Ireland Investor Visa 2026: Speak to an Immigration Lawyer About Your Options
Please note: The Immigrant Investor Programme was closed in 2023 and is no longer accepting applications.
If you would like to invest a large sum of money in Ireland, you might be eligible for the Immigrant Investor Programme.
Call our lawyers today on +1 844 290 6312 to receive assistance with your application.
Page Contents:
- What is the Immigrant Investor Programme?
- Who is eligible for the Enterprise Investment?
- Who is eligible for the Investment Fund?
- Who is eligible for the Real Estate Investment Fund?
- Who is eligible for Endowments?
- How to apply for the Immigrant Investor Programme?
- What evidence of net worth is required?
- How can IAS help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ireland Still Have a Golden Visa or Investor Visa?
Note that as of 15 February 2023, the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme will no longer be accepting new applications.
Foreign nationals wishing to immigrate to Ireland for business purposes may wish to consider the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP). Alternatively, those who are self-sufficient and wish to retire in Ireland may consider applying for Stamp 0.
The Immigrant Investor Programme, also known as the Irish Golden Visa, is intended for non-European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who would like to invest money in Ireland in exchange for permanent residency in the country. Depending on the sum and the type of investment you want to make in Ireland, there are four different investment options you might be eligible for. These are:
- The Enterprise Investment
- The Investment Fund
- The Real Estate Investment Fund
- Endowments
To be able to come to Ireland under the Immigrant Investor Programme, your investment in Ireland has to be financed by your own funds. It is not possible to use a loan to get funds to apply for the program.
If your application for the Ireland Investor Visa is successful, you will receive Stamp 4 in your passport and you will have the right to reside in Ireland long term.
Why Did Ireland Close Its Immigrant Investor Programme?
The Irish Government announced the closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme in February 2023 following a review of the scheme.
The decision considered concerns raised by international organisations, including the European Commission, Council of Europe and OECD, regarding investment migration programmes and their potential implications for financial security, money laundering and wider public policy.
The Government concluded that the programme had fulfilled its original purpose and would no longer accept new applications from 15 February 2023.
Existing approved projects and applications submitted before the closure are subject to separate arrangements. The programme’s closure therefore does not automatically invalidate permissions already granted to successful applicants.
What Were the Investment Requirements Under the Former Irish Golden Visa?
Before its closure, the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme offered four investment options to eligible non-EEA nationals. Applicants had to demonstrate sufficient personal wealth and provide evidence that their investment funds came from their own resources.
The historical investment options included:
- Enterprise Investment: A minimum investment of €1 million in an Irish enterprise for at least three years.
- Investment Fund: A minimum investment of €1 million in an approved investment fund for at least three years.
- Real Estate Investment Trust: A minimum investment of €2 million in an eligible Irish-listed REIT.
- Endowment: A philanthropic contribution of at least €500,000 towards a qualifying public-benefit project.
These investment options are historical requirements and cannot be used to submit a new IIP application. They are included to explain how the former Ireland Golden Visa programme operated.
What Happened to Existing Ireland Golden Visa Applicants?
The closure of the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme did not automatically affect individuals who had already received approval under the scheme.
Existing approved projects continue to be monitored by Immigration Service Delivery to ensure that investment conditions and project commitments are fulfilled.
Applications submitted before the closure may also continue to be considered under the applicable arrangements. The processing of outstanding cases can take several years, depending on the application and its circumstances.
Anyone with an existing IIP application or permission should seek advice based on their individual circumstances rather than assuming that the closure has cancelled their immigration status.
How to apply for the Immigrant Investor Programme?
There are three steps in the application process for the Ireland Golden Visa.
First, you will have to submit an email application with a form in which you provide the details of your investment proposal in Ireland. You also have to submit documents that prove your finances and show evidence of the source of your income. Moreover, the email application has to present a business plan and an executive summary for your investment in Ireland.
Once you submit the online application form, you have to pay the application fee of €1,500. This fee is non-refundable, even if you withdraw your application. Keep in mind that payments have to be made by electronic fund transfer.
