STEP vs IIP: which Irish visa is right for you?
Two business immigration routes: the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) for high-potential startups, and the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) for significant approved investment.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) (STEP) | Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) (IIP) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Entrepreneur residence | Investor residence |
| Who it's for | Non-EEA founders of an innovative, high-potential start-up with funding who want to set up in Ireland. | High-net-worth non-EEA investors who made a qualifying investment in Ireland (closed to new applicants since 2023). |
| Government cost | No application fee (~€300 IRP card on approval) | Was ~€1,000 application fee plus the qualifying investment |
| Processing time | Assessed in periodic evaluation rounds | Programme closed in February 2023 |
| Length of stay | 2 years initially, then 3-year renewal | Residence renewed in line with the investment |
| Where to apply | Apply to ISD (evaluation committee rounds) | Closed - no new applications accepted |
| Work rights | Run your own qualifying start-up business | Investor and family may live, work and study |
| Pathway to PR | Successful entrepreneurs can progress to long term residence and citizenship. | Existing approved investors retain a path to long term residence; programme not open to new entrants. |
Which is right for you?
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) (STEP)
Non-EEA founders of an innovative, high-potential start-up with funding who want to set up in Ireland.
Full STEP guide →Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) (IIP)
High-net-worth non-EEA investors who made a qualifying investment in Ireland (closed to new applicants since 2023).
Full IIP guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, STEP or IIP?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) (STEP) is the lowest at No application fee (~€300 IRP card on approval). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, STEP or IIP?
Indicatively Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) (IIP) is the quickest at Programme closed in February 2023. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between STEP and IIP?
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) (STEP) is for non-EEA founders of an innovative, high-potential start-up with funding who want to set up in Ireland. Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) (IIP) is for high-net-worth non-EEA investors who made a qualifying investment in Ireland (closed to new applicants since 2023).