EIIS Tax Relief Fund

The Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) is an Irish government initiative that provides income tax relief to individuals who invest in qualifying Irish SMEs (small and medium enterprises). It encourages investment in early-stage and growth companies to support job creation and economic development.

Shares must be held for a minimum of 4 years to avail of the tax relief. Typical timeline is 4-7 years but we can see realizations happen earlier or later on the investment. It is deemed a medium to long term investment.

Minimum investment €10,000

Maximum of €1,000,000

Investors can obtain different tax relief rates under the EIIS (Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme) based on the type of investment:

50% Tax Relief: This rate is available for “initial risk finance” investments in companies that have never operated in any market before.

35% Tax Relief: Investors can avail of a 35% tax relief rate for “initial risk finance” investments in companies that are within 7 years of their first commercial sale or 10 years of incorporation.

20% Tax Relief: This rate applies to both “expansion risk finance” investments, which are eligible when based on a new economic activity outlined in a business plan, and “follow-on risk finance” investments, provided the possibility of follow-on risk finance was included in the initial or expansion risk finance business plan.

BVP expects to achieve a blended rate of 35% on their investment portfolio.

An individual with an income tax liability in the year the EIIS investment is made. Qualifying income includes PAYE earnings, rental income from property held in your own name, investment income such as dividends, deposit interest, and pension or ARF income.

The fund manager (BVP) conducts a thorough due diligence and screening process, evaluating numerous potential investee companies each year, and selects investments with careful consideration. We typically invest in 6-8 companies within a fund.

We target a 15% IRR including tax relief. A one-off 3% commission applies, there is no annual management charge, and a 20% performance fee applies only above a 15% IRR hurdle. Returns are not guaranteed and you may lose some or all of your investment.

Employment & Investment Incentive Scheme.

This investment typically involves medium-to-long-term commitments in unquoted companies, with no early exit option (investor’s capital must remain invested for a minimum of 4 years to retain tax relief as per the Revenue EIIS scheme rules). These investments lack liquidity and may require an extended timeframe to realise their value. Investors are subject to the performance of the investee company and may potentially lose some or all of their invested capital. The investment value can fluctuate, both upward and downward. Do not invest if you are not willing to lose some or all of your money.

Any Irish taxpayer (PAYE or self-assessed) with an income tax liability can invest, subject to personal suitability and eligibility checks. Always consult your tax advisor before investing.

You will receive an EIIS certificate from BVP for the companies invested within the fund, which you include in your personal tax return via Revenue’s online system (ROS or MyAccount).

No. As with any investment in SMEs, your capital is at risk. Investors should review the Fund’s Information Memorandum and consider their personal risk tolerance. To receive a copy, register your interest using the button at the top of this page and we’ll send it to you.

Yes. If you do not have sufficient income tax liability in the year of investment to use the full relief, you can carry forward the unused amount to offset against future income tax liabilities. Please consult your tax advisor for further confirmation on your personal tax affairs.

The 2026 Fund closes on 31 December 2026. Invest before then to claim relief against your 2026 income tax bill.

There is no early exit mechanism. Investors will need to wait for a company exit to happen in order to receive their relevant funds.

Typical exit timeline is between 4-7 years. However, some exits may occur earlier or later than this typical timeline.