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Ireland Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) Visa Eligibility

By VISA AI Editorial TeamReviewed by VISA AI Immigration Research DeskUpdated May 16, 2026

The Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to reside in Ireland and establish an innovative start-up business. Use our free eligibility calculator to assess your chances of success for the 2026 intake.

Processing:Typically 2-6 monthsMin score:70FreeOfficial source

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1. How much funding have you secured or are confident of securing for your start-up?

2. What is the stage of development of your business plan?

3. What is your level of entrepreneurial or senior management experience?

4. How proficient are you in English?

Answer all questions to see your score

Ireland Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme Overview

Ireland Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) Visa is one of the most searched immigration pathways for people moving to Ireland

This page gives you a fast, no-signup way to check where you stand before you spend money on application fees or agents. Our calculator mirrors the official rule set and then translates the answers into a clear, percentage-based eligibility score. You will see exactly which requirements you already meet, which ones need work, and what the realistic next step looks like.

If you want a deeper, AI-personalised plan covering documents, timeline, costs and alternative pathways, run the full assessment — it compares your profile against every visa we track for your destination and ranks the routes most likely to succeed for someone with your background.

STEP Visa Requirements: Funding, Business Plan, & Experience

Funding

You must have secured at least €50,000 in funding for your start-up business.

Business Plan

You need a well-developed and innovative business plan with strong potential for job creation and economic growth.

Entrepreneurial Experience

Demonstrate relevant entrepreneurial experience or senior management experience.

English Proficiency

You must have a good command of the English language.

Involvement

You are required to be an active and integral part of the start-up's management team.

No Criminal Record

You must have no criminal convictions.

Verify with the official government source

Want to double-check requirements? Read the rules directly from . Our calculator is a guide — official policy can change at any time. Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Ireland STEP Visa: Your Questions Answered (FAQs)

At-a-glance summary

Headline numbers for this visa route. Always verify the live figure on the official source linked at the bottom of this page.
Item	Value
Typical processing time	Typically 2-6 months
Minimum qualifying score	70 points
Last verified by editorial team	2026-05-16

Step-by-step application process

Self-assess eligibility. Use this calculator and review the official Ireland Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) Visa Eligibility criteria before paying any fees. Confirm you meet every hard gate (age, language, health, character, qualifying offer or investment) — failing one gate cannot be offset by scoring well elsewhere.
Gather and translate documents. Collect passport, civil documents, qualifications, language test, police clearances from every country lived in 12+ months since age 17, and proof of funds. Obtain certified translations and apostilles/attestations where the destination authority requires them.
Submit the formal application. Lodge online through the official government portal listed on this page. Pay the correct government fee, complete biometrics at the designated centre, and upload supporting evidence in the exact format the authority specifies.
Respond to requests for evidence. Caseworkers commonly request additional payslips, employer letters, or medicals. Respond inside the deadline given — most refusals come from missed deadlines, not weak profiles.
Travel and activate status. On approval, collect your visa vignette or eVisa, enter the country before it expires, register your address where required, and collect any biometric residence permit/card. Keep digital and paper copies of every document.

Sources & references

Every figure on this page is sourced from official government or regulator publications. Cross-check before applying — rules change.

This calculator is editorial guidance, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds, points, salary floors and occupation lists change frequently — always verify your route against the official government source linked on this page before applying. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration adviser regulated in the destination country.