Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Live in Ireland and build an innovative startup inside the EU's English-speaking tech hub.
Record checked Oct 21, 2026 · official source confirmed 4 Nov, 06:46 UTC
Summary
Irish residence route for non-EEA entrepreneurs with an innovative, high-potential business proposal and EUR 50,000 in funding.
Dream spread
Live in Ireland and build an innovative startup inside the EU's English-speaking tech hub.
Relocation reality check
You bring the money (EUR 50,000 required, source documented) - there is no grant; EUR 350 non-refundable fee, decisions cannot be appealed, and status can be withdrawn if the business is not run full-time as proposed.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansReality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Non-EEA persons of good character with no criminal convictions, EUR 50,000 available and an innovative business proposal.
The long game
If Ireland becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
Ireland · residency → PR → citizenship
Curated- Y0ArriveYear zero
- Y5Permanent residency~5 years
- Y5Citizenship eligible~5 years
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Income requirement
- 50,000 EUR
- Property purchase
- Not required
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance$600
- Legal & translation$400
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇮🇪 Ireland. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
- r/MoveToIreland
Relocation-focused; read the wiki before posting.
- r/AskIreland
Source trail
We could not fully confirm the key figures against the official source. Check it yourself before relying on them.
“"Have the required €50,000 funding available."”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 21, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.