Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Midleton

About Residence by Investment Law in Midleton, Ireland

Ireland regulates immigration and residence at national level. People based in Midleton follow the same rules and procedures as anywhere else in the State, while interacting locally with the Cork immigration registration office and Cork County Council services. Ireland does not offer residence in return for purchasing property and there is no golden visa that grants residence solely for buying assets.

Ireland previously ran the Immigrant Investor Programme, which closed to new applications in 2023. Existing approvals under that programme continue under their conditions, but no new investor visa applications are accepted. Today, the primary investment-linked route that can lead to residence for founders is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme. In addition, many investors obtain residence by anchoring themselves to a qualifying economic activity, for example by holding a Critical Skills Employment Permit, hiring into their own Irish company under a suitable employment permit, or qualifying for family or other non-investment permissions. The appropriate route depends on your nationality, your business plan, your role in the business, and your family situation.

Buying a home or commercial property in Midleton can be part of your life or business plan, but it does not create any immigration permission. You must qualify for and maintain the correct immigration stamp, register for an Irish Residence Permit in Cork after arrival, and meet ongoing conditions such as private medical insurance and genuine residence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Strategic pathway advice. A solicitor can compare available immigration routes for you and your family, explain stamp conditions, and align your choice with your business timeline. This is especially important since the former investor visa is closed and alternatives carry different eligibility tests.

Business structuring and compliance. If you plan to found or invest in a Midleton or Cork-based company, legal advice helps with company formation, shareholder agreements, founders agreements, intellectual property assignment, regulatory licensing, and contract drafting. Proper structuring can also support your immigration case and later renewals.

Application preparation. Immigration applications demand precise documents such as police clearances, bank evidence, source-of-funds proofs, business plans, health insurance, and translations. A lawyer helps assemble, certify, and present evidence in line with current guidance, reducing delays and refusals.

Regulatory clearances. Certain acquisitions in Ireland may trigger foreign investment screening, sectoral licensing, or merger control. Counsel can assess if your transaction needs approval and manage filings to avoid closing delays and immigration impacts.

Tax and wealth planning coordination. Legal counsel works with tax advisers on Irish tax residence tests, domicile issues, company tax registration, payroll for permit holders, and double tax treaty matters that affect investors relocating to Midleton.

After-arrival support. Lawyers assist with Irish Residence Permit registration in Cork, renewals, dependent family permissions, changes of status, address updates, and compliance with landlord-tenant, employment, and consumer laws.

Disputes and appeals. If refused or delayed, you may need review, reconsideration, or judicial review. Early legal advice can preserve deadlines and improve outcomes.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration permissions and stamps. Non-EEA nationals need permission to reside, evidenced by an Irish Residence Permit and a stamp category. Common stamps include Stamp 1 for work, Stamp 4 for residence without a permit in certain cases such as successful founders under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, Stamp 3 for dependents, and other categories for students and researchers. Conditions include obeying laws, maintaining health insurance, and staying within work rights.

Investor and entrepreneur options. The Immigrant Investor Programme is closed to new applicants. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme supports innovative, scalable businesses with funding at or above the threshold in official guidance, credible job creation potential, and headquarters in Ireland. A strong business plan and evidence of funds are essential. An alternative for some is to secure an employment permit to work in the Irish company you invest in, for example a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, subject to salary, role, and labour market rules.

Registration in Cork. Residents of Midleton register and renew their Irish Residence Permit with An Garda Siochana at the Cork immigration registration office. Appointments are typically required. Bring your passport, permission letter or visa, proof of Cork address, private medical insurance, and applicable fees. Check the latest local arrangements before attending.

Foreign investment screening. The Screening of Third Country Transactions regime applies to certain acquisitions by non EU or non EEA investors. Transactions in sensitive sectors or above set thresholds may require notification and approval before closing. This can affect timelines for investors acquiring control or significant influence in Irish businesses.

Company and commercial law. Incorporations occur under the Companies Act 2014. You will interact with the Companies Registration Office for formation and filings, Revenue for tax registrations, and possibly the Central Bank if your business is regulated. Standard anti money laundering obligations apply when opening bank accounts and verifying source of funds.

Tax residence and local taxation. Irish tax residence generally depends on days present. New residents should assess income tax, USC, PRSI, corporation tax, VAT, and payroll obligations. Registration with Revenue and correct PAYE operation are essential, especially for owner directors on employment permits.

Property and living in Midleton. Property purchase has its own legal process including contract review, title checks, planning compliance, and taxation such as stamp duty and local property tax. Residential tenancies are regulated and require registration with the Residential Tenancies Board. None of these create immigration rights by themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Irish residence by buying a house in Midleton

No. Property ownership does not create any immigration permission in Ireland. You must qualify under a recognised route such as the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, an employment permit based route, family permission, or other category.

