Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Cobh

About Residence by Investment Law in Cobh, Ireland

People often search for residence by investment options when they consider living in Ireland while making a substantial financial contribution. Cobh is a seaside town in County Cork, but immigration is governed nationally, so the same rules apply in Cobh as anywhere in Ireland.

Ireland previously operated the Immigrant Investor Programme, often called the IIP or Ireland’s golden visa. That programme closed to new applications on 14 February 2023. Existing approved IIP applicants and their renewals continue under the programme rules, but no new investor applications are accepted. Buying property in Ireland does not on its own grant you any immigration permission.

There are still lawful routes that may make sense for investors or high net worth individuals who wish to live in or base a business in Cobh:

- Start-up Entrepreneur Programme - for innovative founders with at least 50,000 euro in funding and a scalable business plan that will create jobs.

- Employment permit routes - such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit, which can lead to Stamp 4 residence after a qualifying period.

- Stamp 0 - for people of independent means who can support themselves without accessing state services and who carry private medical insurance. This is a limited permission and is generally not reckonable for citizenship.

- Family and EU rights - British citizens have Common Travel Area rights, EU and EEA citizens can live and work in Ireland, and certain family members of EU citizens may qualify under EU Treaty Rights routes.

- Study and graduate routes - study permissions do not lead directly to permanent residence, although some post-study stamps are now reckonable for naturalisation.

If your goal is long term residence or eventual Irish citizenship, it is important to choose a route that is eligible for naturalisation and to maintain continuous, lawful residence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- Strategy and eligibility - a lawyer can assess whether STEP, an employment permit, Stamp 0, or a family route best matches your goals and timeline now that the IIP is closed.

- Business planning and compliance - STEP applications hinge on a strong, innovative business plan, proof of funding, and credible projections. Lawyers coordinate with accountants to align immigration, corporate, and tax requirements.

- Source of funds and anti-money laundering checks - investment and entrepreneur routes require clear documentation of funds and may involve enhanced due diligence.

- Company formation and director requirements - non-EEA directors may need to meet resident director rules or put in place a Section 137 bond. Legal guidance helps you structure the company correctly from the start.

- Property and leasing - while property purchase does not grant residence, many investors still buy or lease homes and commercial space. Lawyers handle contracts, planning issues, title, and landlord-tenant compliance.

- Registration, renewals, and conditions - a lawyer can prepare you for local registration in County Cork, manage renewals, and advise on residency conditions like private health insurance and permitted activities.

- Family members - adding spouses, partners, and dependent children requires careful documentation and timing to keep the family on the same status.

- Appeals and problem solving - if a visa or permission is refused or delayed, legal help is vital for reviews, appeals, or reapplications.

- Naturalisation planning - lawyers guide what stamps count as reckonable residence, travel limits, absences, and evidence needed for citizenship applications.

Local Laws Overview

- National framework - immigration is set by national law and policy, including the Immigration Act 2004 and Department of Justice policies. Cobh residents interact with the same rules as the rest of Ireland.

- Registration in County Cork - non-EEA nationals who receive a permission must register and obtain an Irish Residence Permit card. Outside Dublin, registration is handled by An Garda Siochana at the local registration office serving County Cork. Appointments can book out well in advance, so plan early.

- Stamps and permissions - the stamp on your passport or IRP card lists what you can do in Ireland. Common examples include Stamp 1 for employment permit holders, Stamp 4 for more flexible residence including after Critical Skills employment, Stamp 0 for persons of independent means, and Stamp 2 for students.

- IIP status - the Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applicants in 2023. People already approved under IIP continue to follow their investment and renewal commitments. Historic IIP options included enterprise or fund investments of 1,000,000 euro, a philanthropic endowment of 500,000 euro, or a 2,000,000 euro investment in an Irish REIT, each with specific holding periods and conditions.

- Start-up Entrepreneur Programme - requires an innovative, scalable business, minimum 50,000 euro in funding, credible job creation in Ireland, and good character with clean immigration history. Approval grants a residence permission to develop the business.

- Employment permits - the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment issues permits. Critical Skills permits target roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List and can lead to Stamp 4 after a qualifying period. General permits require a labour market needs test unless exempt.

- Naturalisation - to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation, most applicants need five years of reckonable residence in the past nine years, with one year continuous immediately before applying. Some stamps count as reckonable, such as Stamp 1, Stamp 4, and many Stamp 1G periods. Visitor and student permissions generally do not count. The Minister has discretion on all applications.

- Common Travel Area and EU citizens - British and Irish citizens enjoy reciprocal rights under the CTA. EU and EEA citizens and their eligible family members have separate rights under EU free movement law.

