Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Cobh

About Residence by Investment Law in Cobh, Ireland

Residents and investors in Cobh are subject to the same national immigration framework that applies across Ireland. Ireland does not currently operate an open golden visa program. The Immigrant Investor Programme, which previously offered residency in return for qualifying investments, was closed to new applications in February 2023. Existing approvals under that programme continue to be administered, but no new applications are accepted.

While there is no property-based residency route, investors and entrepreneurs still have legitimate pathways to live in Ireland. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme remains open for innovative founders who can establish and scale a high-potential start-up in Ireland. In addition, many internationally mobile professionals secure residency through employment permits, particularly the Critical Skills Employment Permit. Other routes include study, family reunification, and Stamp 0 for financially self-sufficient persons in limited circumstances. Purchasing property in Cobh or anywhere in Ireland does not by itself grant a right to live in Ireland.

Because immigration is national, any permission you obtain is valid throughout Ireland, including Cobh. However, certain practical steps, such as immigration registration, will be completed locally through the Cork immigration office serving residents of Cobh.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Investors and families often seek a lawyer to assess eligibility across multiple immigration routes and to design the most suitable strategy. A solicitor can compare the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, employment-based permissions, study routes, and family options against your objectives, timelines, and risk tolerance. Lawyers also help ensure your documentation meets Irish standards, including proof of funds, source-of-wealth evidence, and police clearance certificates, which are reviewed under strict anti-money laundering rules.

Entrepreneurs commonly need legal support to structure a new Irish company, draft a compliant business plan, align with sectoral regulations, and protect intellectual property. If you are purchasing a home or commercial property in Cobh, a conveyancing solicitor will handle due diligence, title, planning permissions, and tax on acquisition. A lawyer can coordinate with tax advisers on residence, domicile, and remittance considerations before you move, so you understand how Irish income tax, capital gains tax, USC, and PRSI could affect you.

Legal assistance is also important for visa applications, preclearance, and appeals or reviews after refusals. If a permission is granted, a lawyer can guide you through registration, renewals, change of status, family reunification applications, and the path to long-term residence and eventual naturalisation. For high-net-worth clients, counsel often coordinate compliance with sanctions and anti-money laundering requirements that attach to larger investments and transfers.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration permissions are governed primarily by the Immigration Act 2004 and associated policy documents issued by Immigration Service Delivery in the Department of Justice. Non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who intend to reside for more than 90 days generally need a long-stay D visa before travel and must register their permission in Ireland to obtain an Irish Residence Permit card. Residents of Cobh typically register at the Garda immigration office serving Cork by appointment. Registration produces conditions known as a Stamp type, for example Stamp 1, Stamp 1G, Stamp 3, or Stamp 4, which determine your right to work or study and whether family can join you.

Ireland does not grant residency through simple property purchase. Property transactions are handled under Irish conveyancing law and the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Acts, with title registered at the Property Registration Authority of Ireland. Buyers may incur stamp duty on residential or non-residential property, local property tax, and other charges. None of these taxes convert into an immigration benefit.

Business and employment routes often require interaction with several regimes. Employment permits are issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the Employment Permits Acts. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed for specific high-demand occupations with minimum salary thresholds and skills criteria that are periodically revised. Holders can often bring family sooner and may transition to Stamp 4 after a qualifying period. Entrepreneurs may apply under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme if they can demonstrate an innovative business with strong growth and job creation potential, sufficient funding, and headquarters in Ireland. Successful STEP applicants typically receive a time-limited Stamp 4 permission that can be renewed subject to performance and compliance.

Company formation and investment activity are subject to the Companies Act 2014, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing legislation, and beneficial ownership reporting requirements. If your plans involve regulated financial services or fund investments, Central Bank of Ireland rules will apply. Where employees will be hired in Cobh, note local employment law, health and safety obligations, and registration with Irish Revenue for payroll taxes.

Tax residence and domicile are distinct from immigration permission. Individuals are generally tax resident if present in Ireland for 183 days in a tax year or 280 days over two years with at least 30 days in each year, subject to detailed rules. Non-domiciled residents may be taxed on a remittance basis for certain foreign-source income and gains, which requires careful planning. Always obtain specialist tax advice before moving assets or changing your personal residence plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ireland have a golden visa or residence by investment scheme?

No. Ireland closed the Immigrant Investor Programme to new applications in February 2023. There is currently no property-based or passive-investment route that grants residency. Alternative lawful routes include the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, employment permits, study, and family-based permissions.

