Guide to Ireland Citizenship by Investment

Ireland Citizenship by Investment is an alternative for foreign investors who wish to get EU residency and citizenship. Also known as Immigrant Ireland Investor Programme (IIP), it has granted around 1200 investors Irish residency since 2012.

It’s an opportunity for both you and your family to obtain fast residency in the EU.

Ireland also offers an expanding economy as well as many startups and innovations. In addition, it offers a developed education system and a quality lifestyle.

Does The Program Lead to Direct Citizenship?

The program does not grant immediate citizenship. However, you can apply for Irish citizenship after a certain period of residency in Ireland. The required periods of stay for eligibility to apply for citizenship are as follows:

• Along with your family members, you need to be residents in Ireland for four years out of the preceding eight years, and
• You and your family members must be residents of Ireland for a minimum of one year immediately before the application date

How To Be Eligible for the Program

To be able to apply for Ireland Citizenship by Investment, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Being at least 18 years of age
• Having a clean criminal record
• Being a non-EEA national
• Having a net worth of €2 million
• Proving that you’ll not get a loan to make the investment

Investment Options To Apply for Ireland Citizenship by Investment

You have four different options to invest in this program, namely:

• Investment Fund: You need to invest a minimum of €1 million in an investment fund regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. This investment must be kept for three years
• Enterprise Investment: You need to invest a minimum of €1 million in an Irish enterprise (new or existing) for three years
• Endowment: At least €500,000 donation in a project of public benefit in Ireland. In the case of at least five investors applying, the amount drops to €400,000 per applicant.
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A minimum investment of €2 million in an Irish REIT. Note that the REIT(s) must be listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. You must keep the investment for three to five years.

Application Process

• First, you choose one investment option from the above mentioned four options
• Then, you fill in the application form
• Prepare documents such as marriage and birth certificate, passport, and proof of your net worth
• Then, you submit your application to the ISD (Immigration Service Delivery)
• Once you get approval from both the evaluation committee and the ministry, invest within 90 days
• Finally, you and your family will get your residence permits within four to six months.

Benefits of Ireland Citizenship by Investment for Foreign Investors

The following are the main attractions that Ireland offers for international investors.

Family Members Get the Right To Work and Study

The program enables your family members the right to work and study in Ireland.

You can include your:

• Spouse or partner, and
• Children under 18 years of age
  • If children are between 18-24 years old but not married and financially dependent on you, you can include them as well.

Double Taxation Treaties with 73 Countries

Ireland has tax treaties with 73 countries. So, you may stay in Ireland but gain income from abroad. In this case, you’re not subject to taxation on the income from abroad. This will be possible if the other country has signed the treaty with Ireland.

No Need To Prove Your English Skills

Ireland Citizenship by Investment doesn’t require you to take an English test, despite English being the official language here.

A High Quality of Lifestyle

The 2020 Global Peace Index ranks Ireland 12th in general safety and stability among 160 countries.

Ireland also ranks 2nd in The Human Development Index in quality of life.

You Can Invest After You Get Approval

Another attraction of Ireland’s program is that you can wait for approval until investing. This makes Ireland different from many other Golden Visa countries.

Some Statistics About Ireland

The Department of Justice in Ireland indicates that Ireland has gained an inflow of about €826.5 million from non-EEA nationals since 2012.

In addition to this, there was an inflow of almost €185 million into the economy in 2020. A significant amount considering COVID-19 during that period.

Companies such as Novartis, Huawei, and Pfizer have their operation centers in Ireland as well.