The short answer
- Already here? Stamp 4 and Stamp 5, an EU family residence card, temporary protection and EU, EEA, Swiss or UK citizenship let you run a business with nothing extra.
- Not allowed: Stamp 1 (unless your ISD letter says so), Stamp 1G, Stamp 2, Stamp 3 and Stamp 0.
- From abroad: the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP): €50,000 and an innovative start-up with international potential. You, your partner and children get Stamp 4.
- Closed: the Immigrant Investor Programme, since February 2023.
Check your route
Business route checker
Whether you can run a business now, and whether the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme fits.
What to send
From ISD’s stamps page and Start-up Entrepreneur Programme guidelines. ISD decides each case. Nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Which permissions let you run a business
| Your permission | Run a business or be self-employed? |
|---|---|
| Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 | Yes |
| EU family residence card (Stamp 4 EU FAM) | Yes |
| Temporary protection | Yes, self-employed without a permit |
| EU, EEA, Swiss or UK citizen | Yes, no permission needed |
| Stamp 1 on an employment permit | No, unless your ISD letter says so |
| Stamp 1G | No |
| Stamp 2 (students) | No |
| Stamp 3 and Stamp 0 | No, unless the letter allows a specific role |
ISD’s glossary also describes a business permission: written permission from the Minister to set up and run a business, given as Stamp 1 and usually for one year at first. ISD doesn’t publish a current application route or criteria for it, so ask ISD before relying on it.
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme
STEP is for high-potential start-ups. ISD’s guidelines describe one as:
- bringing a new or innovative product or service to international markets;
- in manufacturing or internationally traded services;
- able to create 10 jobs in Ireland and reach €1 million in sales within 3 years;
- led by an experienced team, headquartered and controlled in Ireland, and less than 5 years old.
It isn’t for retail, personal services, catering or hospitality. Meeting the money rule isn’t enough: the committee must find the idea genuinely innovative with real export potential.
| Funding | €50,000 for the first founder, €30,000 for each one after. From your own money, a business loan, angel or venture capital, or an Irish State agency grant, and it must be transferable to Ireland |
| Character | Good character, and no criminal convictions anywhere |
| Fee | €350, covering your family. Not refunded |
| Decision | A committee meets every quarter. No review or appeal if refused |
| Permission | Stamp 4: 2 years, then 3 more, then 5 at a time |
| Family | Your spouse or partner and children under 18 get the same status |
How to apply
- Write a business plan on ISD’s template, showing where your staff will be.
- Prove your funding: bank statements for the last 3 months, or letters from your lender, investors or a State agency, and a bank letter confirming the money can be transferred to Ireland.
- Email the application form and documents to startup@justice.ie.
- Pay €350 by bank transfer, with “STEP” and your passport number as the reference.
- If approved: move the funding to a bank regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and swear an affidavit on your good character. ISD helps with a visa if you need one.
Common mix-ups
Common questions
Can a non-EU national start a business in Ireland?
Yes, if your permission allows it. Stamp 4 and Stamp 5 holders, people with an EU family residence card and people on temporary protection can, with no extra permission. From abroad, the main route is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP).
What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme?
A route for non-EU entrepreneurs with €50,000 and an innovative, high-potential start-up. Approved founders, their partner and children under 18 get residence for 2 years, renewable for 3 more.
Can I open a shop or restaurant through STEP?
No. ISD's guidelines say STEP isn't for retail, personal services, catering or similar businesses. It's for innovative businesses that can sell internationally.
Can I be self-employed on Stamp 1G?
No. Stamp 1G lets you work full time for any employer, but not be self-employed or run a business.
Can I start a side business on an employment permit?
Not unless your ISD letter says so. On Stamp 1 you can only do the job your permit is for.
Is the Immigrant Investor Programme still open?
No. It closed to new applications on 15 February 2023.
Can I appeal a STEP refusal?
No. ISD says the Minister's decision is final, and a refusal isn't subject to review or appeal. You get the reasons in writing.
Sources
All sources checked on 5 Oct 2026.
- Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)Immigration Service Delivery
- Start-up Entrepreneur Programme guidelines, September 2023Immigration Service Delivery
- Immigration permission stampsImmigration Service Delivery
- Glossary of immigration terms (business permission)Immigration Service Delivery
- I want to invest in Ireland (Immigrant Investor Programme)Immigration Service Delivery