Is Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) still open?

No. Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was permanently closed in February 2023. The programme had offered residency through investments of €1 million or more. Current alternatives include the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP), employment permits, and the Critical Investor Visa for high-value strategic investments.

How can I get residency in Ireland in 2026?

With the IIP closed, the main routes are: Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) requiring €50K funding and an innovative business idea; employment permits (Critical Skills, General, Intra-company Transfer); and the Stamp 4 entrepreneur route. Each pathway has different requirements and processing times of 4–6 months.

How long does it take to get Irish citizenship?

You can apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation after 5 years of residency — specifically, 4 years out of the last 8 years plus 1 continuous year immediately before application. Irish citizenship grants one of the world's most powerful passports with 187 countries visa-free access and US E-3 treaty visa eligibility.

What is Ireland's corporate tax rate?

Ireland has a 12.5% corporate tax rate — one of the lowest in the EU and a major reason global tech and pharma companies base their European operations there. Ireland also offers significant R&D tax credits and a Knowledge Development Box with a 6.25% rate for qualifying IP income.

Is Ireland part of the Schengen Area?

No. Ireland is an EU member but NOT part of the Schengen Area. Instead, Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the United Kingdom, allowing free movement between Ireland, the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Irish residents still benefit from EU free movement rights within the EU/EEA.

Strategic Options · Country Guide

Ireland: Residency & Investment — A Strategic Guide

The only English-speaking country in the EU. A global tech hub with 12.5% corporate tax, one of the world's strongest passports (187 countries visa-free), and a Common Travel Area with the UK. From the closure of the IIP to current alternatives, tax advantages to citizenship pathways. A data-driven, transparent guide.

Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was permanently closed in February 2023. This guide covers the current landscape: what routes remain, who they serve, and how Ireland compares globally as a residency and citizenship destination.

By: Mynd Migration, Strategic Migration Platform

IIP CLOSED

Investor Programme

€50K

STEP Min. Funding

187

Visa-Free (Passport)

12.5%

Corporate Tax

5 yrs

Path to Citizenship

Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) — Closed

Programme Permanently Closed — February 2023

The Irish Government announced the permanent closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) in February 2023 following a review. The programme had required a minimum investment of €1 million and granted Stamp 4 residency. No new applications are accepted. Existing approved applicants retain their status.

The IIP was launched in 2012 and attracted over 1,600 applications, primarily from Chinese and Middle Eastern investors. The programme was criticised for limited economic impact relative to other EU schemes. Its closure narrows Ireland's immigration options for high-net-worth individuals, but several alternative routes remain.

Current Residency & Immigration Routes (2026)

With the IIP closed, Ireland offers residency through entrepreneurship and employment pathways. These are more selective but provide genuine pathways to long-term residency and citizenship.

Route	Requirement	Processing	Status Granted
STEP (Start-up Entrepreneur)	€50K funding	4–6 months	Stamp 4 (2 yrs)
Stamp 4 (Entrepreneur)	Business plan	4–6 months	Stamp 4
Critical Investor Visa	Strategic investment	Case-by-case	Stamp 4
Critical Skills Permit	Job offer (€38K+)	4–8 weeks	Stamp 1
General Employment Permit	Job offer (€34K+)	4–8 weeks	Stamp 1
Intra-Company Transfer	ICT role	4–8 weeks	Stamp 1

STEP Programme — Key Details:

Minimum €50,000 in funding (own funds or investor backing)
Must have an innovative business idea in technology, services, or knowledge-intensive sectors
Business must be registered and headquartered in Ireland
Initial Stamp 4 for 2 years, renewable for 3 more years
No minimum job creation requirement (unlike many EU programmes)
Allows path to citizenship after 5 years of residency

Application Process (STEP Route)

The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme is evaluated by Enterprise Ireland. The process focuses on business viability and innovation potential.

Business Plan Preparation

Develop a comprehensive business plan demonstrating innovation, market potential, and scalability. Must show €50K+ in available funding.

2–4 weeks

STEP Application Submission

Submit application to the Evaluation Committee through the Department of Justice. Include business plan, proof of funding, and personal documentation.

1 week

Evaluation Committee Review

Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Justice evaluate business viability, innovation credentials, and applicant background.

8–12 weeks

Approval & Stamp 4 Issuance

If approved, receive letter of approval and register with GNIB/IRP for Stamp 4 residence permission (2-year initial term).

