Expert Irish Business Immigration Services
Irish Business Immigration Made Simple
We help international founders, executives and skilled professionals work, build businesses and settle in Ireland, and help Irish employers bring in the talent they need. From the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) and Critical Skills Employment Permits to Intra-Company Transfers, we support you from company setup and business plan through to your permit and immigration permission.
01
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
For non-EEA founders of innovative, high-potential start-ups that can create jobs and reach international markets. You need at least €50,000 in funding (plus €30,000 for each additional founder) and approval from an Enterprise Ireland evaluation committee. Successful founders receive Stamp 4 permission for 2 years, renewable for 3 more, with family included and a route to long-term residence. We prepare your business plan, funding evidence and application.
02
General Employment Permit and Hiring Through Your Own Company
For roles not on the ineligible occupations list, with a minimum salary of €36,605 from 1 March 2026 and a labour market needs test. Your own Irish company can apply for permits once it is trading and registered as an employer, and new employers with no staff are exempt from the 50:50 workforce rule on their first application. Since 2024, permit holders can move to a new employer after nine months.
03
Intra-Company Transfer and Contract for Services Permits
For international groups transferring senior managers, key personnel and trainees to an Irish company or branch. Employees usually need at least six months’ prior employment with the group, and the minimum salary is €49,523 (€36,605 for trainees). The Contract for Services permit covers staff of foreign companies delivering a contract in Ireland.
04
Trusted Partner Registration and Employer Compliance
Ireland has no sponsor licence, but registering with DETE’s Trusted Partner Initiative gives employers a faster, simpler permit process. We handle registration, permit applications, labour market needs testing, record-keeping and compliance reviews to reduce the risk of refusal or revocation.
05
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Ireland’s main route for highly skilled professionals in roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List (minimum salary €40,904 with a relevant degree), or in any eligible role paying at least €68,911. No labour market test is needed, family can join immediately, spouses and partners can work under a dependant permit, and after two years holders can move to Stamp 4 permission without needing a permit.
specialization
Guiding founders, executives and businesses through Irish immigration
We combine immigration support with business advice, so one team handles your permit, your Irish company and its ongoing compliance. STEP and employer-led permits all depend on a well-structured, properly registered Irish business, so getting both right together saves time and reduces the risk of refusal.
- STEP business plans and Enterprise Ireland applications
- Trusted Partner registration and employer compliance
- End-to-end company setup in Ireland
This page is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Hungarian immigration rules change often, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Legal representation in immigration matters is provided by our partner Hungarian attorneys.
Why Choose Us
Industry Expertise
Experience across sectors, so we understand what each business and role needs to support a strong application.
Tailored Solutions
Immigration and business plans built around your goals, your family and your timeline in Ireland.
Global Investor Network
Connections with investors, lenders and partners in Ireland, the UK, the EU and beyond, which helps STEP founders secure the funding they need.
End-to-End Support
From company formation and your permit to banking, payroll and settling in Ireland.
Trusted by Businesses Across Three Continents
From startups to multinationals, we have helped clients in Hungary, the UK, Ireland, the EU, North America and beyond set up, relocate and stay compliant.
- 18+ Years Experience
- 30+ Satisfied Clients
- 25+ Expert Team
- 4 International offices
- Glasgow
- London
- Dublin
- Budapest
STEP is Ireland’s route for non-EEA founders of innovative, high-potential start-ups. You need at least €50,000 in funding and a business that can create jobs and reach international markets. Approved founders receive Stamp 4 permission for 2 years, renewable for 3 more if the business is progressing, with long-term residence possible after 5 years.
Yes, in principle. Once your Irish company is trading and registered with Revenue as an employer, it can apply for a General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit for you, provided the role, salary and labour market test requirements are met. New employers with no employees are exempt from the 50:50 rule on their first application. DETE will check that the role and company are genuine.
Through an Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit for senior managers, key personnel and trainees who have worked for the group, usually for at least six months. Permits are typically granted for up to two years initially and can be extended, up to five years in total.
Yes. Your application is assessed by an Enterprise Ireland evaluation committee that meets periodically, so a strong business plan and clear funding evidence matter. We help you prepare both.
From 1 March 2026: €40,904 for a Critical Skills permit with a relevant degree (€68,911 without), €36,605 for a General Employment Permit and €49,523 for an Intra-Company Transfer. Lower thresholds apply to recent graduates of Irish institutions, and further increases are planned for 2027.
Usually, yes. Critical Skills permit holders and STEP founders can bring their spouse or partner and children straight away, and spouses of Critical Skills holders can work under a dependant permit. General Employment Permit holders can usually apply for family reunification after 12 months, subject to income requirements. Each family member needs their own permission.
Processing times vary by permit type and demand; DETE publishes current processing dates on its website. Trusted Partner employers benefit from a faster process. STEP decisions depend on evaluation committee meetings and usually take several months. We give you a tailored timeline at your first consultation.
Yes. Critical Skills permit holders can move to Stamp 4 after two years. Long-term residence is generally available after five years of residence on an employment permit or Stamp 4, and you can apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation after five years of reckonable residence.
Monday - Thursday : 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