Finally, you have to send your original signed application form and the receipt for the application fee by post to the following address:
Immigrant Investor Unit,
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2 D02 XK70
Ireland
After you complete these steps, your application will be reviewed by an Independent Evaluation Committee.
What Are the Alternatives to the Ireland Golden Visa?
Although Ireland no longer offers residency through passive investment, certain individuals may qualify for other immigration permissions.
The most relevant options depend on whether you intend to establish a business, work, retire or join family members in Ireland.
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme is an option for qualifying entrepreneurs with an innovative business proposal. Other individuals may qualify through employment, family reunification or self-sufficient residence permissions.
These routes have different eligibility requirements and do not provide the same benefits as the former Immigrant Investor Programme.
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme allows eligible non-EEA nationals to establish an innovative business and reside in Ireland. Applicants must have at least €50,000 in available funding, demonstrate good character and submit a qualifying business proposal.
Successful applicants must establish and actively work in their proposed business on a full-time basis. STEP is not a passive investment scheme, and simply investing money in an existing Irish business does not automatically qualify someone for permission.
Applications can be submitted throughout the year, with proposals considered by an evaluation committee on a quarterly basis.
Stamp 0 Permission
Stamp 0 is a temporary Irish residence permission that may be available to certain financially independent individuals, including qualifying retirees.
Applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves without relying on public funds or employment in Ireland. Additional conditions apply depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Stamp 0 is not an investment visa or permanent residency programme. Individuals considering this option should check the specific eligibility and financial requirements before applying.
Can You Get Irish Citizenship Through Investment?
Ireland does not offer citizenship directly in exchange for an investment. The former Immigrant Investor Programme provided qualifying individuals with residence permission, but it did not automatically grant Irish citizenship.
Foreign nationals may eventually qualify for Irish citizenship through naturalisation if they meet the relevant residence, character and other legal requirements.
For most adult applicants, this generally involves five years of reckonable residence within the previous nine years, including one continuous year immediately before applying. Not all immigration permissions count towards this requirement.
Meeting the residence requirement does not guarantee citizenship, as applications are assessed individually by the Irish authorities.
How Can IAS Help With Your Irish Immigration Options?
Although the Irish Golden Visa is no longer available, choosing the wrong immigration route can lead to unnecessary costs, delays or a refused application.
IAS can help you understand the Irish immigration options that may be available based on your nationality, financial circumstances and relocation plans.
Our immigration advisers can assess your circumstances, explain the relevant eligibility requirements and help you prepare a suitable application where you qualify.
Contact IAS to discuss your plans to move to Ireland and receive guidance on your next steps.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on November 3rd, 2026 at 7:48 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, there is no appeal process for applications for the Immigrant Investor Programme. That means that the decision you receive is final and, if it is unsuccessful, you cannot come to Ireland under the program.
If your application is rejected, you will be issued a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. You will also be able to apply again in the future. Keep in mind, however, that the fee for the application is non-refundable so you will not get your money back.
To maximize your chances of a positive outcome, hire one of the highly-qualified immigration lawyers.
The waiting time for the decision regarding the application for the Immigrant Investor Programme varies depending on the complexity of each case. Nevertheless, most applications are processed within 3 to 4 months. If you fail to provide enough information about the planned investment or if the evidence proving your finances is not sufficient, the waiting time can be longer.
To be eligible for the Immigrant Investor Programme, you also have to prove that you are of good moral character. To demonstrate that you can use one of the following documents:
- Statement of good character issued by the police in your home country. If you lived abroad for six months or more, you also have to submit such a statement for each of the other countries.
- Due diligence screening by a reputable international risk management or security screening organization.
If your application for the Immigrant Investor Programme is accepted, you will have the right to reside in Ireland long term. Coming to Ireland under the program does not automatically grant you Irish citizenship, however.
Nevertheless, those who successfully apply for the Immigrant Investor Programme receive Stamp 4 in their passport so the time they spend in Ireland with it counts towards reckonable residence. After living in the country for a certain qualifying period of time (at least 5 years), you will have the right to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalization.
