Attend University in Ireland with the Ireland Investor Visa (IIP)

Introduction

Are you interested in going to University in Ireland? The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) is an Ireland investor visa that provides investors, their spouse/civil partner, and children with the option to reside in Ireland and attend one of its higher education Universities. This is often referred to as the Ireland Golden Visa.

 

What is the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)?

The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was set up in 2012 by the Irish Government. The IIP was created to allow non-EEA nationals and their families to become permanent residents in Ireland on the condition that they provide an approved investment in Ireland. Also known as an Irish Investment Visa, the application can be broken down into two parts; the person/individual and the investment.

The person/individual:

The main elements the application focuses on are; good character, the individual’s net worth, and the nature of the funds being invested.

The investment:

The nature of the proposed investment is of primary importance. Once the application is received with the necessary documentation it is processed for approval. Upon approval, the investment may proceed. Permission to reside in Ireland will be given to the individual and their family once the funds have been officially invested. This investment must come from the individual’s own resources and cannot be financed through loans or investments.

 

Investment Option - Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

Nathan Trust works directly with Goodbody Stockbrokers to facilitate your investment. 

Criteria:

• The minimum figure for investment is € 2,000,000.
• The REIT must be on the Irish Stock Exchange.
• The investment must be held for a minimum of three years. The number of approved shares must be retained during this period, even if their value rises above the original €2 million investment. After 3 years the investor may divest up to 50% of the shares. After 4 years the investor may divest no more than a further 25% of the shares. After 5 years there are no longer any retention obligations.
  
  The benefits of REITs are:

• REIT provides an investor with a lower-risk property investment model where the investment is diversified across a pool of properties.
• Debt limits in REITs reduce the investor’s exposure to adverse equity risk.
• REITs are exempt from corporation tax.
• REITs generate a regular income for investors as they are required to distribute the majority of profits annually.
  
  

 

 

Residency under IIP

Approved applicants are initially granted a residency period of 2 years. After the first 2 years of residency, a further period of 3 years can be granted on the condition that the investor is adhering to the conditions of the IIP. Once the investor has reached the 5-year residency period they are eligible to apply for residency indefinitely in 5-year blocks.

Regarding residency requirements:

• The investor is not required to establish a permanent residency in Ireland.
• They are only required to spend at least one day per year in the country.

It is important to note that the IIP does not provide special access to citizenship but it does provide a path to citizenship by investment in Ireland. Applicants must apply for naturalisation through the normal channels.

Education under IIP

Discount for Education Expenses:

To assist investors who wish to educate themselves or their family members in Irish higher education institutions, an investor may benefit from a discount on their investment for educational expenses they intend to incur in Ireland.

The following conditions apply:

• The maximum discount allowable is €50,000.
• Investors may discount their approved investment with eligible education expenses that they commit to incur within the first five years after their permission has been granted.
• The education expenses must be for an Irish University or Institute of Technology.
• The expenses must be for the investor and/or their family member who has been accepted on an academic programme in one of the above educational institutions.
• The expenses must be indicated as part of the application process 
• Retrospective education expenses cannot be included.

United Kingdom (UK) Access

Ireland and the UK have a Common Travel Area agreement which allows citizens of both countries the right to work, study and travel freely between the two nations. They can also access social welfare and health benefits.

This unique agreement is highly attractive to those who want EU Citizenship and full access to the UK. Ireland is the only EU country to hold any agreement like this.

What type of Visa will you get?

Under the IIP you will receive a Stamp 4 Visa. The Stamp 4 Visa allows you to do the following:

• You are able to work without the need to apply for a work permit or sponsorship.
• You are able to start your own business.
• You are able to access state services and funds.
  
  

Why choose Nathan Trust?

As a family business, we pride ourselves on going ‘above and beyond’ for our clients. Established in 1999, Nathan Trust has vast experience in helping High Net Worth Individuals establish themselves in Ireland. We are here to assist you in all matters, whether it's the relocation or expansion of your private business, investment advice, tax planning, or the relocation of family members, we are here to help. 

If you are interested in applying for the Immigrant Investor Programme, you can contact a member of our team by contacting us below.