Ireland Investor Visa Guidance | McGinley Solicitors LLP

In 2012, Ireland launched its original Investor Visa Programme. Just one year later, in 2013, it was enhanced to offer individuals from outside of the EU the opportunity to achieve Irish residency by investing a minimum amount of money in an Approved Investment Fund.

Now called the Ireland Golden Visa Programme, the aim of the initiative is to boost Irish investment and allow innovative business professionals with a track record of success a chance to live and work in Ireland. However, with a few specific Ireland visa requirements and a laborious application process, it’s not always so straightforward to apply. Here, we explain everything you need to know.

Types of Investor Visa

Currently, there are four types of Ireland Investor Visas. This includes:

The Enterprise Investment, where individuals must invest at least €1 million into an Irish enterprise
An Investment Fund, where at least €1 million must be invested into an approved investment fund
A Real Estate Investment Trust, which is also known as a REIT. This is where at least €2 million must be invested into an Irish REIT that’s listed on the Irish Stock Exchange
An Endowment, where at least €500,000 must be donated to an Irish beneficial project.

Investor Visa requirements

If you’re interested in obtaining an Ireland Golden Visa, you need to meet the following criteria:

Be of a good character, without criminal convictions anywhere in the world.
Have a personal net worth of over €2 million or the equivalent. This can include assets and inheritance but must be accessible.
You must invest in one of the four above investment types.

How Do I Apply for an Investor Visa?

Once you’ve decided which Ireland Investor Visa you want, you can apply using the relevant application form. This must be completed in full and with accurate information. You’ll also be required to submit supporting documentation which confirms your identity, eligibility and fund source.

As well as this, the application requires a business plan, which needs to be personal and tailored to you and the specific investment option that you’ve chosen. During the application stage, you’re not required to make any investments, but you will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of €1,500.

In terms of supporting documents, officials will want to see a valid passport, your birth certificate, a marriage certificate (if applicable), proof of medical insurance, evidence of income and/or loans, and evidence of your net worth. Investor visa requirements also include proof that the source of your funds is legal and that you have a good character in the countries where you’ve lived for more than six months over the last ten years. For this, you’ll need a statement from the appropriate police authorities.

Can I get Irish Citizenship Through the Investor Visa Programme?

Yes, if your application for an Irish Investor Visa is approved then, after five years of Irish residency, you may apply for Irish citizenship if you meet the following criteria:

You must have lived in Ireland for at least four of the past eight years. Your home must have been in Ireland, and you must have spent at least ten months of each year there.
You must prove that you’ve been ‘continuously resident’ in Ireland in the 12 months before citizenship. This means that you haven’t left the Republic of Ireland in the last year and includes trips to Northern Ireland.

How can McGinley Solicitors LLP help me with an Investor Visa in Ireland?

Having helped thousands of people in Ireland with a range of legal services and specialising in immigration law, McGinley Solicitors LLP is the team to turn to if you want to apply for an Ireland Golden Visa. Our specialist team has experience in Irish citizenship, work permits, immigration permission and more, so you can trust that we’ll take care of everything you need to reside in Ireland, safely and legally.

So, whether you have any questions or just want to know more about the services we offer, get in touch today on 1800 998 969.

Ireland Investor Visa FAQs

What are the benefits of an Ireland Investor Visa?

One of the biggest reasons why someone chooses to apply for an Investor Visa is because they’re a non-EEA national looking to live and work in Ireland after the UK departed from the EU. Not only does Ireland have positive relationships within the EU but it offers business owners and investors competitive business tax rates and an English-speaking workforce. As well as this, there is an opportunity to get an Irish passport and Irish citizenship if certain conditions are met.

What happens after the application process?

Once you’ve submitted your application for Ireland’s Golden Visa, it will be assessed by the Evaluation Committee, which will then make a recommendation to the Minister of Justice on whether or not your application should be approved.

If both the Minister and Committee approve your application, you’ll receive a letter which pre-approves your status and asks you to make the appropriate investment. After this, and once your investment has been confirmed, you’ll receive another letter which confirms your right to live in Ireland. Next, you are required to make an appointment to register your residence and get your residence permit.

Can I leave and re-enter Ireland?

If you have an Ireland Investor Visa, you aren’t required to have a visa in order to re-enter. You can leave and enter as many times as long as your status is valid.

Do I have to live in Ireland?

No, you don’t have to live in Ireland in order to maintain your Investor Visa status. As an accepted applicant, you have the freedom to travel in and out of Ireland, conducting business here and overseas. You also have the benefit of being able to live in Ireland but if you want to make it your official home, you’re not able to apply until five years have passed.

Does the Investor Visa application accept dual nationality?

Yes, Ireland and its Investor Visa programme does accept dual nationality. However, it’s recommended that you check the laws and regulations of the other country you’re a national of. If not, you could be at risk of relinquishing your nationality which would have an impact on your immigration status.