Coming to set up a business in Ireland

Information

If you are an EEA or Swiss national you are entitled to come and work in Ireland either as an employed or a self-employed person. EEA and Swiss nationals do not require a business permission to establish a business in Ireland and they do not require a visa to visit, travel to, live or work in Ireland. Non-EEA nationals can establish a business in Ireland but they require permission to do so – see 'Business permission' below.

Information and supports

If you are coming from outside Ireland to set up a business you will need information on a number of topics such as tax and legal requirements. You can find information about starting a business and being self-employed on this website, including details of legal structures and potential liabilities. The guide to self-employment, Toil and Trouble (pdf), is available on the Department of Social and Family Affairs website.

City and County Enterprise Boards provide supports such as advice and grants to local businesses that are starting up or developing - see 'Where to apply' below.

IDA (Irish Development Authority) Ireland is an Irish Government agency with responsibility for securing new investment from overseas in manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It can provide information about setting up a business in Ireland and may provide grants to companies wishing to locate in Ireland or expand their existing operations in Ireland.

Emerge is a development partnership for ethnic minority businesses. There is a list of frequently asked questions about starting a business in Ireland on the Emerge website.

Business permission

A business permission is a written permission from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that allows you to establish and engage in a business in Ireland for a certain period. You have to meet certain criteria to apply for a business permission. The main requirements are that you must have €300,000 to invest in the business and you must create employment – see ‘Rules’ below. If your application is successful you will receive a letter granting you business permission. Usually, a business permission is granted for 1 year initially. 

Exemptions

The following non-EEA nationals do not require business permission:

• People who have been granted refugee status
• Dependent relatives of EEA nationals exercising their right to live in Ireland
• Spouses of Irish nationals who have permission to remain in Ireland
• People granted leave to remain as the parent of an Irish-born child
• People granted humanitarian leave to remain

Permission to live in Ireland

Non-EEA nationals who are granted a business permission are entitled to live in Ireland for the duration of the business permission. The letter granting you business permission should be included with your visa application if you need a visa to enter Ireland. You should also present this letter to an immigration officer when you are requesting permission to land in Ireland. Once you are in Ireland you should register with the immigration authorities.

Rules

If you are a non-EEA national applying for a business permission to start a business in Ireland, you must meet the following strict criteria:

• You must have at least €300,000 of your own money to invest in business in Ireland.
• Your business must create employment for at least 2 Irish or EEA/Swiss nationals or at least maintain employment in an existing business
• Your business must add to the commercial activity and competitiveness of the State
• Your business must be a viable trading concern and provide you with sufficient income to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without resorting to social assistance or paid employment for which a work permit would be required

Artists and writers

Artists, writers or crafts people do not have to meet the capital and employment requirements. However they must show that they are well known in their field and that they can support themselves without the need for other employment or social assistance. In these cases they should contact the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform separately.

How to apply

You apply for business permission to the Business Permission Unit of the Immigration Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service – see ‘Where to apply’ below. You must include the following documents:

• Your valid passport or national identity document
• Your registration certificate if you are already residing in the State
• A statement of character from the police authorities of each country in which you have resided for more than 6 months during the previous 10 year period
• A business plan which addresses the above criteria for a business permission. The plan should be endorsed by a firm of accountants or other relevant professionals.
• Details of your skills and qualifications to undertake this business
• References from previous employers
• Original documents from your financial institution confirming you have at least €300,000 to invest in the business
• Details of where the business will operate.

There is detailed information on business permission available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Contact the Companies Registration Office to register your business - see 'Where to apply' below. You can register and file your documents such as your annual returns online with CRO using CORE (Companies Online Registration Environment).

You can contact your local City or County Enterprise Board to find out the supports available for setting up a business in Ireland - see 'Where to apply' below.

You can find out about registering for tax from your local tax office – see ‘Where to apply’ below.

Where to apply