Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
Ireland Startup Visa
Irish Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Ireland’s Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) offers a unique opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to start and grow their businesses in a vibrant, supportive environment. Under STEP, applicants are required to invest a minimum of €50,000 in their business and must demonstrate that their venture is innovative, scalable, and has the potential to create jobs and economic growth in Ireland.
Successful applicants will receive a residency permit, allowing them and their family members to live and work in Ireland while developing their business. With Ireland’s access to the European market, skilled workforce, and strong support for startups, STEP provides a gateway to scaling businesses in the EU.
Key benefits:
- Residency for you and your family.
- Access to EU markets and funding.
- Low corporate tax rates and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- No requirement for initial employment creation, though business viability is essential.
Key requirements
- Innovation
- Access to a minimum of €50,000 (either self-funded or from third-parties such as angel investors)
- No criminal record
- Good character
Business requirements
Your business must meet strict criteria and must be a High-Potential Startup (HPSU). The Irish Governments defines HSPU as a startup which:
- Introduces a new or innovative product or service to global markets.
- Is involved in manufacturing or internationally traded services.
- Capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising €1 million in sales within 3 years of starting up.
- Is managed by a competent team.
- Headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
- Less than five years old from the date registration as per Article 22 of GBER from the EU Commission
As a former migrant founder, my specialism lies in helping international founders
I moved to the UK alone on a student visa in pursuit of further education when I was 17 years old.
After completing my master’s degree in international law, I was endorsed by Newcastle University for two business visas (formerly the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa replaced by the current Start-up Visa). I obtained several entrepreneur visas until receiving my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)/ Settlement in the UK. I never used a lawyer and obtained the following visas:
- Tier 4 / Student (3 separate visas)
- Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur (endorsed by Newcastle University)
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur ( Initial + Extension)
- Settlement
Milestones
My company, StudyFlats, through which I settled in the UK, achieved the following:
- Business development & property portfolio growth from 2 to 30+ UK cities (10,000 students rooms)
- 1,000+ students consulted & assisted
- Enquiries from 50+ countries
- 2 endorsements from Newcastle University for business visas (annually limited to 20 out of 6,000 students)
- Job creation for 4 people in the UK
To summarise: I know & have been through the journey…!
Work with me
Expert Opinion
I scaled a tech business to 30+ UK cities, and can help you with the commercial matters of your business.
Business Evaluation
See how viable your idea and its potential is.
Solid Plan
I will help you draft the best business plan possible.
Irish Startup Visa Consultation
🚀 Helping founders create solid business proposals & plans
As a former immigrant founder who has scaled a tech startup in the UK (and settled here via the latter), I use my business experience to create the strongest business proposition for you.
Some of the key areas that I can help with include:
- Business idea feedback: understand the practicality and processes of setting up your business
- Business plan review & writing
- Cover letter evaluation & feedback
- Marketing / Market research
- Strategy consulting
- Skills assessment
💻 Book your introduction session
Extra help
Business Plan Writing
I can help you with every aspect of your business plan.
Working with me helps you develop an articulate, credible and viable business plan / proposal.
Funding
Seeking to fund your business/start-up?
Regardless of your funding type (e.g. angel investment, VCs or crowdfunding), I will help you create a solid strategy and get started correctly.
Branding & Marketing
I have spent the past six years being in charge of digital marketing activities across several industries.
Whether you’re B2B or B2C, I can help you implement a successful digital marketing strategy.
🗨️ Irish Startup Visa | FAQ
The Irish Startup Visa, known as the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) is a visa pathway for non-EEA entrepreneurs who wish to set up an innovative business in Ireland.
Yes. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business or a medium organisation, I am able to help.
No, I work with a very broad range of businesses.
However, there are certain exceptions & specific types of industries which I may not be able to assist with due to ethical or legal considerations.
Yes.
Creating the best presentation of the business proposition in the form of a business plan is the key goal ~ and that’s where my help comes in.
I can help with every aspect of the business plan, including drafting one. Of course, this needs to be on the basis of the idea / primary research and info coming from you.
Please note: I do not produce or sell generic, plagiarised or templated business plans. All works are tailored, unique and produced by myself.
Absolutely.
I am happy to share a sample of my own previous business plan (which was approved by the UK Home Office).
This is to ensure you have an idea of the standard of work to expect.
No, unless they are specific forms of work that are publicly accessible (e.g. a blog article or digital content).
Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of business plans, I apply and operate under a policy of absolute confidentiality with my clients whom I write business plans for.