Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Passage West

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Passage West, Ireland

There is no citizenship by investment program in Ireland. This applies nationally and therefore in Passage West and County Cork as well. In February 2023 the Government of Ireland closed the Immigrant Investor Programme, which had offered residence options to certain investors. Existing approved applicants can continue under the terms that applied at the time of their approval, but no new applications are accepted.

Irish citizenship is mainly obtained by birth in specific circumstances, by descent from Irish citizen parents, by naturalization following lawful residence, by adoption, or in rare cases by ministerial discretion. Investment alone does not grant Irish citizenship. For entrepreneurs and investors who wish to live in Ireland, alternative immigration routes may be available, such as the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme for high potential start-ups, employment permit routes that can lead to long-term residence, and family reunification options. After meeting residence and other statutory requirements, a person may be eligible to apply for naturalization.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Even without a citizenship by investment route, investment and business plans often intersect with Ireland’s immigration and nationality laws. A lawyer can help you choose a lawful path to residence and potential future citizenship that fits your goals and circumstances. Common situations include evaluating whether you qualify for the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, choosing the right employment permit and pathway to long-term residence, structuring a business or investment in compliance with Irish company, tax, and regulatory laws, and aligning your relocation timeline with naturalization eligibility rules.

Legal guidance is also valuable when you need to calculate reckonable residence and continuous residence for naturalization, address good character concerns or previous immigration issues, manage family reunification and dependent documentation, prepare business plans and evidence for entrepreneur routes, respond to a proposal to refuse or an actual refusal, protect against scams falsely advertising Irish citizenship by investment, and coordinate immigration steps with tax and estate planning. A solicitor familiar with Irish immigration, nationality, company, and tax considerations can coordinate a compliant strategy from day one.

Local Laws Overview

Citizenship framework. Irish citizenship is governed by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts. Naturalization generally requires you to be aged 18 or over, of good character, intending to reside in the State, and to have a required period of reckonable residence, typically five years in total with one year of continuous residence immediately before the application. Time spent lawfully in Ireland on certain permissions counts toward reckonable residence, while some short-stay categories do not.

Immigration permissions. Residence in Ireland is documented by an Irish Residence Permit, commonly called IRP, which you register at the regional immigration registration office. For residents of Passage West, the registration office is in County Cork. Your immigration permission type is recorded as a stamp, such as Stamp 1 for employment, Stamp 1G for graduates, Stamp 2 for students, or Stamp 4 for long-term residence. Not all stamps count equally toward naturalization, so you should confirm whether your status is reckonable before relying on it for citizenship eligibility.

Investment and entrepreneurship. Ireland does not offer citizenship by investment. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed in 2023 to new applicants. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme remains a separate option for approved innovative businesses that meet criteria including funding thresholds and job creation potential. Standard company formation and compliance is handled under Irish company law with filings to the Companies Registration Office. Certain financial and investment activities may require authorization or supervision, for example under Central Bank of Ireland rules, and all investment funds must comply with anti money laundering and beneficial ownership requirements.

Employment permits. Many investors and executives relocate using employment permits. Critical Skills Employment Permits, General Employment Permits, and Intra-Company Transfer Permits have different eligibility rules, salary thresholds, and progression to longer-term residence. After a qualifying period, some permit holders can move to Stamp 4 residence, which can be an important step toward naturalization.

Tax and regulatory context. Moving investment activities to Ireland raises tax questions that should be addressed early. Ireland allows dual citizenship and is a member of the European Union. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, and maintains the Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom. Immigration residence rules are distinct from tax residence rules, so you should seek coordinated legal and tax advice on residence days, domicile, remittance issues for non-domiciled individuals, and corporate structuring.

Local process points in Passage West. Day-to-day immigration interactions for residents of Passage West will occur through the Cork regional immigration registration office for IRP matters, local Garda Siochana for certain verifications, and national bodies in Dublin for permit decisions and citizenship applications. Keep original documents, certified translations where required, and accurate travel records to evidence continuous residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ireland offer citizenship by investment?

No. Ireland does not grant citizenship in exchange for investment. The Immigrant Investor Programme, which provided certain residence options, closed to new applicants in 2023.

What happened to the Immigrant Investor Programme?

The Government closed the programme in February 2023. No new applications are accepted. Applicants who received approval before the closure may continue under the terms that applied when they were approved.

Can buying property in Passage West lead to Irish citizenship?

