Ireland•Europe

Closed

Business Permission

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

Closed to new applications — March 16, 2016

Suspended to new applications on 16 March 2016 and not reopened. Existing permission holders may continue to renew annually; new non-EEA entrepreneurs should apply under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP).

See replacement: Start-up Entrepreneur Programme

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 months

Application Fee

300 EUR

Stay Duration

1 to 8 years

1 yr initial · extendable to 8

Renewable

Dependents allowed

PR pathway

No job offer needed

Remote work not required

Overview

The Business Permission Scheme was suspended on 16 March 2016 and is no longer open to new applicants.

The Business Permission scheme was an Irish Department of Justice route allowing non-EEA nationals to remain in Ireland to operate their own business on Stamp 1 (self-employed). It was suspended to new applications on 16 March 2016 and has not been reopened; the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is now the active pathway for non-EEA founders.

Existing holders may renew annually if they still meet the original criteria (€300,000 personal investment and employment for two EEA nationals) and produce tax clearance and business viability evidence. Renewals go through the ISD Online Portal, with the standard €300 IRP registration fee on issuance. Spouses and dependants hold Stamp 3 without work rights.

This visa is ideal for legacy holders renewing an existing Business Permission; prospective entrepreneurs should apply under STEP instead.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	1 year
Extendable up to	8 years

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Historical: €300,000 investment

Historical: Create employment for 2 EEA nationals

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Business plan

Evidence of funds

Tax clearance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Permits non-EEA self-employment in Ireland on Stamp 1
Renewable annually for existing holders with no statutory cap
Leads to long-term residency and a PR pathway after 5 years
Spouse and children may reside in Ireland on Stamp 3
Dual intent permitted — does not preclude later naturalisation

Worth Knowing

Closed to new applicants since 16 March 2016 — renewals only
Original criteria require €300,000 personal investment from own funds
Must demonstrate employment created for at least two EEA nationals
Annual tax clearance and business viability evidence required to renew
Dependants on Stamp 3 cannot work in Ireland
Scheme suspended to new applications since 16 March 2016 — new applicants must use STEP
No waiver of the €300,000 personal investment threshold for existing holders

Application Process

Renewals only: Submit via ISD portal

Verified Claims (4)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Discontinued

true

irishimmigration.ie

Discontinued At

2016-03-16

sinnott.ie

Discontinued Note

Suspended to new applications on 16 March 2016 and not reopened. Existing permission holders may con…

sinnott.ie

Replaced By Code

ie-step