1. We arrange a meeting with you to discuss your case
We arrange an appointment with you to get a better understanding of your specific needs and requirements. We can do this over the phone, at our offices or on Skype.
Start Up Entrepreneur Programme Ireland (STEP VISA)
Are you a non-EEA national who has an innovative idea for a start-up business (or existing business) with high growth potential? Are you willing to relocate to Ireland? If so, the Start-up Entrepreneur Visa programme might be for you. For a minimum investment of €50,000. This programme offers a fast way to Irish residency status.
A High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) is a business with the potential to develop an innovative product or service that will be sold in international markets, with the potential to create at least 10 jobs and €1m in sales revenue within 3 to 4 years of starting up.
If you’d like further information about the STEP Visa, contact us on +353 (0)1 264 5555 or complete our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you within three hours or less.
Businesses that are most successful in being granted the visa have the following features
Why Ireland is a very favorable country to do business
A solid business plan
A well developed and credible business plan that would appeal to potential investors.
Rapid growth & scalability
A High Potential Start Up should not be limited geographically, a demonstration of strong export potential is important. The marketing plan should indicate the potential market size and the value proposition needs to have relevance and appeal in important international markets.
The team/founders
The programme favours an expert CEO or founder with a strong supporting management team that has the vision and knowledge in their market to succeed. This can be identified by relevant skills or a proven track record.
A quality product/service with a competitive advantage
Communicate how the product/service solves problems for the customer. Innovative start-ups in terms of technology, process, or business models are preferential for the STEP programme.
- Financial funding and supports available to High Potential Start Ups
- Access to a highly educated and highly skilled work force
- It is a committed member of the EU Single Market and the Eurozone
- The country has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world
- One of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates on trading income at 12.5%
- The banking system is up to standard, and there are no restrictions on moving your money around to other countries
- Many world-leading organisations have come to Irish shores, including Google, Facebook, Pfizer and Apple.
Talk to us today about starting your business in Ireland, one of the most innovative and fastest growing economies in Europe.
What are the requirements for the STEP visa
When completing your STEP application, there are a number of factors you need to keep in mind:
- You need to clearly demonstrate that you have the minimum funds that the programme requires. If you are the first founder of the start-up, this is €50,000. For any subsequent founder, this is €30,000.
- You need to include a detailed and robust business plan.
- The application must be a founder or main decision maker in the company e.g. CEO.
- 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.
This is where the legal team at Gibson & Associates LLP can help you. We will take the application out of your hands and work to build you a strong case. We will take complete ownership of the application, keeping you informed along the way.
The Immigration Permission
- What is the permission?
The residence permit entitles individuals to live and work for 2 years in Ireland. Then an application for visa renewal can be submitted.
- Renewal
To renew the permit, start up must be operating and have secured an assessment by the Evaluation Committee stating its success and viability.
- Family permission
Spouse/partner and children may be included in the application. If you are approved, you and your family will be able to enter Ireland on multi-entry visas, with permission to remain in the country for defined periods of time, and the possibility of ongoing renewal. The spouse may also be granted a work permit.
- Citizenship options
After 8 years of residency, residents may be eligible for naturalization.
FAQ
We get a lot of general enquiries about the start-up entrepreneur programme – many of which are easily answered and don’t require our assistance. Before you get in touch with us today, please check if your query has already been answered below.
If you are unable to find an answer, and still require help with STEP, we can help. Our quality fixed-fee service will ensure that the visa application process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Should I apply for the Irish entrepreneur visa?
The STEP programme is suitable for non-EEA residents that are experienced business people with an innovative business plan. If you’re trying to set up your business in Ireland and gain residence in one of the best countries in the world to do business, STEP could help you to achieve this.
How do I secure an Irish entrepreneur visa?
To apply for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, you need to complete the entrepreneur application form that we can prepare for you. Applicants will also have to pay a non-refundable application fee of €350.
