The Republic of Ireland is a European nation with one of the most diverse cultures, customs, and histories in the world.
During the middle Ages, it was the site of several wars.
Almost the last decade, its culture, history, and contemporary cities have drawn over 10 million visitors.
However, some individuals have difficulty obtaining a visa, which causes their journey to Ireland to be delayed.
We will teach you all you need to know before you may successfully immigrate to Ireland in this post.
You will have no trouble emigrating to Ireland for job, school, or vacation if you read and comprehend this information.
Ireland Overview
Whether you have Irish relatives or just wish to visit the nation, Ireland is a first-rate lodging choice for any foreigner seeking the ideal European experience.
Since 1973, the Republic of Ireland has been a member of the European Union and the Common Travel Area (Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area).
This nation has been the greatest option for most persons seeking stable employment, professional progression opportunities, high-quality education, and long-term immigration status.
The Irish economy is also incredibly robust, allowing it to readily adjust to any economic development without causing a disruption in the system.
The Republic of Ireland’s government has offered a large number of employment, job possibilities, and advantageous regulations for immigrants who come to work in the nation.
Between 2006 and 2008, Ireland welcomed almost 400,000 newcomers.
Because of its relatively robust economy, immigration system that 
highly qualified immigrants, and an atmosphere that fosters ease of doing business, the country has become a very desirable destination.
Legal immigration to Ireland
The Republic of Ireland has a sophisticated immigration system.
The Irish Citizenship and Immigration Service is in charge of immigration matters, but it also provides residency permits to help people immigrate successfully.
To be legally admitted to Ireland, you must fulfil all processes and conditions established by the Republic of Ireland’s Immigration Authority.
Conditions for Immigration to Ireland
Because Ireland is a member of the European Union, EU nationals do not need a visa to visit the country.
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and a few third-world nations are not need to get a visa in order to relocate to Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area, although residents of Schengen nations face fewer security checks than nationals of other countries.
Non-EU nationals, on the other hand, must have a travel visa, a resident permit, or a work permit in order to visit the country.
Irish Visa Types
- General Work Permit: An Irish General Work Permit is a work permit based on a job offer that allows immigrants to work in Ireland in a role that pays at least €30,000 annually; With some exceptions. The worker or the employer can apply for this visa.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: The Irish Critical Skills Employment Permit is a job offer-based work permit that allows immigrants to work in Ireland in a role that pays at least €60,000 per year; Or a minimum of €30,000 per year if the job is on the list of highly skilled occupations in Ireland. The worker or the employer can apply for this visa.
- Irish Junior Entrepreneur Program Visa: The Irish Junior Entrepreneur Program allows experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative business plan to obtain long-term residency in Ireland. To take advantage of this programme, you must intend to introduce a “new or innovative product or service” to international markets, as well as €75,000 in start-up funds.
- Dependent/Partner/Spouse Work Permit: An Irish Dependent/Partner/Spouse Work Permit allows family members of Irish Work Permit holders to live and work in Ireland.
Schengen Area immigration into and out of the Schengen Area
The Republic of Ireland is not a Schengen member state.
However, the border control measures used for Schengen member state citizens entering Ireland are less strict than those used for third-country people entering Ireland.
The Irish Citizenship and Immigration Service has the following to say about entering Ireland:
Non-EEA nationals must request permission to enter the country by reporting to the immigration officer at the Irish port of entry.
It is the individual’s obligation to provide all documentation pertaining to their reasons for entering Ireland to the immigration officer in order to get entrance.
The immigration officer has been given permission to enter the country for a maximum of three months.
They may award a term of less than three months based on the documentation supplied.
Residence permit
When it comes to granting visas and residence permits to immigrants, Irish law is highly accommodating.
If you are not a citizen of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you may live in Ireland under a variety of residency privileges.
A permission to remain in Ireland is often referred to as a permit to stay.
The Ministry of Justice and Equality grants permission to remain in the form of a specific certified stamp in your passport.
This is often referred to as a residential stamp.
There are various options for obtaining a work permit, employment permit, or residency permission in order to study.
Additionally, there are two investment programmes: the Immigrant Investor Program and the Emerging Entrepreneurship Program.
Ireland: Ireland Investor Visa 2021
Ireland has operated the Golden Visa Program – known as the Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) – since 2012. High net worth individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are invited to make an approved investment in Ireland. In return, the applicant and his immediate family are granted residence in Ireland. This can be renewed indefinitely, subject to certain conditions.
After five years of living in Ireland, the applicant and their family members can apply for Irish citizenship.
Ireland Immigrant Investor Program (IIP)
Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Program is a residence-by-investment system popular with non-European citizens around the world – and for good reason. In 2020, Ireland was described as the fastest growing economy in the European Union. Various investment options are available, and great returns can be made for the savvy businessman.
