Do you ever dream about living in a place with historical castles, breathtaking scenery, and ocean views? While fairytales may not be real, Ireland offers a glimpse into that magical world with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Beyond its beauty, Ireland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats, thanks to its strong economy, high quality of life, and welcoming people.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Ireland, from visa requirements and work permits to permanent residency and citizenship. This article will serve as your one-stop resource for making your dream of living in Ireland a reality.
Quick Facts About Ireland
Before diving into the immigration details, here are some basic facts about the Republic of Ireland:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Ireland |
| Government | Parliamentary Republic |
| Capital | Dublin |
| Population | Around 5 million |
| Area | 68,890 km² |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Official Languages | English, Gaelic |
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Ireland?
Whether you need a visa to move to Ireland depends on your nationality. Here’s how the requirements break down:
- EU/EEA Citizens: No visa is required to enter or reside in Ireland. You are free to live, work, or study.
- Non-EU/EEA Citizens: Most non-EU/EEA citizens will need a visa. However, some countries have visa exemptions for short stays. You can check the full list of visa-exempt countries here.
Moving to Ireland as an EU/EEA Citizen
As a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you can enter and live in Ireland without needing a visa. You only need a valid passport or national ID. You can stay up to 90 days without registering with immigration authorities. If you plan to stay longer or work, no additional visas are required.
Moving to Ireland as a Non-EU/EEA Citizen
For non-EU/EEA citizens, the process of moving to Ireland involves obtaining a visa. If your country requires a visa, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa to reside in Ireland. Once you arrive, you’ll need permission from an immigration officer at Border Control to stay in Ireland. Even with a visa, the immigration officer has the final say on your entry into the country.
If approved, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport indicating your allowed length of stay. You’ll need to register with Irish immigration and apply for a Residence Permit if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.
Types of Long-Stay Visas for Ireland
Ireland offers several visa categories depending on the reason for your move. These include:
- Work Visa
- Study Visa
- Join Family Visa
- Retirement Visa
Let’s break down each type of visa in more detail.
Moving to Ireland to Work
Ireland’s strong economy makes it an attractive destination for workers. To work in Ireland, you will need a work permit. The country offers several types of work permits, depending on the nature of the job and your qualifications:
- General Employment Permit: The most common work permit for various sectors.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: For highly skilled workers in industries like IT, engineering, healthcare, etc.
- Intra-Company Transfer: For employees of multinational companies relocating to an Irish branch.
- Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit: For family members of critical skills permit holders.
Work Visa Application Process
To apply for a work visa:
- Secure a job offer in Ireland.
- Apply for a work permit through the Department of Enterprise.
- Once you receive the permit, apply for a D Visa (long-term visa).
- After arriving in Ireland, go to Border Control, where immigration officers will decide your length of stay.
After securing a work permit and entering Ireland, you’ll also need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and apply for a Residence Permit to stay long-term.
Staying Long-Term: Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
If you want to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). You will need the following documents for this process:
- Passport
- Work permit
- Proof of employment
- Proof of address
- Fee for registration
Moving to Ireland to Study
Ireland is home to some of Europe’s top universities, making it a popular destination for international students. Non-EU/EEA students will need to apply for a long-stay study visa. Once you receive your study visa, you can move to Ireland and will need to follow the same Border Control process for entry.
Upon arrival, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and apply for an Irish Residence Permit. Your permit will be valid for the duration of your studies, but you can extend it under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which allows graduates to stay in Ireland for an additional year to look for work.
After Graduation: Stay to Work
Under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, you can apply for a work permit after graduation. If you find employment, you may be eligible for long-term residency and eventually permanent residency in Ireland.
Moving to Ireland for Family Reunification
If you’re moving to Ireland to join a family member, you can apply for a Join Family Visa. This visa allows you to live in Ireland with an Irish citizen or legal resident. Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18
- Elderly parents
Requirements for Family Reunification
- You must prove your relationship to the family member.
- The family member must provide evidence of financial means to support you.
- Once you arrive, you’ll go through Border Control and register with immigration.
Moving to Ireland for Retirement
Ireland is a popular destination for retirees, offering beautiful landscapes and a relaxed pace of life. However, retiring in Ireland requires that you prove financial independence. To qualify for a retirement visa, you’ll need:
- Proof of a yearly income of at least €
50,000 - Health insurance
- A letter of permission from the Department of Justice.
Once you receive permission, you can apply for a retirement visa and move to Ireland.
Permanent Residency in Ireland
After living in Ireland for five years, you may qualify for permanent residency. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Legally reside in Ireland for at least five years.
- Hold valid work authorization.
- Be employed and of good moral character.
- Have a valid Ireland Residence Permit when applying.
Becoming an Irish Citizen
Irish citizenship can be obtained through naturalization, or if you have Irish ancestry. To become a citizen through naturalization:
- You must have legally lived in Ireland for at least five years.
- Hold an Irish Residence Permit.
- Have good moral character.
If you have Irish parents or grandparents, you may also qualify for citizenship by descent.
Dual Citizenship
Ireland allows dual citizenship, meaning you can become an Irish citizen without giving up your current nationality. However, check your home country’s rules on dual citizenship before applying.
Moving Your Belongings to Ireland
When moving to Ireland, you can transport your belongings by sea or air. To avoid taxes, make sure your goods have been in your possession for at least six months and are for personal use. Customs allowances vary based on whether you’re traveling within the EU or from outside. Here are the basic customs allowances for non-EU travelers:
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- 1 liter of liquor or 4 liters of wine
Certain items are restricted, including firearms, meat, and dairy products.
Bringing Pets to Ireland
You can bring pets to Ireland, but specific rules apply depending on where you’re coming from. If traveling from the EU, pets must have an EU passport, microchip, and tapeworm treatment. For non-EU countries, pets must enter through Dublin Airport and undergo additional health checks.
Where to Live in Ireland
Ireland offers a variety of cities and towns with unique charms. Some of the best places to live include:
- Dublin: The capital, offering job opportunities and a rich cultural scene.
- Cork: Ireland’s second-largest city, ideal for families.
- Galway: Known for its arts, festivals, and lively atmosphere.
Why Move to Ireland?
Ireland offers a mix of modern life, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. From excellent job opportunities to world-class education, it’s no wonder so many people choose to move here. While the cost of living can be high, Ireland’s strong economy and high quality of life make it a dream destination for many.
Whether you’re coming to work, study, or retire, Ireland has something to offer for everyone. With its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere, Ireland could be the perfect place to call home.