Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) Ireland

The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) was introduced by the Irish Government in 2012 to allow for innovative entrepreneurs to apply for permission to establish their business and reside in Ireland on a full-time basis. You may apply for STEP if you:

• Are a person of good character
• Have not been convicted of criminal offences in any jurisdiction
• Have the required €50,000 funding available
• Have an innovative business proposal.

Applications for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme may be made electronically at any time. An independent evaluation committee consisting of senior public and civil servants is responsible for evaluating the suitability of your proposal. The evaluation committee will consider the proposal and may seek further information from the candidate if required. The evaluation committee will make recommendations to the Minister for Justice as to the suitability of your proposal. 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.

The following conditions must be met in order for permission to be granted:

• You must establish the business as outlined in your application
• You must work on this business on a full time basis
• You are not permitted to be employed in any other capacity
• You must not become a financial burden on the Irish State
• You 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• Residency status under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme may be withdrawn if these conditions are not met.