Move to Ireland by Starting Your Own Company: The Complete Guide to Work Permits, Residency, and EU Citizenship
Ireland’s Hidden Pathway to Immigration
Most people know Ireland for its lush green landscapes, thriving tech industry, and vibrant culture. What many don’t realize, however, is that Ireland offers one of the most entrepreneur-friendly immigration pathways in Europe. With the right planning, you can start your own company in Ireland and use it to sponsor yourself for a work visa.
This opportunity is more than just a clever loophole. It’s a strategic pathway that can open doors to permanent residency, EU citizenship, and access to one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. Whether you’re a professional seeking international mobility, a business owner looking to expand, or a global entrepreneur wanting a foothold in the EU market, Ireland could be your golden ticket.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how this process works, what permits are available, how much salary you need to pay yourself, and how to turn this visa into a long-term residency—and eventually, an Irish passport.
Why Ireland Is a Top Destination for Entrepreneurs and Professionals
Before we get into the visa specifics, let’s step back and look at why Ireland is such an attractive option for relocation.
1. A Booming Economy and Global Business Hub
Ireland is home to the European headquarters of tech giants like Google, Facebook (Meta), Apple, and LinkedIn. It has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU (12.5%), and its pro-business environment makes it a magnet for startups and multinational corporations alike.
2. Gateway to the European Union
Ireland remains a committed member of the EU, giving residents and citizens the freedom to live, work, and travel across 27 European countries. For non-EU nationals, an Irish residence permit is one of the fastest ways to access Europe’s opportunities.
3. High Quality of Life
Ireland consistently ranks high on global quality-of-life indexes. It boasts world-class education, excellent healthcare, and a rich cultural scene. English is the primary language, which reduces the barrier to entry for most international entrepreneurs.
4. Immigration Pathways with Flexibility
Unlike many countries, Ireland provides multiple work permit categories that allow non-EU citizens to create their own opportunities. For skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, this flexibility makes Ireland a highly attractive relocation destination.
The Secret Path: Sponsoring Yourself Through Your Own Company
Here’s the little-known opportunity: you don’t necessarily need an Irish employer to sponsor you for a work permit. Instead, you can set up your own Irish company, appoint yourself as an employee, and use that business to sponsor your visa application.
This approach not only gives you control but also creates the foundation for scaling your operations in Ireland. Let’s break down the two main work permit routes you can pursue.
Option 1: General Employment Permit
The General Employment Permit is designed for a wide range of professions. Unlike the Critical Skills Permit (covered later), it isn’t limited to specific job categories.
Salary and Hiring Requirements
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Minimum Salary: €34,000 per year.
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Hiring Rule: You must employ at least one other person.
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Labour Market Test: Normally, the job must be advertised to prove no EU candidate is available.
However, there’s a key exception:
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If you pay yourself €64,000 or more per year, the labour market test is waived.
Advantages of the General Employment Permit
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Accessible to most professional roles.
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Allows you to build a company in nearly any sector.
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Clear pathway to residency and eventually citizenship.
Challenges
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Requires compliance with the 50/50 rule (at least 50% of employees must be EU/EEA nationals).
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Must maintain payroll and meet tax obligations.
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Lower salary options require additional paperwork.
Option 2: Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is Ireland’s premium work visa. It targets professionals in high-demand industries such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
Salary and Job Requirements
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If your profession is on the Critical Skills List: Minimum salary of €38,000 per year.
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If your profession is not on the list: Minimum salary of €64,000 per year.
Why the Critical Skills Permit Is Attractive
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No labour market test.
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Permanent residency possible after just two years (instead of the typical five years).
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Spouses and dependents can apply for residence and work authorization immediately.
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Designed for long-term settlement.
Professions on the Critical Skills List
The list includes:
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ICT professionals (software engineers, systems analysts).
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Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical).
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Healthcare professionals (nurses, medical specialists).
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Certain finance and STEM roles.
This makes it particularly valuable for professionals who want to leverage their expertise to establish themselves in Ireland quickly.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Move to Ireland with Your Own Company
Now that we’ve reviewed the two main permit options, let’s walk through the practical steps involved in this pathway.
Step 1: Register Your Irish Company
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Choose a business structure (most entrepreneurs opt for a Private Limited Company).
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Register with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
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Open a corporate bank account in Ireland.
Step 2: Set Up Your Role in the Company
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Appoint yourself as a director and employee.
