1. What is the Golden Visa program for Ireland?

The Golden Visa program for Ireland is a residency by investment program that grants individuals and their families the opportunity to live and work in Ireland. It was launched in 2012 with the goal of attracting foreign investors to the country by offering them a fast track to permanent residency.

2. Who is eligible for the Golden Visa program in Ireland?
The Golden Visa program is open to non-EEA nationals who invest a minimum of €1 million in an Irish enterprise or investment fund for at least three years. The investment must be made through one of the approved investment options such as buying Irish government bonds, investing in an Enterprise Investment Scheme, or investing directly into a company registered and headquartered in Ireland.

3. What are the benefits of the Golden Visa program?
The Golden Visa program offers various benefits including:

– Fast-track route to permanent residency: Successful applicants can receive permanent residence status after just five years, compared to other routes which typically require at least five years of continuous residence.
– Right to work and study: Applicants under this program have the right to live, work, and study in Ireland without needing any additional permits.
– Family inclusion: The main applicant can include their spouse/partner and dependent children under 18 years old on their application.
– Multiple entry and exit: Once granted, residence under this scheme allows for multiple entries/ exits from Ireland without any restrictions or need for re-entry visas.
– Pathway to citizenship: After living continuously in Ireland for five years as a permanent resident, applicants may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship.

4. Are there any limitations or requirements for maintaining Golden Visa residency status?
Yes, there are certain limitations and requirements that must be met in order to maintain your Golden Visa residency status. These include:

– Maintaining original investment: The initial investment must be maintained throughout the duration of the visa (three years). If it is not maintained, it could result in the revocation of residency status.
– Minimum stay requirement: Applicants must spend a minimum of one day per calendar year in Ireland to maintain their residency status.
– No criminal record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and must not be deemed a threat to national security.
– Proof of sufficient resources: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family without needing to rely on state benefits.

5. Is it possible to obtain permanent residency or citizenship through the Golden Visa program?
Yes, it is possible to eventually obtain permanent residency and citizenship through the Golden Visa program. After five years of continuous residence as a permanent resident, applicants may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship. This would require meeting additional requirements such as passing a citizenship test and demonstrating knowledge of the Irish language and culture.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a Golden Visa in Ireland?

Eligibility for a Golden Visa in Ireland depends on the specific program being applied for. Currently, there are two main options for obtaining a Golden Visa in Ireland:

1. Immigrant Investor Program (IIP): This program is open to non-EEA nationals who make an investment of at least €1 million in an Irish enterprise or endowment. Applicants must also have a personal net worth of at least €2 million and be of good character.

2. Start-up Entrepreneur Program (STEP): This program is open to individuals with an innovative business idea that has the potential for job creation and growth in Ireland. Applicants must have access to at least €50,000 in funding and provide evidence of their qualifications, skills, experience, and prove they will meet key performance indicators set by Enterprise Ireland.

Additionally, applicants must also meet general immigration requirements such as having a valid passport, being over 18 years old, and not having any previous criminal convictions.

3. What are the main benefits of obtaining an Irish Golden Visa?

The main benefits of obtaining an Irish Golden Visa include:

1. Access to one of the strongest passports in the world: With an Irish Golden Visa, you and your family can obtain Irish citizenship after five years, granting you access to one of the most valuable passports in the world with visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries.

2. Ability to live, work, and study in Ireland without any restrictions: The visa allows you to reside, work and study in Ireland without any additional permits or visas.

3. Easy application process: The application process for an Irish Golden Visa is straightforward and requires minimal documentation as compared to other Golden Visa programs.

4. Flexible residency requirements: Unlike some other EU Golden Visa programs, Ireland does not have strict residency requirements allowing applicants to maintain their primary residence outside of Ireland while still being eligible for the program.

5. Potential return on investment: Investing in qualifying assets such as real estate could potentially provide a return on investment, making the Irish Golden Visa a less expensive option compared to other European countries.

6. Access to high-quality education and healthcare: As a resident of Ireland, you will have access to high-quality education and healthcare services offered by the country’s public system.

7. Stable and attractive business environment: Ireland is consistently ranked as one of the best countries for doing business, with low corporate tax rates and a business-friendly environment attracting multinational companies.

8. Citizenship for future generations: Once you become an Irish citizen, your children born in Ireland will automatically become citizens as well, providing them with all the benefits that come with it.

9. Diverse culture and lifestyle: As a resident of Ireland, you will have opportunities to experience diverse cultures and lifestyles within this vibrant country known for its friendly people and rich history.

