What is the EIIS (Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme)?
The Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS), known to Revenue as the Employment and Investment Incentive (EII), is an Irish tax-relief scheme. It lets individual taxpayers claim income tax relief when they invest in qualifying Irish companies, either directly or through a fund such as the BVP 20th EIIS Fund.
How EIIS works
You invest in shares of qualifying Irish companies. You then claim income tax relief on the amount invested, and you must hold the shares for a minimum statutory period of four years to keep that relief.
Who EIIS suits
Relief is claimed against your Irish income tax, so it is most relevant to higher-rate taxpayers with enough income tax liability to use it. See the EIIS tax relief guide for how much you could claim.
Investing directly or through a fund
Investing directly puts your money into a single company. An EIIS fund such as the BVP 20th EIIS Fund spreads an investment across 6–8 growing Irish companies. BVP uses an independent regulated trustee (IQ-EQ) to ringfence investor funds before they are allocated.
Risks to understand
Capital is at risk. EII investments are in unquoted, early-stage and growing companies, they are illiquid, and there is a statutory minimum four-year holding period. Tax relief depends on individual circumstances and Revenue rules, and past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
Frequently asked questions
What does EIIS stand for?
EIIS stands for Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme.
Is EIIS the same as EII?
Yes. Revenue calls the scheme the Employment and Investment Incentive (EII). EIIS is the name commonly used by fund managers and investors.
How long must I hold EIIS shares?
A minimum of four years, to retain your tax relief.
Is my capital at risk with EIIS?
Yes. Investments are in unquoted, early-stage and growing companies and can fall in value or be lost.
Related guides
Register your interestCalculate your relief
Capital at risk. Tax relief depends on individual circumstances and Revenue rules. Minimum 4-year holding period. EII investments are in unquoted, early-stage and growing companies and are illiquid. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. This page is general information, not tax or investment advice.