2–4 weeks

Business Launch & Renewal

Establish and operate the business in Ireland. Apply for 3-year renewal before initial permission expires.

Ongoing

Citizenship Application

After 5 years of legal residency (4 of last 8 + 1 continuous year), apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation.

12+ months

Tax Environment

Ireland's tax regime is one of its strongest draws, particularly for technology and knowledge-intensive businesses. The 12.5% corporate rate is among the lowest in the EU.

Tax Type	Rate	Notes
Corporate Tax	12.5%	Trading income — one of EU's lowest
Corporate (Non-trading)	25%	Passive income, rental, investment
Income Tax (Lower)	20%	First €42,000 (single person)
Income Tax (Higher)	40%	Above €42,000 threshold
USC	2–8%	Universal Social Charge on gross income
Capital Gains Tax	33%	On disposal of assets
Knowledge Dev. Box	6.25%	Qualifying IP income
R&D Tax Credit	25%	On qualifying R&D expenditure

Why Global Companies Choose Ireland:

Apple, Google, Meta, Pfizer, and hundreds of multinationals base their European headquarters in Ireland. The combination of 12.5% corporate tax, English-speaking workforce, EU single market access, and Common Law legal system creates a uniquely attractive business environment. The OECD Pillar Two (15% global minimum) will affect some large multinationals, but Ireland's broader ecosystem remains highly competitive.

Passport Power & Rights

Visa-Free Access

187 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival. Irish passport ranks among the top 5 globally. Full EU/EEA free movement rights.

US E-3 Treaty Access

Irish citizens have access to the US E-3 visa — a treaty-based work visa similar to Australia's. Significant advantage for US market access.

Common Travel Area

Free movement between Ireland, the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man. No passport required for travel within the CTA.

Family Inclusion

Spouse and children under 18 can apply for family reunification. Dependants can access the same residency status.

EU Citizenship

Irish citizenship = EU citizenship. Right to live, work, and study in any EU/EEA country without restrictions.

Dual Citizenship

Ireland allows dual citizenship. No requirement to renounce your existing nationality upon naturalisation.

Path to Irish Citizenship

Ireland grants citizenship through naturalisation after meeting residency requirements. Unlike some EU countries, there is no citizenship-by-investment shortcut.

Requirement	Detail
Total Residency	4 years out of the last 8 years
Continuous Residency	1 continuous year immediately before application
Total Time	5 years minimum from first residency
Good Character	Clean criminal record, tax compliance
Intent to Reside	Declaration of intention to live in Ireland
Processing Time	12–24 months for naturalisation decision
Language Requirement	None — Ireland has no language test for citizenship

Risk Analysis

Programme Risks

IIP permanently closed — no passive investment route to residency remains
STEP programme has limited capacity and high rejection rates for non-innovative proposals
Employment permits depend on employer sponsorship and eligible occupation lists
No guaranteed path — naturalisation is discretionary, not automatic

Cost of Living Risks

Dublin housing costs among the highest in Europe — average rent €2,100+/month
Severe housing supply shortage across major cities
High childcare costs compared to EU average
Healthcare system under significant pressure — private health insurance advisable

Regulatory Risks

OECD Pillar Two (15% global minimum tax) may reduce corporate tax advantage for large firms
Not in Schengen — Irish residency does not grant Schengen free movement
Naturalisation processing times can extend to 24+ months
Brexit effects on CTA are still evolving for non-Irish/UK nationals

Global Comparison

How does Ireland compare to other EU and English-speaking residency destinations?

Country	Investment Route	Corp. Tax	English	EU/Schengen
🇮🇪 Ireland	STEP (€50K)	12.5%	Yes	EU only
🇬🇧 UK	Innovator (£50K+)	25%	Yes	No
🇲🇹 Malta	MEIN (€150K+)	5% (struct.)	Yes	EU + Schengen
🇵🇹 Portugal	€500K (fund)	21%	No	EU + Schengen
🇪🇪 Estonia	e-Residency	0/20%	Partial	EU + Schengen
🇳🇱 Netherlands	Self-employed	19–25.8%	High	EU + Schengen

Strategic Positioning:

Ireland is not an investment migration destination in the traditional sense — the IIP is closed. It is a strategic entrepreneurship and employment destination offering the rare combination of English language, EU membership, Common Law, low corporate tax, and access to both EU and US markets (via E-3 visa). Pair with a Schengen-zone residency for complete European coverage.