Ireland

About Ireland Citizenship and Residency

Ireland is becoming the new hotspot for investors seeking the path of investment for long-term residency and citizenship in Europe. The Irish economy is expanding and Ireland is home to many startups, established multinationals, and exciting innovations.

The IIP was introduced by the Irish Government in 2012 to encourage inward investment for the creation of business and employment opportunities in the State. The program is designed to encourage investors and business professionals from outside the European Economic Area to avail themselves of opportunities of investing and locating their business interests in Ireland and acquire secure Ireland residency status.

Immigrant Investor Program (IIP)

The Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) is a pathway for non-EEA nationals to secure immigration permission to Ireland based on a long-term investment of a sum of money in a project that has been approved for that purpose by the Department of Justice and other Government stakeholders.

Under the Irish Immigrant Investor Program, non-EEA nationals, and their dependents (spouse and children under 24), who make an approved investment in the country, may obtain a temporary residence permit, renewable. 

Each application will be examined on its merits in a qualitative examination by an independent interdepartmental committee. The funds invested have to be legally acquired and owned by the investor (not borrowed).

Citizenship: After you have proven that you have been legally resident in the State for at least 5 years out of the last 9 years. This includes 1 year of continuous residence immediately before the date you apply and pay all taxes, you’ll be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship and a passport. An Irish passport will enable you to travel to more than 185+ countries in the world. Your family members are also eligible to apply for citizenship. Once you get your passport, you can reside, work, or study in any of the EU countries with no additional visa requirements.

Investment Options:

1. Enterprise Investment

• A minimum investment of €1 million in either a single Irish enterprise or spread over several enterprises for a minimum of 3 years. The enterprise may be establishing a start-up or investing in an existing business registered in Ireland. The enterprise must be registered and headquartered in Ireland and the investment must support the creation or maintenance of employment.
• The enterprise you invest in must be registered in Ireland. It can be a new business or an already-existing one, but at least 60% of the workforce and cost base must be located in Ireland.
• If your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit for 5 years: an initial permit for two years, and another 3-year permit if you still keep the investment.
• After these 5 years, you will be free to apply for renewals in 5-year tranches. You will not be required to establish actual residence in Ireland, but just visit Ireland at least once per year.

You have to submit the following documents via email to the Irish Department of Justice:

• Comprehensive business plan. The plan must highlight the financial investment made for the visa as well as the extent of the equity you will acquire in the business. There is a business plan template available on the website of the Irish Immigration website.
• If investing in an existing business, submit the business’ latest audit records.

2. Approved Investment Fund

• Invest at least €1 million in an approved investment fund in Ireland and keep the investment for at least three years.
• The investment funds have to be approved and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. You can see the latest data and list of authorized investment funds on their website.
• The investment fund must have been pre-approved for the program by Immigration Ireland, and it must be private equity or venture capital fund focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund must also have a minimum target size of €20 million.

You have to submit the following documents via email to the Irish Department of Justice:

• Detailed profile of the investment fund, that clearly states the following:
  • Investment strategy
  • Source of funding
  • Investment pool for the fund
  • Target return on investment; and
  • Employment projections of the investments under the fund.

3. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT)

Under this Investor Visa Ireland option, candidates must invest in an Irish REIT. A REIT is a listed company used to hold rental property in a manner that mitigates investor risk yet avoids double taxation. A REIT will typically invest in a diverse pool of properties to minimize risk and must distribute most of its profits every year.

• Invest at least €2 million in an Irish Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and keep the investment for at least three years.
• You may divest at most 50% of the shares after three years, and another 25% after four years.
• The investment may also be spread across several different REITs, but all investment funds must be listed on the Irish Stock Exchange.

You have to submit the following documents via email to the Irish Department of Justice:

• An indication that you wish to invest in a REIT. Do not state which listed option you chose, to avoid the leak of sensitive information.
• Proof you have the necessary funds for the investment.

