Two new immigration initiatives have been launched, aimed at facilitating migrant entrepreneurs to create jobs in Ireland, in return for permission to live in the State.
The Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme will be formally launched by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter in March.
The first programme will require between €400,000 and €2m of an investment by applicants, depending on the level and duration of financial commitment.
The second programme aims to foster new enterprises for which the applicant will have to have financial backing of not less than €70,000.
Approved participants and their immediate family will be allowed enter the State on multi-entry visas and remain here for two years. The visas will be renewable.
Applications for both programmes will be considered by an Evaluation Committee, comprising relevant State agencies and Government departments.
