Investing in Ireland

Information

If you are an EEA or Swiss national you are entitled to come and work in Ireland either as an employed or a self-employed person. EEA and Swiss nationals do not require a business permission to establish a business in Ireland and they do not require a visa to visit, travel, live or work in Ireland. Non-EEA nationals can establish a business in Ireland but they require permission to do so.

If you are coming from outside Ireland to set up a business you will need information on a number of topics such as tax and legal requirements.

Schemes for self employed non-EEA nationals

Immigrant Investor Programme

The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is open to non-EEA nationals who commit to an approved investment in Ireland. The Immigrant Investor Programme requires a minimum investment of €1m, from the applicants own resources and not financed through a loan or other such facility, which must be committed for a minimum of three years.
Full information on the programme can be found here.

Start-up Entrepreneur Programme

The purpose of the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme is to enable non-EEA nationals and their families who commit to a high potential start up business in Ireland to acquire a secure residency status in Ireland. The Programme was established by the Irish Government in 2012 to stimulate productive investment in Ireland.

Full information on the STEP programmer is available here.

Information and supports

If you are coming from outside Ireland to set up a business you will need information on a number of topics such as tax and legal requirements. You can find information about starting a business and being self-employed on this website, including details of legal structures and potential liabilities.

Businessregulation.ie is a portal to help you identify the main regulations which affect your business.

Citizens Information provide information on many aspects of life in Ireland, including taxes, social welfare, moving and employment among many others.

The National Enterprise Hub is a one-stop shop where you can easily find and learn about the range of government support programs available to Irish businesses

Contact the Companies Registration Office to register your business. You can register and file your documents such as your annual returns online with CRO using CORE (Companies Online Registration Environment).