The residence permit in Ireland is granted for an initial period of two years. It can be extended for another three years, as long as the investment continues. Once five years have passed, immigration status can be renewed indefinitely. Those who have lived in Ireland for five of the previous nine years can apply for Irish citizenship by naturalization.
So, while the Ireland Golden Visa is not a citizenship-by-investment scheme, it can certainly pave the way to citizenship, if that is the applicant’s intention. The benefits of being an Irish citizen (and by default an EU citizen) are numerous, including the freedom to live, work, travel and study throughout the EU.
Who is Eligible for an Irish Investment Visa?
However, there is a problem. To participate in the Irish Immigrant Investor Program, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a non-EEA citizen
- Have a personal net worth of at least €2,000,000 and be able to provide proof of this money
- Have a clean criminal record
- Make an approved investment In Ireland for at least three years
there are four investment options, valued between €500,000 and €2,000,000. The applicant cannot use a loan to finance this investment. It must come from their own resources.
Investment options for an Irish investment visa:
- Institutional Investment
- Investment fund
- Trust Real Estate Investment Trust
- grant
Institutional investment
This requires the applicant to invest at least €1,000,000 in an Irish institution for a minimum of three years. This can be a single organization or spread over a number of organizations. Each institution must be registered and domiciled in Ireland, and must support the maintenance or creation of employment opportunities.
This option usually suits those who wish to set up a startup in Ireland, or who wish to invest in a business based in Ireland.
Investment Fund
This requires the applicant to invest a minimum of €1,000,000 in an approved investment fund for a period of at least three years. A list of investment funds approved by the Irish Citizenship and Immigration Service (INIS) is published each year. All funds and fund managers must be regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland to conduct business in Ireland.
This option is usually suitable for those who wish to take advantage of the Irish corporate sector through the services of an approved investment broker.
Real Estate Investment Trust
This requires the applicant to invest a minimum of €2,000,000 in any Irish Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, for a minimum period of three years. The funds can be distributed across multiple REITs, but the number of approved shares must be kept for the entire three-year period.
This option is usually suitable for those who want a low-risk real estate investment model, or who want to generate regular income.
grant
This requires the applicant to make a contribution of at least €500,000 to a public benefit project. This could be in the arts, sports, health, culture or education. This is the only route that does not provide any kind of return on investment – not in a financial sense, anyway. There are no other obligations required under the IIP.
Usually this option is suitable for those who have less money to invest, are enthusiastic philanthropists, or simply want a straightforward path to residence without ongoing obligations.
Document Checklist for Ireland Investor Visa Application
Once the best route for investment has been determined, a complete application must be submitted to the Irish Citizenship and Immigration Service (INIS). The application requires a significant amount of supporting documents, including:
- a completed application form
- Proof of payment of the application fee
- Proof of net worth
- Proof of funds
- Proof of the source of funds
- Proof of good character
- Supporting documents of the type of investment being made
- Information regarding accompanying family members
Applications may lead Incomplete delays or rejections. That is why many IIP applicants choose to rely on the services of an Irish immigration expert.
Which family members can you include on an Irish investor visa?
One of the many advantages of an investor visa in Ireland is that family members can be included in the application. This includes the applicant’s spouse or civil partner, and children under the age of 18. Children between the ages of 18 and 24 may also be accepted if they are still dependents – for example, because they are in full-time education.
If the applicant remarries or has children after obtaining Irish residency, these family members can be added to the permission.
How long does it take to get an investor visa?
IIP requests are now accepted throughout the year. It is reviewed by the Evaluation Committee, which meets at least once every three months. As long as the evaluation committee does not require further information from the applicant, the application process usually takes an average of three to four months.
Residence Permits for Ireland Investor Visa
Once the Applicant is approved by the Evaluation Committee, they are invited to meet their investment. Upon completion, they will be given a letter granting them (and their nominated family members) permission to reside in Ireland. On arrival, it is necessary to make an appointment at the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin. Each person’s passport will be stamped with a “stamp 4” permit. This allows foreign nationals to work, study or start their own business in Ireland.
The initial residence permit is for two years. As long as the investment (or the endowment is used) is maintained, and the applicant has not committed a criminal offense or become a burden on the Irish state, the stay can be extended for another three years.
After five years, the investor and their family members can continue to renew their residence permits in Ireland in five-year increments. The investment does not need to be maintained at this point. If desired, they can apply for Irish citizenship after five years of residence in Ireland.
What if you do not meet the Ireland investor visa requirements?
If the applicant does not meet the Ireland investor visa requirements, their application will be rejected. This decision is final and cannot be appealed. However, the good news is that the applicant will be told why they were rejected – and have the right to try again at a later time
