Golden Visa for Ireland: Everything You Need to Know

Golden Visa for Ireland, also known as the Ireland Golden Visa or the Immigrant Investor Program, is a residency by investment program that offers a plethora of benefits to those who want to expand their financial and personal freedom, and gain entry into one of Europe’s most sought-after nations. The program allows high net-worth individuals and their families from outside the European Union to obtain an Irish residence permit by investing in an approved investment fund to impact the Irish economy. In return, they gain unlimited access to and the opportunity to live, work, and study in Ireland, and enjoy the country’s excellent quality of life.

Eligibility and Requirements for the Golden Visa for Ireland are straightforward. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, and provide evidence of the source of their funds. They must also invest a minimum of €1,000,000 in an approved investment fund for at least three years and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining their investment for the duration of their residency. Additionally, applicants must show proof of comprehensive health insurance and have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in Ireland.

Investment Options for the Golden Visa for Ireland include a range of government-approved funds, including enterprise funds, real estate investment trusts, and investment in Irish public companies. The investment must be made through an Irish-based investment vehicle, and the applicant must be able to demonstrate that their investment will have a positive impact on the Irish economy.

Key Takeaways

• The Golden Visa for Ireland is a residency by investment program that offers a range of benefits to high net-worth individuals and their families from outside the European Union.
• Eligibility and Requirements for the program are straightforward and include a minimum investment of €1,000,000 in an approved investment fund for at least three years.
• Investment Options for the program include a range of government-approved funds, and the investment must be made through an Irish-based investment vehicle that will have a positive impact on the Irish economy.

Eligibility and Requirements

Financial Requirements

To be eligible for the Ireland Golden Visa, applicants must meet certain financial requirements. Specifically, they must have a net worth of at least €2 million and be able to invest a minimum of €1 million in an approved investment fund. This investment must be made after the applicant’s residence application has been pre-approved.

Character and Health Assessments

In addition to the financial requirements, applicants must also undergo character and health assessments. These assessments are designed to ensure that the applicant has a clean criminal record and is of good character. Applicants must provide documentation to prove their character and health, including police clearance certificates and medical reports.

Family members may also be included in the application, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Dependents must be younger than 18 years of age, unless they are full-time students and financially dependent on the applicant. In this case, the age limit increases to 24.

Overall, the Ireland Golden Visa program offers a pathway to residency and citizenship for high net worth individuals who are willing to invest in the country’s economy. By meeting the financial, character, and health requirements, applicants can secure a renewable residency permit that allows them to live, work, and study in Ireland.

Investment Options

Ireland’s Golden Visa program offers a range of investment options for those seeking to obtain residency in the country. Here are the four investment routes that an applicant can take to qualify for the Ireland Golden Visa:

Enterprise Investment

The Enterprise Investment route is an enticing option for those who wish to invest in new or existing Irish businesses. This investment avenue offers the potential for high returns and allows the investor to actively participate in the business and contribute to the Irish economy. The minimum investment required for this route is €1 million.

Investment Funds

Investment Funds is another investment route that an applicant can take to qualify for the Ireland Golden Visa. This route requires a minimum investment of €1 million and involves investing in an approved investment fund. Investors can expect to receive a return on their investment, making this a popular choice for those seeking a passive investment option.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) is a popular investment option for those seeking to invest in the Irish property market. This investment route requires a minimum investment of €2 million and involves investing in an approved REIT. Investors can expect to receive a return on their investment, making this a popular choice for those seeking a passive investment option.

Endowment

The Endowment route is another investment option that an applicant can take to qualify for the Ireland Golden Visa. This route requires a minimum investment of €500,000 and involves donating the investment to a public project in the arts, sports, health, culture, or education sectors. This option is ideal for those who wish to contribute to the Irish society while also obtaining residency in the country.

In conclusion, the Ireland Golden Visa program offers a range of investment options for those seeking to obtain residency in the country. Whether an investor is seeking a passive investment option or wishes to actively participate in the Irish economy, there is an investment route available to suit their needs.

Application Process and Fees

Golden Visa for Ireland is a popular option for non-EU citizens who want to invest in the country and gain residency. The application process is straightforward and involves a few steps. In this section, we will discuss the application process, evaluation, and approval, as well as the fee structure.

Submitting the Application

The first step in the application process is to fill out the application form, which is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). The application should be filled out completely and accurately, and all required documents should be submitted with the application. The applicant should also provide a pre-approval letter from a recognized financial institution to prove that they have the necessary funds to invest in Ireland.

Evaluation and Approval

Once the application is submitted, it will be evaluated by the Evaluation Committee, which is responsible for determining whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. The committee will consider factors such as the applicant’s financial standing, investment plan, and the potential benefits of the investment to Ireland. If the committee approves the application, the applicant will receive a letter of approval.

Fee Structure

The fee structure for the Golden Visa program is as follows:

• A non-refundable application fee of €1,500
• A processing fee of €5,000, which is refundable if the application is not approved
• A further €5,000 fee is required upon approval of the application

It is important to note that the processing time for the Golden Visa program can vary depending on the complexity of the application. However, the INIS aims to process applications within six months of submission.

In conclusion, the Golden Visa program is an excellent option for non-EU citizens who want to invest in Ireland and gain residency. The application process is straightforward, and the fee structure is reasonable. By following the guidelines and submitting a complete and accurate application, applicants can increase their chances of approval.

Benefits and Considerations

Residency and Citizenship

The Ireland Golden Visa program offers a pathway to residency and potential citizenship for successful applicants. The visa provides a secure and stable residency status in the country, with the option to apply for Irish citizenship after a period of time.

Family Reunification

One of the main benefits of the Ireland Golden Visa is the opportunity for family reunification. Successful applicants can bring their immediate family members, including their spouse, dependent children, and parents, to live with them in Ireland.

Economic Impact

The Ireland Golden Visa program has had a positive impact on the Irish economy. Successful applicants are required to invest in Irish businesses or properties, which contributes to the country’s economic growth. The program has also created job opportunities for Irish citizens, as businesses benefit from the investment made by visa holders.

Overall, the Ireland Golden Visa program offers a range of benefits for successful applicants. However, there are also some important considerations to keep in mind. Applicants should be aware that the program has been cancelled as of February 2023 and that they can still obtain residency through the country’s Zero Stamp and Highly Skilled Worker programs. Additionally, applicants should carefully consider the financial requirements of the program, as it requires a significant investment in Irish businesses or properties.

In conclusion, the Ireland Golden Visa program provided a pathway to residency and potential citizenship for successful applicants, as well as the opportunity for family reunification and economic investment.