The Irish Immigrant Investor Programme (“IIP”) facilitates non-EEA nationals and their families who commit to an approved investment in Ireland to acquire residency status in Ireland. After the statutory period of time, this can lead to Irish citizenship through the ordinary mechanisms.
In order for an investor to be considered for the IIP, the applicant must choose one of the current qualifying investment options outlined below:
- Enterprise Investment: A minimum personal investment of €1 million into a new or existing Irish business (or businesses) for a minimum of three-years. This can include a new business created by the investor or an existing Irish business; however, in both cases, the company headquarters must be in Ireland. This investment may be made in either a single Irish enterprise or spread over a number of Irish enterprises
- Investment Fund: A minimum investment of €1 million in an approved investment fund for a minimum of three-years. The fund must be invested in an Irish registered company and the fund must be regulated and approved by the Central Bank of Ireland. This option may be attractive to an investor who is not familiar with Irish investments or enterprise, as they can use the expertise of an investment manager as part of a wider fund
- Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT): A minimum investment of €2 million for a period of at least three-years in any Irish REIT, which is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and the investment may be spread over a number of Irish REITs
- Endowment: A minimum of €500,000 invested benevolently in an Irish public project benefiting the arts, sports, health, culture or education. If there are at least five investors, the endowment may be reduced to €400,000 per investor. This option may be considered attractive as once the endowment is made, no further financial obligation is required under the IIP
MS Solicitors can help you identify the best option in your circumstances and guide you through the process, ensuring that your application has the highest chance of success and approval by the Evaluation Committee. For more information as to how you and your family can obtain Irish residency through the Immigrant Investment Programme, please contact our office and schedule a consultation with one of our specialist solicitors today.
