Starting a Business in Ireland – Information for South African Passport Holders

If you or your spouse or de facto partner holds a European Union, Irish, or British passport, you may use alternative immigration routes that allow you to live, work, and start a business in Ireland under different conditions.
The information below is specifically for South African passport holders who require a visa to start a business in Ireland.

Starting a Business in Ireland – Who is Eligible:

• British, Irish, and EU passport holders may start a business freely.

• Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders may start a business after completing 2 years of employment and obtaining a Stamp 4.

• General Employment Permit holders must meet additional conditions before becoming eligible.

Starting a Business in Ireland for eligible stamps

Important for Work Permit Holders:

• If you are a holder or spouse of a Critical Skills or General Work Permit, you cannot start a business unless you apply separately for the appropriate permission.

• Starting a business without the correct stamp or permission could jeopardise your work permit, your spouse’s work permit, and future applications for naturalisation.

For South African Passport Holders Seeking Residency by Starting a Business: Please continue reading below for the full requirements and application process.

What is the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)?

The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) provides a pathway for non-EEA nationals to obtain immigration permission to reside in Ireland through long-term investment in approved projects.
Introduced by the Irish Government in 2012, the IIP aims to attract foreign investment that supports business development and job creation within the State.

The programme is designed for high net worth individuals who are interested in investing and establishing business interests in Ireland while securing a stable residency status.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must have a personal net worth of at least €2 million.

• A minimum investment of €1 million is required, held for a minimum of three years.

• Investment funds must come from the applicant’s own resources and cannot be financed through loans or similar facilities.

Investment Options Available:

1. Enterprise Investment

   • A minimum of €1 million invested directly into an Irish enterprise for at least three years.

2. Investment Fund

   • A minimum of €1 million invested in an approved fund regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for at least three years.

3. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

   • A minimum of €2 million invested in one or more Irish REITs listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, to be maintained for at least three years.

4. Endowment

   • A philanthropic donation of at least €500,000 (or €400,000 if five or more applications are submitted together) to a project benefitting the arts, sports, health, culture, or education sectors in Ireland.

Important Considerations:

• The Irish Government does not guarantee or take responsibility for the performance of any investment.

• Investments are private financial transactions, and investors must independently assess the risks and potential success of their chosen projects.

• Approval under the IIP signifies that the applicant and their investment meet the programme’s objectives, but is not an endorsement of any particular project.

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The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) was launched by the Irish Government in 2012 to enable innovative entrepreneurs to apply for permission to establish a business and live in Ireland full-time.

For full details on how to apply and the conditions of the programme, please see below.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible to apply for STEP if you meet the following criteria:

• You are of good character.

• You have no criminal convictions in any jurisdiction.

• You have a minimum of €50,000 in available funding.

• You have an innovative business proposal.

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