Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Investor migration pathways in Europe are narrowing as programmes consolidate across the European Union. The result is a clearer concentration of programmes in a limited number of jurisdictions.   

Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced in 2012 following the global financial crisis, with a goal of attracting sustainable foreign direct and inward investment. The programme set strict requirements for eligible projects and funds, focusing on public benefit, particularly infrastructure and job creation.  

The IIP closed in February 2023 with one day’s notice, with the government stating it had fulfilled its purpose in supporting the country’s economic recovery. 

Is the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme Closed? 

From its inception up to the date of closure, Ireland benefitted from approximately €1.25 billion in investments and donations. These funds reached important industries and public institutions, such as social housing, hospitals, universities and amateur sporting clubs.  

Despite the programme’s closure, the Irish government is allowing projects approved under the IIP to complete outstanding funding agreements. In addition, the government also allowed for a limited window in 2023 during which applicants could submit new proposals through a government run triage process.  

Three years on, residency in Ireland under the investor route is still available.   

Remaining Investment Options  

High-net-worth (HNW) individuals seeking Irish residence through an investment-based route can obtain eligibility through charitable donations to preapproved projects. The donation stream is typically the most viable option available for clients seeking to secure a place under the programme, with most remaining investment-eligible projects heavily oversubscribed.  

These philanthropic projects are generally capital in nature and are delivered through foundations that benefit areas of healthcare and education. 

The volume of applicants and project applications submitted before and after the programme’s closure is expected to generate a significant number of opportunities for prospective donors in 2026. It remains unclear whether this will be the programme’s final year, but the window to explore opportunities under the IIP is narrowing for prospective donors seeking Irish residence or wishing to retain that option for the future.  

Who Is Eligible 

• Individuals must have an individual net worth of €2 million and, within that, the ability to donate €400,000 

• Donations are only made once the IIP application is approved by the immigration authorities  

• Applicants must be of good character, and this will be supported by a global due diligence report and police clearance documentation 

Benefits for Beneficiaries Under the Programme 

The IIP allows beneficiaries and their dependent nuclear family members, including children up to the age of 23 who are in full time education, to hold a robust immigration permission, enabling them to reside, work, establish businesses and study in Ireland.   

Crucially, physical residence in Ireland is not required to maintain or renew the permission, making the IIP particularly attractive to HNW individuals seeking flexibility. At the same time, beneficiaries are required to travel to Ireland at least once in every 12‑month period from the date the permission is granted.  

Need to Know More? 

For more information about the Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme, please contact  Senior Immigration Manager Samantha Arnold at [email protected]. Further information is available here.  

This blog was published on 24 April 2026 and reflects information available at that time. Updates may occur as policies evolve. To stay informed on the latest immigration news and analysis, please subscribe to our alerts and follow Fragomen on  LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.