Start-up Entrepreneur Programme Innovative founder residence: Complete Guide
STEP is Ireland's active business-migration route, for founders of innovative, high-potential start-ups. With qualifying funding for an innovative business, it offers an initial two-year residence, extendable, with a path to longer-term renewals. It is the realistic route for genuine entrepreneurs - not a passive investment scheme.
Visa Highlights At-a-Glance
Below is a summary table representing standard processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian skilled candidates.
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (Innovative founder residence) |
| Avg. Processing Time | TBD Months |
| Government Fees | INR TBD |
| English Language Min | TBD |
| Points Eligibility Bar | Min. 0 Points |
| Visa Validity | TBD |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Active founder route: for genuine, innovative high-potential start-ups.
- Accessible funding bar: a lower threshold than a closed investor programme.
- Renewable residence: two years initially, extendable toward longer-term residence.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Ireland visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Innovative business
- 2A high-potential, innovative business meeting the HPSU-style criteria.
- 3Qualifying funding
- 4Funding from the required minimum for the innovative venture.
- 5Founder capability
- 6A credible founding team and plan to build the business in Ireland.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Test the business case
Assess whether the venture meets the innovative, high-potential bar.
Secure qualifying funding
Arrange the required funding for the business.
Build the STEP application
Prepare the plan, funding evidence and founder credentials.
Lodge and establish
Submit the application and establish the business in Ireland. | Senior Consultant Pro Tip STEP is for genuine innovators, not passive investors. We stress-test whether the business truly meets the high-potential, innovative bar before clients commit - that judgment is what separates a viable STEP application from a rejection. |
An honest reframe from closed investor visa to a viable founder route Category: Investor & Business Migration | Visa: Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
The Client: A Delhi entrepreneur came in asking about the 'Ireland golden visa', not knowing the Immigrant Investor Programme had closed.
The Challenge: The route he wanted no longer existed, and he risked wasting time and capital chasing a closed programme rather than a viable one.
How We Handled It: Explained clearly that the IIP closed in February 2023 with no passive-investment replacement. Assessed his business concept against the STEP innovation and high-potential criteria. Shaped the plan and qualifying funding to meet the STEP requirements honestly.
The Result: He pivoted from a non-existent investor visa to a credible STEP application for his innovative venture, securing an initial two-year residence to build the business in Ireland. **Why It Matters:** When a programme closes, the value is in an honest reframe. Moving the client quickly from the closed IIP to a genuine STEP route saved time and capital - and gave him a real pathway.
Verify Ireland immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
Check Your Ireland Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Start-up Entrepreneur Programme visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.