Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Passage West

About Residence by Investment Law in Passage West, Ireland

Residence by investment is a term often used to describe immigration routes that grant residence rights based on qualifying investments. In Ireland, immigration is governed at national level, so the rules in Passage West are the same as anywhere else in the State. However, your investment choices and property transactions will be local, and Passage West falls within County Cork for planning, property registration, and local government matters.

Important update for anyone researching Irish investor routes: Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme in February 2023 and it is not accepting new applications. If you hear otherwise, treat it with caution and seek legal advice. Existing participants can continue to hold and renew permissions, subject to the programme terms and Department of Justice oversight.

Although there is currently no Irish golden visa or property-based residence route, there are alternative pathways that may suit investors and entrepreneurs, including the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, employment permit pathways that can lead to residence, family-based residence, study-based routes, and Stamp 0 for persons of independent means. The right route for you depends on your objectives, your family situation, and your business or investment profile.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you want clear advice on what is and is not possible in Ireland after the closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme. A lawyer can explain realistic pathways and identify immigration permissions that align with your goals.

If you plan to launch or scale a business in or near Passage West, a lawyer can advise on the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, company formation, shareholder agreements, founder visas, permitted activities on your immigration stamp, and how your time in Ireland may count toward long-term residence or citizenship.

If you intend to buy residential or commercial property in Passage West, a conveyancing solicitor can manage due diligence, title review, planning compliance, contract negotiation, stamp duty and tax filings, and registration with the Property Registration Authority. Property purchases in Ireland do not by themselves grant residence rights, so an immigration lawyer should be consulted in parallel.

For regulated investments, funds, or enterprise investments, you may need counsel to verify Central Bank regulation, complete anti-money laundering checks, assess corporate structures, and ensure source-of-funds evidence will satisfy immigration authorities and your bank.

Families often need guidance on dependent and partner permissions, school enrolment requirements tied to residence status, private medical insurance obligations, and how time spent in Ireland counts for naturalisation.

A tax advisor working alongside your lawyer can address Irish tax residence, double tax treaties, non-resident landlord rules, rental income, capital gains, and the interaction between Irish and home-country tax systems.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration framework. Immigration is administered nationally by the Department of Justice through Immigration Service Delivery. Non-EEA nationals usually need a visa to travel and must hold a residence permission, evidenced by an Irish Residence Permit card. Registration in County Cork is handled by a local Garda Registration Office. Your immigration permission type is shown as a Stamp category, for example Stamp 1 for employment permit holders, Stamp 4 for certain residence permissions including Start-up Entrepreneur Programme and some family permissions, and Stamp 0 for persons of independent means. The Immigrant Investor Programme is closed to new applications.

Entrepreneur and business routes. The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme is a national scheme for innovative, high-potential start-ups. It requires a credible business plan, innovation and job creation potential, and specified funding. If approved, founders typically receive a Stamp 4 permission for an initial period with options to renew, subject to performance and compliance. Traditional self-employment without the start-up features may not qualify for residence unless paired with other permissions such as an employment permit for a director-employee role, which has strict criteria.

Property law and conveyancing in Passage West. Property transactions in Passage West are governed by Irish property law, with title registered at the Property Registration Authority. A local solicitor will investigate title, rights of way, burdens, planning compliance under the Cork County Development Plan, building control certification, and whether the property meets fire, rental, and energy standards. Most sales use Law Society of Ireland contracts and require a deposit on exchange. You will pay stamp duty on completion and your solicitor will handle registration.

Planning and building compliance. Planning permission and enforcement for Passage West sit with Cork County Council. Any change of use, extensions, or commercial developments require compliance with planning permission, building regulations, and where relevant, fire safety certification. Your solicitor and planning consultant can review planning history and advise on local zoning and amenity restrictions.

Taxes connected to investment. Investors buying Irish property may be liable for stamp duty, local property tax on residential property, capital gains tax on disposal, and income tax on rents. Non-resident landlords must either appoint a collection agent or have tenants withhold tax at source. Commercial property attracts different stamp duty and may involve VAT considerations. Corporate investors must consider corporation tax, transfer pricing where relevant, and registration for tax. Seek advice early to structure efficiently and comply with Revenue requirements.

Anti-money laundering requirements. Irish solicitors, estate agents, banks, and investment firms must apply anti-money laundering checks under the Criminal Justice legislation. Expect to provide certified identity documents, proof of address, detailed source-of-funds evidence, and where relevant, proof of source-of-wealth. Company investors must disclose beneficial ownership, and filings may be required with the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership.

Employment and hiring. If your investment involves hiring staff in Passage West or elsewhere in County Cork, you must register as an employer, operate payroll with PAYE, USC, and PRSI, and comply with employment law on contracts, working time, minimum wage, health and safety, and dismissals. Non-EEA hires may need employment permits issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Healthcare and insurance. Many immigration permissions require private medical insurance with appropriate cover in Ireland. Check the terms of your intended permission to ensure your policy meets the minimum requirements and covers dependants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ireland offer residence by buying property in Passage West?

