Ireland Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP): 2026 Guide
STEP is Ireland's active business-migration route, for founders of innovative, high-potential start-ups. With qualifying funding for an innovative business, it offers an initial two-year residence, extendable, with a path to longer-term renewals. It is the realistic route for genuine entrepreneurs - not a passive investment scheme.
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme: Key Facts At-a-Glance
Below is a summary of processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian applicants pursuing the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (Ireland).
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (Innovative founder residence) |
| Avg. Processing Time | 2 - 4 months (indicative) |
| Government Fees | INR EUR 350 application (INR 32,000 approx.) |
| English Language Min | No IELTS requirement |
| Visa Validity | 2 years initial (renewable to 5) |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Active founder route: for genuine, innovative high-potential start-ups.
- Accessible funding bar: a lower threshold than a closed investor programme.
- Renewable residence: two years initially, extendable toward longer-term residence.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Ireland visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Innovative business: A high-potential, innovative business meeting the HPSU-style criteria.
- 2Qualifying funding: Funding from the required minimum for the innovative venture.
- 3Founder capability: A credible founding team and plan to build the business in Ireland.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Test the business case
Assess whether the venture meets the innovative, high-potential bar.
Secure qualifying funding
Arrange the required funding for the business.
Build the STEP application
Prepare the plan, funding evidence and founder credentials.
Lodge and establish
Submit the application and establish the business in Ireland.
An honest reframe from closed investor visa to a viable founder route Category: Investor & Business Migration | Visa: Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
The Client: A Delhi entrepreneur came in asking about the 'Ireland golden visa', not knowing the Immigrant Investor Programme had closed.
The Challenge: The route he wanted no longer existed, and he risked wasting time and capital chasing a closed programme rather than a viable one.
How We Handled It: Explained clearly that the IIP closed in February 2023 with no passive-investment replacement. Assessed his business concept against the STEP innovation and high-potential criteria. Shaped the plan and qualifying funding to meet the STEP requirements honestly.
The Result: He pivoted from a non-existent investor visa to a credible STEP application for his innovative venture, securing an initial two-year residence to build the business in Ireland. **Why It Matters:** When a programme closes, the value is in an honest reframe. Moving the client quickly from the closed IIP to a genuine STEP route saved time and capital - and gave him a real pathway.
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.
What is the Ireland STEP programme?
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme grants residence to non-EEA founders of an innovative, high-potential start-up (HPSU) capable of creating jobs and export sales. It replaced the closed investor route as the main business-migration option, but is about building a company, not passive investment.
How much funding do I need for STEP?
You need access to the required minimum funding for a high-potential start-up (historically EUR 50,000), plus a credible business capable of scaling. The business must be innovative and export-oriented rather than a conventional local trade.
How long is STEP residence valid?
Typically two years initially, extendable in stages to five years as the business meets its milestones, after which longer-term residence can follow. Continued eligibility depends on the start-up progressing against its plan.
Can my family join under STEP?
Yes. Successful STEP applicants can be joined by their immediate family, who receive residence permission. We plan the founder and family applications together so the move is coordinated.
Check Your Ireland Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Start-up Entrepreneur 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.