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EIIS FAQ

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About the Employment & Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS)

The Employment & Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) is an Irish government-backed initiative that encourages individuals to support Irish SMEs while receiving generous tax relief. Investors can claim up to 33% income tax relief against eligible income including PAYE salary, rental income, self-employed earnings, ARF distributions, and deposit interest.

By investing through an EIIS Fund rather than directly into one company, investors benefit from diversification and professional management. Funds typically invest across a portfolio of established Irish businesses and renewable energy projects, with a focus on capital preservation and steady returns.

Why invest in EIIS?

  • Reduce your tax bill: Offset up to 33% of your income tax.

  • Support Irish enterprise: Back innovative companies in technology, renewable energy, and services.

  • Diversify your portfolio: Spread investment across multiple companies.

  • Transparent regulation: EIIS is overseen by the Revenue Commissioners with strict compliance rules.

EIIS in Ireland – Key Facts

  • Introduced in 2011, replacing the Business Expansion Scheme (BES).

  • Minimum investment is usually €10,000.

  • Maximum relief available on €500,000 per year.

  • Exit horizon typically 4–7 years.

  • Popular with PAYE employees, self-employed professionals, and landlords seeking efficient tax relief.

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  • The Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) is a tax relief programme introduced by the Irish government to encourage individuals to invest in small and medium-sized Irish businesses. By investing through an approved EIIS fund, you can claim up to 35% income tax relief against your personal income while backing innovative Irish companies.

    • Minimum investment: €10,000 (increments of €1,000 thereafter)

    • Maximum investment: €500,000 per tax year (subject to Revenue rules)

  • You can claim EIIS tax relief against the following types of income:

    • PAYE salary and self-employed earnings

    • Rental income (if property is held personally)

    • Bank deposit interest income

    • Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) distributions

  • Like all investments, EIIS carries risk. The value of your investment may go down as well as up, and you may lose some or all of your capital. However, investing through a regulated EIIS fund spreads risk across multiple companies and projects, and fund managers typically prioritise capital preservation through defensive investments such as renewable energy projects.

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