No. Purchasing property in Ireland, including in Passage West, does not grant residence or citizenship, and it does not shorten the naturalization timeline. You must qualify for a valid immigration permission and meet residence and other legal criteria before applying for citizenship.

What is the typical pathway from investment or entrepreneurship to citizenship?

An entrepreneur may obtain residence through an approved route, for example the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme or an employment permit, then live in Ireland on a reckonable permission for the required number of years. After satisfying the residence, good character, and other statutory requirements, the person may apply for naturalization. Approval is not automatic and is always at ministerial discretion.

How many years of residence are required for naturalization?

In most cases you need five years of reckonable residence in total, including one year of continuous residence immediately before applying. You must also intend to continue residing in Ireland and be of good character. Some categories may have different calculations, and the Minister may waive conditions in limited circumstances.

Does student time count toward citizenship?

Time spent in Ireland as a student, typically on Stamp 2, is generally not reckonable for naturalization. Time on certain other permissions, such as Stamp 1 or Stamp 4, can be reckonable. You should verify your specific permission before relying on it.

Can my family join me if I relocate for business or work?

Possibly, depending on your permission type and meeting income and support requirements. Critical Skills Employment Permit holders often have more favorable family reunification options. Entrepreneurs may have routes to bring dependents if their permission allows it. Each family member must have the correct visa or permission, and their time in Ireland may have different reckonability for future citizenship.

How is good character assessed?

The Department of Justice considers criminal records, immigration compliance, tax compliance, and other conduct. Police certificates from countries where you have lived may be required. Minor issues do not automatically disqualify you, but non-disclosure or ongoing non-compliance can lead to refusal. A solicitor can help you disclose accurately and address any concerns.

Do I need to live full time in Passage West to meet residence rules?

You must meet reckonable and continuous residence requirements in Ireland. Short trips abroad are usually acceptable if they stay within allowed limits, but extended absences can break continuous residence. Keep a careful log of travel dates, boarding passes, and passport stamps, and seek advice before long absences.

Can Ireland-based investors hold dual citizenship?

Yes. Ireland permits dual citizenship. You should also confirm the rules of your other country or countries of citizenship, since some jurisdictions restrict dual nationality.

Additional Resources

Department of Justice, Immigration Service Delivery, for immigration permissions, Irish Residence Permit registration guidance, and naturalization applications.

Citizenship Division of the Department of Justice, for policy, forms, and processing of naturalization.

An Garda Siochana, Cork regional immigration registration office, for in-person IRP registration and renewals.

Companies Registration Office, for company incorporation and annual compliance if you plan to establish an Irish company.

Revenue Commissioners, for tax registration, PAYE, VAT, and guidance on residence and remittance issues.

Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office in Cork, for start-up supports, mentoring, and guidance for entrepreneurs.

Central Bank of Ireland, for authorizations and guidance if your activities involve regulated financial services or funds.

Irish Statute Book, for access to primary legislation and statutory instruments relevant to immigration, citizenship, and company law.

Next Steps

Confirm your objective. Decide if your goal is residence for you and your family, business establishment, or a long-term plan toward naturalization. Since there is no citizenship by investment, align your plan with valid immigration routes.

Assess eligibility. Review whether you qualify for an employment permit, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, or another permission. Consider timelines to reach Stamp 4 residence and how that fits with naturalization requirements.

Engage professional help. Consult an Irish immigration and nationality solicitor, and coordinate with a tax advisor and corporate lawyer if you will invest or establish a company. Ask for a written strategy that covers immigration steps, tax residence, and compliance milestones.

Prepare documentation. Gather passports, birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, proof of funds and source of funds, business plans, evidence of accommodation, private health insurance if required, and certified translations where applicable. Keep organized copies and proof of all entries and exits.

Register and comply locally. On arrival, register for an Irish Residence Permit at the Cork regional office if required, maintain valid permission at all times, and keep address details current. If forming a company, complete Companies Registration Office filings and maintain proper books and records.

Track residence and travel. Maintain a detailed record of days spent in and out of Ireland. Before applying for naturalization, verify that your residence is reckonable and that you have the required continuous residence immediately before application.

Avoid scams. Be cautious of any service advertising Irish citizenship by investment or guaranteed approvals. Use qualified lawyers and reputable advisors only.

Plan for the application. When you meet the criteria, prepare a complete and accurate naturalization application, pay the correct fees, and respond promptly to any requests for further information.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and policies change. For personalized guidance in Passage West and County Cork, consult a qualified Irish immigration and nationality solicitor.