Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. To instruct a regulated practice, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
The Founder Immigration & Company Setup Pack is a solicitor-handled service in Ireland for founders from outside the EEA who want to set up and run a business here. It combines Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) application support with Irish company incorporation, founder contracts and employment permit guidance in one pack. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate before starting.
What’s included
- STEP (Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme) application support
- Irish company incorporation
- Founder contracts
- Employment permit guidance
Who this is for
This service is typically used by people in situations such as these:
- A non-EEA founder with an innovative business idea who wants to apply under STEP
- A founding team that needs the company incorporated and founder agreements in place at the same time
- A founder unsure whether STEP or an employment permit route suits them better
- An entrepreneur who would rather deal with one firm for immigration and company setup
Every matter is different, so a short questionnaire and a solicitor’s review would typically confirm that this service suits your circumstances before the work goes further. Please have your key details and documents to hand when you start, and if you are unsure whether this is the right service, say so in your enquiry so it can be discussed with you at the outset.
How it works
- This service cannot be ordered here; to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
- Complete a short questionnaire with your details and the background to your matter.
- A solicitor reviews your matter and advises on the right route, prepares your STEP application and handles the company incorporation and founder contracts.
- Your documents and any update are delivered to you by email.
Immigration decisions are made by the relevant Irish authorities, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications in 2023 and is not offered as part of this pack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does founder immigration and company setup cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
What is the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme?
STEP is an Irish immigration route for non-EEA nationals with an innovative business proposal. The pack includes support with the application, and a solicitor reviews whether your business fits the programme.
Can I still apply under the Immigrant Investor Programme?
No. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications in 2023. This pack focuses on STEP and employment permit routes instead.
For wider background on this area, read our Ireland immigration and citizenship guide.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.