Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP): Closed — 2026 Alternatives
Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) — its residency-by-investment or ‘golden visa’ route — closed to new applications in February 2023. If you were considering the IIP, this page explains the closure honestly and sets out the realistic 2026 alternatives, chiefly the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) for founders and the Critical Skills Employment Permit for skilled professionals.
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Context only: the IIP is closed - no new applications are accepted.
- Honest reframe: we route investor intent to STEP or the CSEP.
- Realistic planning: we set accurate expectations rather than chasing a closed route.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Ireland visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Not applicable: The IIP is closed; there are no current eligibility criteria to meet.
- 2Alternative assessment: We assess STEP eligibility for founders or CSEP for skilled professionals.
- 3Honest expectation-setting: We explain the closure clearly before any planning.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Acknowledge the closure
Confirm the IIP is closed and no new applications are possible.
Assess real alternatives
Evaluate STEP for a genuine business, or the CSEP for skilled employment.
Choose a viable route
Select the realistic pathway that fits your profile and goals.
Plan and lodge
Proceed under the chosen active route.
Verify Ireland immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
Is the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme still open?
No. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications in February 2023 and has not reopened. Any service claiming to still place new IIP applicants should be treated with caution. We only advise on routes that are genuinely open.
What are the alternatives to the Ireland IIP?
For entrepreneurs, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) offers residence for founders of an innovative, high-potential business with the required funding. For skilled professionals, the Critical Skills Employment Permit is the fastest route to Stamp 4 residence. We assess which fits your profile.
Can I still get Irish residency through business?
Yes, through the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) rather than passive investment. STEP requires a genuine, innovative business and a funding commitment, and leads to residence permission that can be renewed as the business meets its milestones.
Will the IIP reopen?
There is no confirmed plan to reopen the Immigrant Investor Programme. Immigration policy can change, but you should plan around the routes available now rather than a possible future reopening. We keep clients updated if the position changes.
Which route suits an Indian investor or founder best?
If you want to build a company in Ireland, STEP is the route to examine. If your goal is residence through skilled work, the Critical Skills Employment Permit is usually faster and cheaper. In a consultation we map your capital, goals and timeline to the most realistic option.
Check Your Ireland Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Immigrant Investor Programme visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.