Traditional businesses
Non-EEA entrepreneurs planning a traditional business in Ireland
What you get
- An initial assessment of whether Business Permission or STEP suits your plans better
- Confirmation of the current requirements and application process with ISD
- A review and strengthening of your business plan and financial evidence
About this service
Business Permission
Business Permission is the route for non-EEA nationals who want to set up or run a business in Ireland that doesn't qualify for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, for example in retail, services or catering. ISD doesn't currently publish a dedicated guidance page for this scheme, so requirements are assessed case by case. We review your plans, confirm the current requirements with ISD and prepare a strong application. Because there's no current published guidance, it's especially important to confirm the requirements before investing. We help you compare Business Permission with STEP and other routes so you choose the one most likely to succeed.
€615
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
6
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Hands-on investors
Investors who want to buy or establish an Irish business and run it themselves
At a glance
Eligibility (long-standing requirements)
01
Investment
Investment of at least €300,000 of your own funds in the business
02
Job creation
A business plan showing the business will create at least two jobs for EEA nationals
03
Viability
The business will be viable and will add to the Irish economy
04
Good character
Good character, with police clearance from countries where you've lived
05
Self-sufficiency
You can support yourself and your family without public funds
Our promise
What's included
Business Permission
€615
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 6 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We assess your plans and recommend the best route.
- 2Step 2
We confirm the current requirements with ISD.
- 3Step 3
We help you build the business plan and evidence.
- 4Step 4
We prepare and submit the application.
- Step 5
After approval, we guide you through the visa and registration.
Good to know
Our fee
€615 VAT included. Government fees are separate.
Government fees
Confirmed with ISD for your application, plus visa and registration fees (€300) after approval.
Processing time
No published processing time. Allow several months.
Investor programme closed
The Immigrant Investor Programme closed in February 2023, so passive investment no longer leads to residence.
Business plan
Your business plan should show realistic job creation and financial projections.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Business Permission is the route for non-EEA nationals who want to set up or buy a business in Ireland and run it themselves, where the business isn't the kind of innovative, export-focused start-up that the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme is designed for: for example a shop, a restaurant or a services business. Its long-standing requirements are an investment of at least €300,000 of the applicant's own funds in the business, and a business plan showing that the business will be viable and will create at least two jobs for EEA nationals. Applicants must also be of good character, with police clearance, and able to support themselves and their family without public funds. Business Permission has traditionally been granted on Stamp 1, which allows the holder to run the approved business. Immigration Service Delivery doesn't currently publish a dedicated guidance page for the scheme, so the requirements should be confirmed with ISD before applying. Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme closed in February 2023, so passive investment no longer leads to residence: Business Permission is for people who will actively run their business.
If your business is innovative and export-focused, often yes. STEP needs €50,000 rather than €300,000. We'll compare both routes with you.
Family arrangements depend on the permission granted. We'll advise you on your family's options.
Not under this route. Business Permission is for people who will actively run the business.
Business Permission has traditionally been granted on Stamp 1, which allows you to run your approved business.
Yes. You'll need private medical insurance, or suitable travel insurance, to register your permission once you arrive.
Permission is usually granted for a set period and renewed if the business is trading as planned. We'll confirm the current terms with ISD.
Your business can apply for employment permits for non-EEA staff if it meets the normal rules, including the 50:50 rule.
Ready when you are
Get started with Business Permission
€615
€615
Business Permission