- Tax residency and business - immigration permission is separate from tax status. You are generally Irish tax resident if present 183 days in a year or 280 days over two years with at least 30 days in each. Company setup and cross-border tax planning should be coordinated with an Irish tax adviser. Investors in Cobh who acquire property should consider stamp duty, Local Property Tax, and rental income rules.

- Company law for investors - most Irish companies are incorporated under the Companies Act 2014. At least one EEA-resident director is usually required, or a Section 137 bond can be put in place. Companies must register beneficial ownership and comply with accounting and annual return obligations.

- Healthcare and insurance - many permissions require private medical insurance. Ireland operates a public health system, but eligibility depends on residency status and is not the same as immigration permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a golden visa for Ireland now?

No. Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications on 14 February 2023. Existing approved investors can continue under their terms, but the State is not taking new investor applications.

Can I get Irish residence by buying a house in Cobh?

No. Property purchase does not grant immigration permission in Ireland. You must qualify under an existing route such as an employment permit, the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, family, EU rights, or Stamp 0 for independent means.

What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme?

STEP grants residence to founders who will build an innovative, scalable business in Ireland. You must have at least 50,000 euro in funding, a credible plan to create jobs, and meet character and immigration history checks. If approved, you receive a residence permission to develop the venture.

Can former IIP investors still renew their permissions?

Yes. People who were approved under the IIP before it closed can continue to meet their investment obligations and apply for renewals as set out in their approval letters and the programme rules in force for them.

How long does it take to become an Irish citizen?

Most applicants must show five years of reckonable residence in the last nine, including one year of continuous reckonable residence immediately before applying. Some stamps count and others do not. The decision is discretionary, and processing times vary.

Does Stamp 0 count for citizenship?

No. Stamp 0 is generally not reckonable residence for naturalisation. It is a limited permission and does not usually lead to long term residence or citizenship.

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

People living in County Cork register with the local An Garda Siochana registration office that serves the county. Outside Dublin, registrations are handled by the Garda rather than the Burgh Quay office. Appointments are required.

Can I include my family members in my application?

It depends on the route. Employment permit holders can usually sponsor eligible family members after meeting income and accommodation requirements. STEP founders may include family members once conditions are met. Family definitions and timing vary by route.

What taxes should investors moving to Cobh consider?

Immigration permission does not determine tax status. Consider Irish tax residence based on days present, domicile, remittance basis rules for non-domiciled individuals, corporate tax for any Irish company you form, VAT if trading, payroll obligations if hiring, and property taxes if buying or renting out real estate. Obtain bespoke tax advice.

How much does legal help cost for these applications?

Fees vary based on complexity. A straightforward employment permit and residence application will usually cost less than a STEP application that requires intensive business planning and due diligence. Ask for a written scope of work, fee estimate, and disbursements in advance.

Additional Resources

- Department of Justice - Immigration Service Delivery

- An Garda Siochana - local immigration registration offices in County Cork

- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment - employment permits

- Enterprise Ireland - support for start-ups and STEP applicants

- Revenue Commissioners - tax residency and registration

- Companies Registration Office - company incorporation and compliance

- Property Registration Authority of Ireland - land and title registration

- Citizens Information - plain English guides on immigration and public services

- Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service historic IIP guidance for legacy applicants

- Local authorities in County Cork for planning permission and local property issues

Next Steps

- Clarify your goals - decide whether you want to work, start a business, live on independent means, or join family. Your goal determines the correct immigration route.

- Check eligibility - review the criteria for STEP, employment permits, Stamp 0, or family routes. Confirm whether your time in Ireland will be reckonable for citizenship if that matters to you.

- Prepare documents - passports, police clearances, proof of funds, medical insurance, marriage and birth certificates, business plans, company documents, and financial statements as required.

- Plan registration and timelines - secure visa or preclearance if needed, schedule registration in County Cork, and align business or employment start dates with your permission.

- Coordinate tax and corporate setup - obtain a PPS Number if eligible, register any company, address director residency or bond requirements, and set up accounting and payroll.

- Engage professionals - consult an Irish immigration lawyer, and where needed a chartered accountant and corporate solicitor, to reduce risk and avoid delays.

- Avoid common pitfalls - do not rely on property purchases for residence, beware of unregulated investments or promoters, and keep full records for funds and business activity.

- Maintain compliance - keep private medical insurance if required, renew permissions on time, respect travel and residency conditions, and track reckonable residence if planning for citizenship.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For tailored guidance based on your situation in Cobh, Ireland, consult a qualified Irish immigration lawyer.