4. Endowment (Donation Option)

• A minimum of €500,000 (or €400,000 where 5 or more applications are received) philanthropic donation to a project which is of public benefit to the arts, sports, health, culture, or education in Ireland.
• Investors do not get any financial return or recoupment of this endowment.

You have to submit the following documents via email to the Irish Department of Justice:

• The business plan template is available on the Irish Immigration website. You can adapt the template for this type of investment.
• Details of how your investment will be used and how it will benefit the general public.

Benefits Of The Ireland Residency By Investment Program

• 2-Year Residence Visa for successful applicants
• Ireland is part of the European Union
• Opportunity for visa renewal after 2 years of residence visa
• Dependents included:
  • spouse or civil partner
  • children under the age of 18
  • children between the ages of 18 and 24 may also be considered in certain circumstances.
• Ability to live, work and study in Ireland
• Possibility to apply for permanent residence or citizenship if certain requirements are met

Ireland Residency Requirements And Qualifications

– If you are investing in an existing Irish business or relocating a business to Ireland, the most recent audited accounts for that business should be submitted in support of the application.
– Business Plan: For investments in existing businesses, relocating a business, and new business proposals, you should submit a comprehensive business plan which identifies the financial investment being made in support of the application for residency under this program. The business plan should indicate how the funds will help create or maintain employment in the business
– Evidence of net worth of at least €2 million.
– Provide an explanation of all of your economic activities for the previous 12-month period.
– Evidence of the funds that are to be used for the investment and their source.
– Evidence that the money can be transferred.
– Comprehensive health insurance.
– Discount for Education Expenses. If you wish to educate yourself or your family members in Irish higher education institutions, you may avail of a maximum discount of €50,000 on your investment for any educational expenses that they intend to commit to in Ireland.
-You are a person of good character
-You have not been convicted of a criminal offense in any jurisdiction
-You have an interest in investing in one of the four eligible investment options mentioned above.

Steps And Timeline

Step 1: Find a qualified Ireland immigration lawyer

Step 2: Evaluate Ireland’s investment immigration and citizenship by investment options with legal counsel

Step 3: Work with an Irish immigration attorney to obtain all required supporting documentation

Step 4: Submit an application to Ireland immigration officials based on one of the four currently available investment options, together with supporting documentation. A non-refundable filing fee of €1,500 must be paid for the main applicant and any accompanying family members. Ireland Investor Visa applications are only accepted during official intake “windows” that occur approximately five times a year and last about 25 days each.

Step 5: Obtain approval of the Investment Visa application from the Immigration Ireland Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee is empowered to recommend Investment Visa applications for approval by the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Step 6: Once the Minister for Justice and Equality approves an Irish Investor Visa application, the candidate must make their prescribed investment and submit proof that the investment has been made in full

Step 7: Supply evidence of sufficient private medical insurance

Step 8: Submit an Affidavit of Good Character issued by an attorney at law licensed to practice in Ireland. This requirement is separate from the statement of good character from the police that was included in the initial application.

Step 9: Once the investment is officially confirmed, successful applicants will be granted an initial two-year residency in Ireland together with any eligible family members that were included in the application. Ireland Investor Visa holders need not reside in Ireland to maintain their residency.

Our Services

Privacy World offers its services to anyone, not only looking to obtain residency and/or citizenship processes but our experts figure out legal ways to:

• Find the best solution for your needs.
• Identify and deploy a strategy to help you accomplish your goals.
• Activate our network of people in the country where you need help without having you search for the best solution or lawyer. We only work with licensed people in every country whom we carefully vet and pass our guidelines and principles of privacy we stand for.
• Focus on cutting through the red tape and to expedite your process.
• Provide proper communication with you about your case.
  …. and above all: Offer you legal strategies to provide additional layers of privacy for your identity, while obtaining your residency or citizenship!

Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Ireland, assisting in getting you settled in the country and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.

Want Privacy World to handle your case? Have any questions? Contact us!

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