Is there a current investor visa in Ireland

The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications in 2023. If you already hold permission under that programme, you continue under its conditions. New applicants must consider other routes such as the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme or employment permits.

What is the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme

It is a national scheme for innovative, scalable start-ups to establish and scale in Ireland. Successful founders can receive a residence permission, typically a Stamp 4, subject to meeting criteria including innovation, job creation potential, credible business plan, and minimum funding as set in official guidance. The company must be headquartered and controlled in Ireland.

How much do I need to invest under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme

The programme requires that you have access to a minimum qualifying level of funding for the start-up. The headline minimum for a sole founder has been 50,000 euro, with higher aggregate amounts for teams. Always check the latest official guidance because thresholds and evidential standards can change.

Can my spouse and children come with me

Yes, most qualifying residence routes allow dependent spouse or partner and minor children to apply to accompany or join you, subject to evidence of relationship, financial support, accommodation, and private medical insurance. The exact rights and stamp types depend on your own permission.

Where do I register my residence in Cork and what will I need

Residents of Midleton register their Irish Residence Permit with the An Garda Siochana immigration registration office serving Cork. Bring passport, permission letter or visa, proof of Cork address, medical insurance, and fees. Book an appointment and review up to date local requirements before attending.

How long will an application take

Timelines vary by route. Start-up Entrepreneur Programme assessments can take several months from a complete submission. Employment permits typically take a number of weeks, followed by a visa for visa required nationals. Registration in Cork occurs after arrival. Build realistic timelines into your business plan.

Do I need to live in Midleton full time to keep my permission

You must genuinely reside in Ireland and meet any conditions attached to your stamp, such as operating the start-up or working in the permitted role. Extended time outside the State can affect renewals and eligibility for long term permissions. Keep travel records and discuss extended absences with your adviser.

What taxes will I face as a new resident investor

Depending on your circumstances you may be liable to income tax, USC, PRSI, and if you run a company, corporation tax and VAT. Irish tax residence generally arises at 183 days in a year or 280 days over two years with at least 30 days in each year. Seek coordinated immigration and tax advice before moving assets or drawing salaries.

Will my investment need regulatory or security screening approvals

Possibly. Certain acquisitions by non EU or non EEA investors must be notified under the foreign investment screening regime before completion. Sectoral licences may also be required for regulated activities. Factor these into your deal and immigration timelines.

Additional Resources

Immigration Service Delivery of the Department of Justice for national immigration policy and applications.

An Garda Siochana Cork Immigration Registration Office for Irish Residence Permit appointments and renewals.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for employment permits and foreign investment screening.

Enterprise Ireland for start-up supports and evaluation of innovative business proposals.

Local Enterprise Office at Cork County Council for local start-up mentoring and business planning support.

Companies Registration Office for company formation and statutory filings.

Revenue Commissioners for tax registrations and guidance for individuals and companies.

Residential Tenancies Board for tenancy registrations and guidance on landlord and tenant rights.

IDA Ireland for inward investment support for eligible projects.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals. Decide whether your primary aim is to found a start-up in Ireland, acquire or invest in an existing business, work in a skilled role, or join family. This determines your immigration route.

Get an eligibility assessment. Speak with an immigration solicitor familiar with Cork and Midleton to review your nationality, travel history, family situation, source of funds, and business plan. Ask for a written roadmap that sets out steps, timelines, and risks.

Develop or refine your business plan. If pursuing the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme or a company backed employment permit, prepare a robust plan with financials, market analysis, job creation targets, and evidence of funds. Engage Enterprise Ireland or the Local Enterprise Office for feedback.

Prepare documents. Gather passports, civil status certificates, police clearances, bank letters with source-of-funds evidence, medical insurance, translations, and corporate papers. Ensure documents meet format and validity requirements.

Address regulatory items. If acquiring a business or investing in a sensitive sector, get advice on foreign investment screening, merger control, or sectoral licences. Sequence these with your immigration timeline to avoid closing delays.

Submit applications and plan arrival. File the chosen immigration application, then arrange entry visas if required. On arrival in County Cork, attend your immigration registration appointment, obtain your Irish Residence Permit, and register with Revenue as needed.

Maintain compliance. Track renewal dates, keep health insurance active, operate your business in line with its permission, and maintain accurate records of residence and travel. Consult your lawyer early if your plans change.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. For personalised guidance, consult a solicitor experienced in Irish immigration and business law in County Cork.