The following documentation is needed to complete the application:
- Your passport and those of your spouse/partner and dependents (if applicable)
- Evidence of family relationships (if applicable)
- Evidence of funds
- Evidence of investment or details of start-up
- Police report or character report from risk management consultancy for yourself and for your spouse or partner (if applicable)
More information on the requirements for the STEP programme can be found in this blog post.
Is there a time limit on the application?
No, the application can be submitted throughout the year. The evaluations are held quarterly.
Do I need to be in Ireland to get the visa?
No, you do not have to be in Ireland to take part in the STEP programme, you can apply from your home country.
Do I need to prove that I am an experienced entrepreneur to apply?
While you will be judged on your resume and experience, it is not necessary to prove that you are an experienced entrepreneur. Those making the decision will do so based on your business plan.
Can I apply for the STEP programme with an existing business?
Yes, you can apply for the STEP programme with an existing business, as long as it is less than six years old at the time of your application.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful, we will advise you of the Minister’s decision in writing and the reasons why your application was refused.
Why Choose Gibson & Associates LLP?
We are one of Ireland’s leading law firms our specialised team have the experience and skill to make sure your application is both compelling and persuasive. We’ll take complete ownership of the application, keeping you informed along the way. This leaves you to get on with building your business.
Meet Our Immigration Team
what our clients say…
I needed advice upon a Brexit related immigration matter and instructed Sharon Shaw of Gibson & Associates having come across them on the internet. I am very pleased that I did. As a lawyer myself I appreciate and recognise technical expertise coupled with exceptional client care. The matter was completed ahead of time and I was kept fully informed at every step of the process with email and telephone calls promptly returned. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sharon and Gibson & Associates.
I have nothing but the highest praise for this
Company they handled a long and difficult
Immigration case and won. The Company kept me up to date on proceedings throughout . The Company have a great team of lawyers who deal with various complex proceedings and i personally would never hesitate to use them .
We highly recommend Gibson Solicitors, they got my family’s visa to come to Ireland.
We got married in December 24 2015 in the Philippines. I returned home at Feb 2016, unfortunately I got 2 strokes that year. After trying 3 three times for a tourist visa, join family they’re all refused and through my condition my doctor said that I can’t travel. 2 years and 8 months have passed. We decided to get Gibson Solicitors and the woman that helped us is Sharon Shaw. Within a couple of weeks my daughter and wife received their visa. At the 7th of November they’ve arrived in Ireland. I wasn’t expecting that they came a day before my birthday! My family is here now for 6 months. Thank you so much for your help. If you have problem about your visa like your family come to Ireland Gibson’s solicitor help you like me. Thank you so much.
My mother in law applied for a visa as a dependant family member of an eu national. She received a letter from the INIS to say that they wanted to reject her application. I made an appointment to see Sharon Shaw and she told me not to worry and that she would write a letter to the INIS to explain my mother in laws situation. She sent them ONE letter and within 4 weeks my mother in law received a letter to say her application had been successful! I would recommend Sharon to anyone who has an immigration issue. She is a real gem. Thank you so much.
OUR EXPERTISE
Gibson & Associates LLP is one of Ireland’s leading law firms. No matter your situation, our team will use their experience to make sure that you benefit from the best possible outcome.
OUR ETHOS
We put our clients at the heart of everything we do and work tirelessly to get the best results.
We treat clients and each other the way we’d like to be treated and for us “good enough” just isn’t good enough!
WE’RE FAST & RESPONSIVE
When you make contact with our team, you’ll hear back from us within 3 hours or less – that’s our promise.
WE USE CLEAR, SIMPLE LANGUAGE
We don’t try to impress with “legalese” and jargon. We use clear, plain language.
WE GIVE YOU A DEDICATED POINT OF CONTACT
The person responsible for your case will never change. You’ll be assigned a dedicated point of contact who will take charge of your case from start to finish.
OUR TRANSPARENCY
At Gibson & Associates LLP, we’re clear about our processes and transparent when it comes to costs. Before progressing any case, we offer a no-obligation consultation with our client care team and will provide you with practical options. Integrity and transparency are core to how we work with all of our clients and means we’ll always treat your case as if it was our own.