Can I get residency by buying a home or commercial property in Cobh?

No. Buying property in Ireland does not grant any immigration permission. You may own property as a non-resident, but you still need a separate lawful basis to live in Ireland, such as an employment permit or another qualifying permission.

What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme and who qualifies?

The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme is for founders who will establish and scale an innovative, high-potential start-up headquartered in Ireland with strong prospects for job creation and export growth. Applicants must show a credible business plan, sufficient funding, good character, and compliance with Irish laws. If approved, you receive a time-limited Stamp 4 permission that can be renewed if your venture progresses as proposed.

What are the main employment-based options for investors or executives?

Many investors relocate as senior executives or specialists via the Critical Skills Employment Permit or the General Employment Permit. These require a qualifying job offer from an Irish employer, salary thresholds, and sometimes a labour market test. Salary thresholds and eligible occupations are updated from time to time, so you should check current criteria before applying. Certain permissions can lead to Stamp 4 after a qualifying period.

How do I register my immigration permission if I live in Cobh?

After arrival on the correct visa and once you hold permission to remain for more than 90 days, you must register in person to obtain an Irish Residence Permit card. Residents of Cobh generally register at the Cork immigration office operated by An Garda Siochana. You will need your passport, approval letter, evidence supporting your permission type, proof of address, and payment of the registration fee. Appointments are required.

Can my spouse or children join me in Ireland?

Family reunification depends on your permission type and how long you have held it. Critical Skills Employment Permit holders usually have faster family reunification options than some other categories. Financial thresholds and documentary requirements apply. Family members are granted specific stamp conditions that determine their right to work or study. A lawyer can confirm eligibility and the correct sequence of applications.

How long until I can apply for Irish citizenship?

Most applicants must show five years of reckonable residence in the past nine years, including one year of continuous residence immediately before applying, along with good character and an intention to continue residing in Ireland. Some categories, such as spouses of Irish citizens, have shorter residence requirements. Time on certain stamps may not be fully reckonable. Naturalisation is discretionary.

What taxes should I consider before moving to Cobh?

Plan for Irish income tax, USC, PRSI, and potential capital gains tax. Tax residence is determined by day-count rules and other factors. Ireland operates a remittance basis of taxation for non-domiciled individuals in certain circumstances. Property purchases attract stamp duty and local property tax. Coordinated advice on residence, domicile, double tax treaties, and asset structuring is recommended before you relocate.

What if my visa or permission is refused?

Some refusals can be challenged by way of an administrative review or a fresh application addressing the issues raised. In limited circumstances, judicial review in the High Court may be appropriate. You should act quickly because strict time limits apply and you may need to preserve your lawful status while a review is pending.

I was approved under the old Immigrant Investor Programme. What should I know?

If you hold an existing approval, you must continue to meet the conditions of your permission, maintain the qualifying investment where required, comply with reporting obligations, and register or renew your Irish Residence Permit on time. Breaches can affect your right to remain or to renew. Legal advice helps ensure continued compliance and to plan transitions to long-term residence or naturalisation.

Additional Resources

Immigration Service Delivery in the Department of Justice provides official guidance on visas, registration, and permissions. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment administers employment permits. Enterprise Ireland engages with innovative start-ups and can be relevant to applicants under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme. The Companies Registration Office oversees company formation and filings. The Revenue Commissioners provide tax registration and guidance on tax residence and compliance. The Property Registration Authority of Ireland manages land title registration. The Central Bank of Ireland regulates financial services and funds. Cork County Council is the local planning authority for Cobh. An Garda Siochana operates local immigration registration outside Dublin.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives, timelines, and budget, including whether your goal is entrepreneurship, senior employment, study, or joining family in Ireland. Obtain an initial assessment from an Irish immigration solicitor who can compare routes and identify risks. Begin collecting core documents such as passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances, financial statements, academic credentials, and proof of address in Cobh. If pursuing the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, prepare a robust business plan, evidence of funding, and a market entry strategy for Ireland. If pursuing an employment route, secure a compliant job offer and coordinate the employment permit and long-stay D visa sequence.

Plan for practicalities early, including health insurance, school arrangements if relocating with children, accommodation in Cobh, and Irish tax registrations. Book your immigration registration appointment in Cork as soon as you have arrived and hold the correct permission. Keep careful records of your residence and travel to support future renewals and any naturalisation application. Throughout, maintain compliance with your stamp conditions and seek legal advice promptly if your circumstances change or if you receive any adverse decision. This guide is general information only and is not legal advice tailored to your situation.