Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Carrigaline

About Residence by Investment Law in Carrigaline, Ireland

Residence by investment in Ireland is governed at national level, not by town or county. Carrigaline is a town in County Cork where many investors choose to live, but all permissions are decided by national authorities. Ireland does not offer residency simply for buying property. The state previously operated the Immigrant Investor Programme, which closed to new applications in 2023. If you see offers that claim a guaranteed Irish residence permit in return for a property purchase or passive investment, treat them with caution and seek legal advice.

Investors and entrepreneurs can still live in Ireland, including in Carrigaline, through other national schemes where business activity and investment are relevant. Common pathways include the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme for innovative founders, employment permits for those who will work in their Irish company, and limited means permissions such as Stamp 0 for financially self-sufficient individuals. EEA and Swiss citizens can reside without permission, and British citizens benefit from the Common Travel Area. Each route has specific criteria, documentation, and renewal obligations that a lawyer can help you navigate.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer to confirm which immigration routes are currently open and to test your eligibility before you invest. A lawyer can assess your business plan for immigration suitability, prepare applications, and manage communications with Immigration Service Delivery. Legal support is important to document the source of funds and to comply with anti-money laundering checks that banks and the state require. If you are purchasing property in Carrigaline, a solicitor will handle conveyancing, title checks, planning queries, and registration.

Where you are forming or acquiring an Irish company, a lawyer can coordinate with your accountant on company formation, director and shareholder compliance, and filings with the Companies Registration Office and the Register of Beneficial Ownership. For families, legal advice is valuable to plan dependent permissions, school arrangements, and health insurance. If you face a delay, refusal, or a condition you do not understand, a lawyer can advise on reviews, appeals, or alternative strategies. Longer term, legal guidance helps you track reckonable residence for future long-term residence or naturalisation.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration rules are national. If you live in Carrigaline, you will register your permission and renew your Irish Residence Permit through the local An Garda Siochana registration office serving Cork. Appointments are limited and you must register in time after arrival. You will need a valid passport, your permission letter, proof of address in County Cork, and private health insurance where required by your stamp type.

If you plan to start or acquire a business in Carrigaline, you must comply with Companies Registration Office filings, beneficial ownership reporting, tax registrations with Revenue, employment law, and sector specific licences. Food, hospitality, childcare, and health related businesses have additional Health Service Executive and local authority requirements. Lease or purchase of premises often triggers planning and fire safety considerations under Cork County Council. Always check whether a change of use or signage requires planning permission before you commit to a lease.

Property purchases are governed by national conveyancing law. Your solicitor will check title, planning status, building regulations compliance, and any rights of way or burdens. Expect stamp duty, local property tax, and registration fees. If you will rent out property, you must register tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board and comply with minimum standards and deposit rules. If you rent a home to live in, review your lease terms carefully, including rent review clauses and termination rules.

Tax residence is separate from immigration permission. Many investors are non-domiciled, which can affect how foreign income and gains are taxed. The rules on days in Ireland, split year treatment, and the remittance basis are technical and change over time. Coordinate early with a tax adviser to plan holding structures, director remuneration, dividends, and exit taxes. Banks in Ireland apply strict know your customer rules, so be prepared with certified identification, proof of address, and detailed source of funds evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a current residence by investment programme in Ireland?

No. Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme to new applications in 2023. You cannot obtain Irish residence solely by making a passive investment or by buying property.

Can buying a home in Carrigaline give me a right to live in Ireland?

No. Property ownership does not grant immigration permission. You still need a qualifying residence permission such as an employment based stamp, Start-up Entrepreneur Programme approval, Stamp 0 for self-sufficient persons, or an EU free movement basis if applicable.

What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme?

It is a national route for innovative founders with scalable business plans and sufficient funding. Approved founders receive a residence permission to build their business in Ireland, with renewal subject to progress. Thresholds, qualifying criteria, and documentation are specific and you should check current requirements before applying.

What are the main alternatives for investors now that the investor programme is closed?

