Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen
Ireland Startup Visa
Ireland 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.
Eligibility
- 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
The Process
Verify that you meet all eligibility criteria, including meeting the minimum investment threshold (€50,000).
Please note that citizens of Russia and Belarus are unable to apply for the STEP program.
Develop your concept into a viable business proposition. This is an area that I am able to assist with, utilising my expertise as a former technology entrepreneur.
Create a structured and evidence-based business plan demonstrating your commercial objectives, operational roadmap, and how the business will generate employment opportunities.
I strongly recommend engaging my assistance as the business plan can make or break your application.
Application
Download and complete the application form.
You will require the following:
Fully completed STEP application form
All supporting documents specified in the official Guidelines, including verification of the €50,000 investment funds, proof of the origin of those funds, and evidence demonstrating good character
A comprehensive proposal describing the innovative business idea
Application Fee
You must pay the application fee of €350 by electronic fund transfer. This fee is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until the fee has been paid in full.
The Evaluation Committee conducts a detailed assessment of your proposal, focusing on how innovative the idea is, whether it is commercially sustainable, and the extent to which it can create new jobs.
If your application is successful, the authorities will issue a formal letter of approval, which you can then use to apply for your Stamp 4 residence permission.
Ireland Startup Visa Consultation
I will evaluate your business concept for eligibility under the STEP visa.
I review your business idea to determine whether it meets Ireland’s STEP innovation criteria and stands out in the local market. This involves analysing the originality of the concept, the problem it solves, its competitive advantage, and its potential to introduce new technologies, processes, or business models. The outcome is a clear assessment of how the idea qualifies as “innovative” under the programme, along with recommendations for strengthening its positioning if needed.
Detailed review of your business plan
I will help you conduct tailored market research to help you assess whether your business idea is commercially viable in Ireland. This includes analysing market demand, industry trends, customer behaviour, and local competition. The insights provided help you refine your value proposition, adapt your product or service to the Irish market, and ensure your proposal meets the STEP programme’s innovation and viability criteria.
I evaluate the commercial strength of your business model by reviewing your marketing strategy, target audience, customer acquisition channels, and sales plan. This assessment ensures your startup has a credible and realistic pathway to generating revenue in the Irish market. If required, I also provide recommendations on brand positioning, pricing, and go-to-market strategy to help meet the STEP programme’s viability and scalability expectations.
Strategic guidance to help shape the long-term direction of your startup and align it with the STEP programme’s objectives. This includes business model refinement, growth planning, resource allocation, and operational strategy development. The aim is to ensure your venture is not only innovative, but also scalable and sustainable within the Irish market. Where necessary, I also advise on strategic pivots or adjustments to strengthen viability and job-creation potential.
Ireland STEP Visa Business Plan
I can help you with every aspect of your business plan for the Ireland Startup Visa (STEP).
Funding
Seeking Funding for Your Business or Start-Up?
Whether you’re targeting angel investors, venture capitalists, or crowdfunding, I provide strategic guidance to ensure you start off strong. Let’s build a tailored funding strategy to attract the right investors and get your business moving forward.
Book Evaluation Call
I do not provide free consultations.
All prospective clients are required to book a paid feedback session (£99) to assess the feasibility of their idea before accessing further services such as business plan services.
This policy is firm and non-negotiable.
Per the STEP rules, you must have access to a minimum of €50,000. Please do not book an evaluation call if you do not meet this requirement as it makes you ineligible.
Idea Evaluation
Concept AssessmentAs 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.
Milestones
My company, StudyFlats, through which I obtained British citizenship, 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)
- Hired 13 people across 4 jobs in the UK
To summarise: I know & have been through the journey…!
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.
🗨️ Ireland 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.