4. How much do I need to invest in order to qualify for a Golden Visa in Ireland?

The minimum investment required for a Golden Visa in Ireland is €1 million. However, there are alternative options for investors who wish to invest in real estate development projects or Irish government-backed investment funds, which have lower minimum investment requirements.

5. Can I invest in any type of business or property to qualify for an Irish Golden Visa?

No, only certain types of investment are eligible for the Irish Golden Visa. These include investing in an Irish Enterprise Fund, a Property Investment Fund, or a Mixed Investment Fund. Additionally, investments must meet certain criteria and be approved by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in order to qualify for the Golden Visa.

6. What are the requirements for maintaining my Irish Golden Visa status?

As a holder of an Irish Golden Visa, you are required to maintain your investment for the duration of your permit. This means:

1. Continued ownership and management of your investment: You must continue to own and actively manage the investment that qualified you for the Golden Visa program.

2. Residence in Ireland: You are required to reside in Ireland for at least one day per year. Additionally, if you are absent from Ireland for five consecutive years, you must obtain permission from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) before returning.

3. No criminal convictions: You must not have any criminal convictions that would prevent you from entering or residing in Ireland.

4. Tax obligations: You must fulfill any tax obligations as determined by the Irish Revenue Commissioners.

5. Compliance with immigration laws: You must comply with all immigration laws and regulations while in Ireland.

6. Updates to personal information: Any changes to your personal information, such as contact details or name, should be notified to INIS within one month.

7. Renewal of residence permit: Your residence permit will need to be renewed every 2 years until you have fulfilled the requirements for a permanent residence permit or citizenship.

8. Time spent outside of Ireland: If you spend more than six months outside of Ireland in any given year, this may impact your eligibility for renewal of your residence permit or citizenship application.

It is important to note that failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of your residence permit and possible deportation from Ireland.

7. How long does it take to obtain an Irish Golden Visa?

The Irish Golden Visa process can take anywhere from 3-6 months depending on your individual circumstances and the volume of applications being processed at the time. It is important to have all necessary documentation prepared and submitted accurately to avoid delays in processing.

8. Can I bring my family with me when I move to Ireland through the Golden Visa program?

Yes, you can bring your family with you when moving to Ireland through the Golden Visa program. This includes your spouse or civil partner and any dependent children under the age of 18. They will also be eligible for the same residency rights as the main applicant.

9. Are there any language or education requirements for the Irish Investor Visa?

There are no specific language requirements for the Irish Investor Visa, but applicants may be required to demonstrate a basic knowledge of English if they are attending an interview at an Irish embassy or consulate. Additionally, there are no education requirements for the visa, but applicants must have a proven record of successful investment and a solid business plan.

10. Can I work or study in Ireland with a Golden Visa?

Yes, you can work or study in Ireland with a Golden Visa. The Irish Investor Immigration Program does not restrict visa holders from pursuing employment or education opportunities in the country.

11. Is it possible to obtain permanent residency or citizenship through the Irish Investor Visa program?

No, the Irish Investor Visa program only grants temporary residency for a period of 2 years initially. After this time, investors may apply for an extension for a further 3 years, but permanent residency or citizenship cannot be obtained through this program. However, investors may be eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship through other routes such as the Immigrant Investor Program or by satisfying other immigration requirements.

12. Do I have to physically reside in Ireland in order to maintain my investor visa status?

Yes, you must physically reside in Ireland for the majority of the time during your investor visa period. You may leave Ireland for short periods of time, but you must not spend more than 6 months outside of the country in any given year.

13. Can I work or study while on an investor visa?
Yes, once you meet the criteria for the Investor Visa Program and have been granted permission to reside in Ireland under this scheme, you are free to take up employment or engage in business activities, as well as undertake education or training courses.

14. What happens if my investment decreases during my time on an investor visa?
If your investment decreases due to market fluctuations or other reasons beyond your control, it will not affect your immigration status. However, if the decrease is a result of non-compliance with program rules or regulations, it could impact your visa status and could even lead to revocation.

15. Can I bring my family with me on an investor visa?
Yes, successful applicants can bring their spouse and children (under 18 years old) to live with them in Ireland on a dependent basis.

16. Do I need to invest in a specific industry or sector in order to qualify for an investor visa?
No, there are no restrictions on what sectors or industries you can invest in. However, the investment must be made into an Irish registered company.

17. Is there a minimum amount of time I need to hold my investment before selling it?
There is no specific requirement for how long you must hold your investment before selling it. However, if you plan to sell within a short period of time after obtaining your visa, it may raise questions about the genuineness of your investment and could potentially impact your visa status.