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Define your position in line with Irish work permit categories.
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Establish your salary (minimums vary depending on permit type).
Step 3: Apply for the Employment Permit
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Submit your application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
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Provide employment contract, company details, and financial commitments.
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Demonstrate compliance with salary thresholds and rules.
Step 4: Relocate and Begin Operations
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Once approved, apply for an entry visa (if required based on nationality).
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Relocate to Ireland and activate your employment status.
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Begin hiring, paying taxes, and building your business.
Step 5: Pathway to Residency and Citizenship
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Critical Skills Permit Holders: Apply for permanent residency after 2 years.
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General Employment Permit Holders: Apply after 5 years.
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Irish Citizenship: After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for naturalization.
The Case of Daniel the Engineer
Daniel, a 34-year-old software engineer from Mexico, wanted to move to Europe but struggled to find a direct employer sponsor. After researching, he discovered that he could form his own IT consultancy in Ireland.
He paid himself €40,000 annually, registered his company, and applied under the Critical Skills Employment Permit since his role was on the skills shortage list. Within months, he relocated to Dublin, landed contracts with two tech firms, and after just two years, he became eligible for permanent residency. Today, Daniel enjoys EU freedom of movement and is on track for Irish citizenship.
This story illustrates how entrepreneurs and skilled professionals can use this pathway to secure their future in Europe.
Why This Pathway Works
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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Ireland attracts more FDI per capita than any other EU country.
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Tech Sector Growth: ICT services account for over 13% of Ireland’s GDP.
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Immigration Success: In 2022, over 16,000 employment permits were issued, with Critical Skills permits seeing strong growth.
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Residency Conversion: More than 70% of Critical Skills holders transition to long-term residency.
These statistics highlight that Ireland actively encourages foreign professionals and entrepreneurs. The self-sponsorship model through your own company aligns perfectly with Ireland’s economic strategy.
Benefits of Sponsoring Yourself Through an Irish Company
Full Control Over Your Immigration Journey
You don’t have to depend on an external employer. By sponsoring yourself, you control your salary, your role, and your timeline.
Faster Path to Residency and Citizenship
Especially under the Critical Skills Employment Permit, you can secure permanent residency in just two years—a major advantage compared to other EU countries.
Business and Lifestyle Advantages
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Build a business in a low-tax, EU-integrated economy.
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Access Ireland’s talent pool and global business networks.
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Enjoy Ireland’s high standard of living, education, and healthcare.
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
Like any immigration pathway, this one comes with challenges.
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Compliance Risks: Ensure you meet salary thresholds, payroll taxes, and company filings.
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50/50 Rule: For General Employment Permits, be mindful of the EU-to-non-EU employee ratio.
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Sustainability: Your company must be genuine, operational, and not just a shell for visa purposes.
Tip: Work with experienced immigration professionals who can structure your company, contracts, and permit application correctly.
How This Pathway Compares to Other EU Immigration Options
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Portugal: Offers a startup visa but requires detailed incubation approval.
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Spain: Has entrepreneur visas but requires significant capital investment.
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Germany: Allows self-employment visas, but the process is stricter and often requires large financial resources.
Ireland stands out for its balance of accessibility, lower capital requirements, and fast-track residency.
3A Immigration Services Can Help You Move to Ireland
At 3A Immigration Services, we specialize in helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors navigate complex immigration pathways. If you’re considering moving to Ireland by sponsoring yourself through your own company, our team can:
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Evaluate which permit (General or Critical Skills) fits your profile.
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Assist with company formation and compliance.
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Draft employment contracts and application materials.
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Guide you from permit approval to permanent residency.
With our expertise in employment-based immigration and global mobility, we make the process seamless, ensuring you don’t miss key details that could delay or jeopardize your application.
Moving to Ireland by starting your own company and sponsoring yourself for a work visa is one of the most powerful yet underutilized immigration strategies available today. With relatively low salary thresholds, clear permit categories, and fast-track residency options, Ireland offers a practical and rewarding pathway to the EU.
Whether you’re a skilled professional seeking new horizons, an entrepreneur wanting to expand in Europe, or a family looking for long-term security, Ireland provides the tools to make your dream a reality.
By taking control of your career and immigration journey, you’re not just relocating—you’re building a sustainable future in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries.
RELATED LINKS
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Work Permits Explained – Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
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Business in Ireland: Starting a Company – Companies Registration Office
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