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.
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The Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) in Ireland is an immigration route for innovative non-EEA founders who want to bring a high-potential start-up (HPSU) venture to Ireland. This solicitor-handled service handles the STEP application for those founders, including managing the €50,000 funding requirement. Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
What’s included
- A solicitor-handled Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) application
- For innovative non-EEA founders bringing a high-potential start-up venture to Ireland
- Management of the €50,000 funding requirement
- Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
- Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
- A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards
Who this is for
- Non-EEA founders with an innovative business idea capable of scaling internationally
- Entrepreneurs who have secured, or are securing, the required funding
- Founding teams relocating a start-up to Ireland
- Founders who want a solicitor to coordinate the application
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- A solicitor would then prepare the STEP application, organising your business proposal, funding evidence and personal documents.
- The completed work is delivered to you by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a STEP application 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 a high-potential start-up?
A high-potential start-up is generally a business that is innovative, capable of creating jobs in Ireland and of reaching significant sales within a few years. The business proposal must show how the venture meets these criteria.
Is STEP approval guaranteed?
No. STEP applications are assessed on their merits by the relevant authorities. A well-prepared application helps present your proposal clearly, but the decision is not within our control.
For more on Irish immigration, visas and citizenship, see our Immigration & Citizenship in Ireland 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.