18. Can I apply for permanent residency or citizenship through the Investor Program?
Currently, there is no direct pathway from the Investor Program to permanent residency or citizenship in Ireland. However, successful investors may be eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship through other immigration routes after meeting certain criteria and requirements.

13. Can I invest in multiple properties or businesses to meet the investment requirement for an Irish Golden Visa?

Yes, you can invest in multiple properties or businesses to meet the investment requirement for an Irish Golden Visa. However, the total value of your investments must still meet the minimum investment requirement of €1 million.

14. What are the tax implications of obtaining an Irish Investor Visa?

As a non-resident who holds an Irish Investor Visa, you will be subject to Irish tax on any income earned or received in Ireland. This includes income from employment, self-employment, rental property, and investments in Ireland.

However, if you are not physically present in Ireland for more than 183 days in a tax year (generally from January to December), you may be considered a non-resident for tax purposes. In this case, you will only be subject to Irish tax on income earned or received from Irish sources.

If you are a resident of another country with which Ireland has a double taxation agreement, you may also be eligible for certain tax benefits or exemptions. It is important to consult with a qualified tax advisor to understand your specific tax obligations and potential benefits as an investor visa holder in Ireland.

In addition to income tax, you may also be liable for other taxes such as capital gains tax on any gains made on the sale of assets within Ireland and wealth taxes on assets held within the country. Again, it is important to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations.

15. Are there any restrictions on where I can invest my funds for an Irish Investor Visa?

Yes, there are restrictions on where an investor can invest their funds for an Irish Investor Visa. The investment must be made in either a qualifying investment fund or in a business that is recognized by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) as being eligible for the Immigrant Investor Programme.

The qualifying investment fund must be regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum value of €1 million and being established and located in Ireland.

The business must also meet certain criteria, including being registered and located in Ireland, contributing to the Irish economy, creating or maintaining employment opportunities in Ireland, and having a minimum investment amount of €1 million.

Investments in real estate or property development projects do not qualify for the Irish Investor Visa. Additionally, investments made before receiving approval from INIS may not count towards fulfilling the investment requirements for the visa.

16. Is it necessary to have previous business experience in order to qualify for an Irish Golden Visa?

No, previous business experience is not necessary to qualify for an Irish Golden Visa. However, applicants must have a successful track record of at least one million euros in business or personal investments in order to be eligible for the program. This can include property investments in addition to other qualifying investment options.

17. Can I add more investments after obtaining a Golden visa?

Yes, you can add more investments after obtaining a Golden visa. However, you should consult with your immigration lawyer and make sure that the additional investment meets the requirements for maintaining your Golden visa status. You may also need to update your residence permit and documentation to reflect the new investment.

18.Can I apply for a mortgage while on a Golden visa?

Yes, you can apply for a mortgage while on a Golden visa. However, the conditions and requirements for obtaining a mortgage may vary depending on which country you are applying in. It is important to consult with a local financial advisor or bank to understand the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining a mortgage while on a Golden visa.

19.What happens if my investment fails and I am unable to meet the renewal requirements of my golden visa?

If your investment fails and you are unable to meet the renewal requirements of your golden visa, your visa may be revoked. This means that you will no longer have the right to live in the country and you will need to leave or apply for a different type of visa. It is important to carefully consider the risks associated with any investment before making a commitment for a golden visa. Additionally, it is important to ensure that you have enough funds and resources to meet the renewal requirements in case something does not go as planned with your initial investment.

20.Are there any other routes available besides investment, such as through employment, to obtain residency and eventually citizenship in Ireland?

Yes, there are a few other routes available besides investment to obtain residency and eventually citizenship in Ireland. These include:

1. Employment: You can apply for a work permit and work in Ireland for a specified period of time. After working for a certain number of years, you may be able to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

2. Irish Ancestry: If you have an Irish-born grandparent, you may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship by descent.

3. Spouse or Civil Partner of an Irish Citizen: If you are married to or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen, you may be able to obtain residency and eventually citizenship through this relationship.

4. Study: If you are enrolled in a full-time course of study at a recognized institution in Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for a student visa which could lead to longer-term residency options.

5. Investor Programs: Apart from the investment route mentioned above, there are other investor programs such as the Immigrant Investor Program and the Start-up Entrepreneur Program that allow individuals to invest in Ireland and obtain residency status.

It is important to note that all these routes have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) before pursuing any option.