No. Buying property in Passage West or anywhere in Ireland does not grant residence rights. You must qualify under an immigration route such as the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, an employment permit route, study, family reunification, or other permitted permissions.

Is the Immigrant Investor Programme still open?

No. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications in February 2023. Existing participants can remain under their programme terms, including renewals and monitoring, but no new investor applications are being accepted.

What are realistic alternatives for investors and entrepreneurs now?

Options include the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme for high-potential start-ups, employment permit routes that can lead to residence, family-based routes, study routes for students and researchers, and Stamp 0 for persons of independent means. The right choice depends on your goals, business model, funding, and personal circumstances.

Can setting up a company in Passage West by itself qualify me for residence?

No. Incorporating a company or buying shares does not by itself confer residence. You must hold a qualifying permission. Founders may qualify under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme if the venture meets innovation and job creation criteria. Owner-directors sometimes qualify for employment permits in limited circumstances subject to strict rules.

What immigration stamp would I hold as a qualifying entrepreneur?

Start-up Entrepreneur Programme founders typically receive Stamp 4 for an initial period with options to renew. Stamp 4 permits work and business without an employment permit. Other routes issue different stamps, for example Stamp 1 for employment permit holders and Stamp 0 for persons of independent means with restrictions on work.

Can my spouse, partner, and children join me?

Family reunification depends on your permission type. Stamp 4 holders generally have stronger family reunification options than Stamp 1 holders, and Stamp 0 is more limited. A lawyer can assess eligibility, documentation, insurance requirements, and school arrangements for children in County Cork.

How long until I can apply for Irish citizenship?

Citizenship by naturalisation usually requires 5 years of reckonable residence within the last 9 years, including 1 year of continuous residence immediately before applying. Time on certain stamps, such as Stamp 4 or Stamp 1, can be reckonable, while time on Stamp 2 for students and Stamp 0 is generally not. Requirements can vary, so seek specific advice.

Are there any special considerations for UK citizens after Brexit?

Yes. Under the Common Travel Area, British and Irish citizens continue to enjoy reciprocal rights. British citizens do not need an investment route or visa to live, work, or study in Ireland. They may move to Passage West and register for services without applying for an investor permission.

What taxes will I face if I purchase investment property in Passage West?

Expect stamp duty on purchase, local property tax for residential properties, income tax on rents, and capital gains tax on disposal. Commercial property has different rates and may involve VAT. Non-resident landlords must manage withholding or appoint a collection agent. Always obtain tax advice before signing contracts.

How soon after arrival must I register my residence permission in County Cork?

Most non-EEA nationals must register within 90 days of arrival. Outside Dublin, registration is handled by a local Garda Registration Office. You will need your passport, approval letters, proof of address, private medical insurance where required, and payment for the Irish Residence Permit card.

Additional Resources

Department of Justice - Immigration Service Delivery for national immigration policy and permissions.

An Garda Siochana - local Registration Office in County Cork for first registration and renewals outside Dublin.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for employment permits and business policy.

Revenue Commissioners for tax residence, income tax, capital gains tax, and stamp duty guidance.

Property Registration Authority for title registration and property folios.

Cork County Council Planning Department for planning applications, zoning, and building control in Passage West.

Residential Tenancies Board for landlord and tenant obligations if you let property.

Central Bank of Ireland for information on regulated funds and financial service authorisations.

Companies Registration Office for company incorporation and filings.

Law Society of Ireland for guidance on engaging a solicitor and conveyancing standards.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Decide whether you want residence for you and your family, to launch a start-up, to invest passively, or to purchase property as an investment without seeking residence. Your objective will determine your route.

Verify programme status. Be cautious of promoters offering a property-based golden visa in Ireland. The Immigrant Investor Programme is closed to new applications. Always validate current rules with an immigration lawyer.

Book a legal consultation. Engage an immigration solicitor with experience in investor and entrepreneur permissions and a Cork-based conveyancing solicitor if you plan to buy property in Passage West. Ask for a scope, timeline, and fee structure.

Assemble documents. Prepare passports, proof of funds and source of wealth, bank statements, business plans, incorporation documents, CVs, academic records, marriage and birth certificates, police clearances, and private medical insurance evidence. Your lawyer will tailor the list to your chosen route.

Plan tax and structure. Before investing or signing contracts, consult an Irish tax advisor and, if relevant, a home-country tax professional. Determine whether to invest personally or via a company, and understand the tax and regulatory impact.

Proceed with applications. Your lawyer will prepare visa applications if needed, permission applications such as the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme, and any dependants applications. Track processing times and keep copies of all submissions.

Complete property due diligence. If buying in Passage West, your conveyancing solicitor will review title, planning, building compliance, water and services, and contracts, and will handle stamp duty and registration after closing.

Register locally. After arrival, register your permission at the Garda Registration Office, obtain your Irish Residence Permit, open bank accounts, register for tax if needed, and arrange schools and healthcare for family members.

Maintain compliance. Keep your permission conditions, renew on time, file taxes, keep insurance active, and update addresses. If your business plan changes, seek legal advice before making material changes that could affect your status.

This guide is general information only. Immigration and tax rules change, and personal circumstances differ. Obtain tailored legal advice before you act.