months |
| Renewal term | 2 years (renewable twice) | 1 year (renewable) | 3 years |
| Government support | Enterprise Ireland grants | Bpifrance guidance | High-tech Gründerfonds access |

Beyond STEP: Residency and Tax Perks

• After five years on STEP, you can apply for long-term residency under guidelines in the Citizens Information guide on residence permission for non-EEA nationals
• Entrepreneurs may claim:
• Start-up Relief for Corporation Tax (0% for first three years)
• R&D Tax Credit at 25% of qualifying spend, per the Revenue Commissioners’ R&D Tax Credit guide

Regional Distribution

Most STEP businesses cluster in:
1. Dublin (65%)
2. Cork (15%)
3. Galway and Limerick (20%)

The Big Picture: STEP’s Impact

STEP fuels growth in tech, medtech and clean energy. By the end of 2021, participating companies had:
– Created over 1,200 jobs
– Secured approximately €180 million in investment rounds

“STEP has been a game-changer for Ireland’s innovation scene.” — Nora Owen, former Minister for Justice

Forward Momentum

By blending robust government backing, world-class research and vibrant start-up clusters, STEP stands out among EU entrepreneur visas. If you’ve got an ambitious venture and €50K in backing, Ireland awaits.

Ready to take the next step? Gather your documents, refine that pitch deck and submit your STEP application. Sláinte to launching your future in Ireland!