Common alternatives include the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme for innovative ventures, Critical Skills or General Employment Permits if you will work in Ireland, intra company transfers for multinational groups, Stamp 0 for persons of independent means, student permissions, and family reunification where eligible. Which route fits depends on your profile and objectives.

Can I get residence by investing in Irish government bonds or a philanthropic donation?

No for new applicants. These were options under the closed Immigrant Investor Programme. New applications are not accepted. Be alert to third parties advertising such options and seek legal verification.

How do I register my residency if I live in Carrigaline?

Non EEA nationals register in person at the local immigration registration office serving County Cork. You must book an appointment, attend with your approval letter, passport, proof of Cork address, medical insurance where required, and pay the applicable fee to receive your Irish Residence Permit card.

Can my family join me?

Usually yes, but it depends on your permission. Many routes allow a spouse or partner and minor children to join under family reunification rules, subject to financial and documentation requirements. Some permissions do not allow dependants or have waiting periods. Plan this early to avoid delays.

How is my investment or business activity vetted?

Authorities will expect clear, lawful source of funds, bank statements, contracts, and corporate documentation. Banks and professionals in Ireland must conduct anti money laundering checks. For start-ups, you will need a credible, scalable plan, relevant experience, and evidence of funding.

Will living in Carrigaline count toward Irish citizenship?

Time spent in Ireland can count toward naturalisation if you hold reckonable residence permissions and meet residence day counts and good character criteria. Some stamps, such as student or certain limited means permissions, are not reckonable. Keep records of your permissions, travel, and addresses to support a future application.

What taxes should I expect as an investor or business owner?

Tax obligations can include income tax, corporation tax, VAT, capital gains tax, stamp duty on property, local property tax, and payroll taxes if you hire staff. Your residence, domicile, and where value is created matter. Engage a tax adviser before you invest or relocate to structure efficiently and stay compliant.

Additional Resources

Immigration Service Delivery of the Department of Justice handles immigration permissions, policy, and registration guidance.

Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment oversees employment permits and business policy.

Enterprise Ireland supports high potential start ups and export focused businesses.

An Garda Siochana immigration registration office in Cork manages Irish Residence Permit registration for residents of Carrigaline.

Revenue Commissioners provide guidance on tax residence, registration, and compliance for individuals and companies.

Companies Registration Office and the Register of Beneficial Ownership handle company incorporation and ownership filings.

Cork County Council is responsible for local planning, building control, fire safety, and certain business licences.

Residential Tenancies Board regulates landlord tenant registrations and tenancy rules.

Property Registration Authority manages land and title registration.

Professional bodies such as the Law Society of Ireland can help you find a qualified solicitor, and chartered tax bodies can help you locate an experienced tax adviser.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Decide whether your priority is to build a business in Ireland, work for an Irish employer, retire with independent means, study, or join family. Your goal will determine the correct legal route.

Get an eligibility check. Speak with an immigration solicitor in County Cork to assess which permissions are open and suitable. Confirm documentary requirements, processing times, and realistic outcomes before you commit funds.

Assemble documents. Prepare passports, civil status records, proof of funds and their lawful origin, business plans, qualifications, police clearances, health insurance, and accommodation evidence in Carrigaline or nearby.

Plan tax and structure. Before investing, obtain tax advice on residence, domicile, company structure, director obligations, payroll, and exit. Coordinate legal and accounting advice so your immigration route and tax plan align.

Complete applications and registrations. Submit your immigration application, then on arrival register for your Irish Residence Permit, obtain a PPS number, open a bank account, and register with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office where relevant.

Manage renewals and compliance. Track expiry dates, keep insurance active, maintain accurate company and tax filings, and comply with local planning or licensing rules in Carrigaline. Keep a file of permissions, correspondence, and travel records for future renewals or naturalisation.

Be fraud aware. Since there is no active residence by investment scheme, treat any property for visa offer with caution and verify all claims with your solicitor before sending funds.