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What you need to know about #Ireland's immigration requirements. #Travel #studyabroad #moveabroad

Disclaimer: Official policy and legislation regarding immigration continually changes. This information is meant to be used as a guide only. Please refer to the Irish Immigration website for the latest and most up to date information. 

Unless you are an EU/EEA citizen then the Irish immigration process can be time consuming and frustrating. Whether you are planning to move to Ireland temporarily or permanently, it’s important to get the correct information, otherwise you could waste a lot of time and money. There is too much information to fit onto one post, so I have created a dedicated page for each category. This post will provide you a basic overview of Irish immigration and will redirect you to my dedicated pages where you can find out further information.

Please be aware that this is only meant to be used as a guide. You can access free immigration legal advice through the voluntary service Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC). The FLAC website provides details of their telephone and referral services, Legal Advice Centres, and online legal information.

Tips

  • Could you have the right to be an Irish citizen? You may be an Irish citizen, or entitled to citizenship, based on when and where you, your parents or your grandparents/great-grandparents were born – or for how long your parents lived in Ireland before your birth. Check whether you could be an Irish citizen by birth or descent.
  • Support for migrants:
    • Crosscare Migrant Project is a Dublin based NGO providing information and advocacy support to Irish emigrants and people who have moved to Ireland.
    • Migrants Rights Centre Ireland is is a national organisation working with migrants and their families in Ireland to promote justice, empowerment and equality.
    • Immigrant Council of Ireland is a human rights organisation and Independent Law Centre. We support and advocate for the rights of immigrants and their families.

Refugees

Refugee’s arriving in Ireland can access support and advice through the Irish Refugee Council and Refugee Legal Services through the Legal Aid Board.

Short Stay Visas

If you are visiting Ireland for less than three months, you may need a short stay visa depending on your citizenship. My Short Stay Visas in Ireland post provides an overview of who needs to apply for a short stay visa, the short stay visa types, and how to apply.

Student Visas

If you are planning on moving to Ireland to study, then see my detailed guide on Student Visas in Ireland.

Employment Permits

There are various employment permits available in Ireland which can make it very confusing to understand which one you could be eligible for. Read my post Employment Permits in Ireland for an overview of each type of Employment Permit available, as well as additional resources and how to apply for them.

People of Independent Means

For those people of independent means wanting to move to Ireland, you may be able to apply for a ‘Stamp 0’. This permission is limited and for a specific stay in Ireland. You will need to have an individual income of €50,000 per year and access to a lump sum of money to cover any sudden major expenses. This lump sum should be equal to, for example, the price of a home in Ireland. You will be required to provide detailed evidence of your finances converted into Euros. It should clearly show all your income streams and your spend for each month. This must be certified by an Irish accountancy firm who has the expert knowledge to understand the format of overseas banking and accountancy documentation. Read the full details, requirements, fees and application process for people of independent means here.

Retiring to Ireland

If you are planning on retiring to Ireland, then my Retiring to Ireland guide will provide you essential knowledge about the visa requirements and eligibility.

 

202 Responses

  1. Eric McStotts
    | Reply

    Hello Collen,

    Thank you for setting this up. This is great… well, to jump in, I’m from America. I’m a plumber by trade. My wife works remotely, for a big health insurer. We have 2 children, under the age of 10. From someone outside of America, I’m sure you can guess our reason for wanting a new place to call home… I guess I’m just curious whether we’d be a good candidate for Ireland, and what would help us be? Thank you so much for your time.

    Thanks

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Eric,
      The first consideration is whether you will be eligible to live and work in Ireland. Please refer to the Employment Permits page. The second page I think may be useful is Deciding Whether to Make the Move to Ireland. All countries have there pros and cons, so be prepared for that. Spend some time there, and remember, if you don’t like it, you can always return home again! At least you will know then if it is/isn’t right for you and your family.

  2. Shain
    | Reply

    Greetings from Oman,
    I am planning to be a citizen of Ireland, do you any agency that provide these services? i am from Middle east at present (Indian Citizen ) and want to relocate with my family for a better life. I saw many video clips about Ireland such a beautiful country for living safety standard really Amazing. For kids education is best in all Europe.

  3. Angel
    | Reply

    Hi Colleen,
    Thank you for creating this website. It’s very informative.
    I would like to relocate to Ireland as an Au Pair. I am not an EU Citizen, I come from Kenya – Africa. Which type of Visa should I apply for? Would you know the process?

      • Adetiloye oluwasegun
        | Reply

        Dear Sir/Mar

        Please I want to confirm requirements for me to relocate from ITALY 🇮🇹 To Ireland 🇮🇪 with my family, I have 2 children, My wife and I , We have 10years permanent residence In Italy 🇮🇹 My wife and children have 5years Italy 🇮🇹 Documents to May be concerned….. what’s my requirements to got the Ireland 🇮🇪 with my family…….

        Thanks you sir/mar

        • Colleen
          | Reply

          This website does not provide individual immigration advice. You will need to contact either the Irish immigration department or consult an immigration specialist.

  4. Carrie Nell
    | Reply

    Hi.

    I am a South African citizen with a special needs Dependant under 18 years.

    I am desperately looking to go to Ireland, i have family there However how can i get help on this regard being unemployed with no income?
    Please help.

    Kind Regards
    Carrie

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi, I’m sorry I am not aware of how you would be able to do this under those conditions. I am not an immigration lawyer, so you would need to consult a professional.

      • Camille Faraldi
        | Reply

        Hi Colleen,
        I am currently graduating this year with my masters of social work. I am looking to be a social worker in Ireland upon my graduation. I first saw j have to get my qualifications recognized by Ireland, and after that, I need to find a job willing to sponsor a visa. I saw there was a working holiday visa, as well as a critical skills employment permit. I am not sure which to apply for. Do you recommend any recruiting agencies or resources that can help me with this process once I get my qualifications recognized? I’m pretty lost here. Thank you!

  5. Tawanda
    | Reply

    Hi. I would like to Migrate from Zimbabwe to live and work in Ireland. I am a BSc Telecommunications holder with more than 8 years experience. My wife is a Biotechnologist.

  6. N A
    | Reply

    Hi, i have a question that i have to apply for Irish Resident Permit this year. Actually i was out of Ireland from 16 Feb (Departure) to 4 May (Arrival) 2022 and now I have to leave again from 4 July to 18 July (4th July is departure and 18th arrival to Ireland). That is going to be about 89 days out of Ireland. Anyone can help me figure out if I am eligible for IRP?

  7. Jeff Puillay
    | Reply

    Hi
    I am an electrician looking to migrate as a skilled migrant worker- who can you advise as a professionally decent immigration assist company.

    I have my wife and a child with me as well.

  8. Samra Javed
    | Reply

    My daughter was born in Ireland in 1995 but she was two months old when she came to Pakistan and is based here since then. She has a valid passport. My son who is 21 and I wish to immigrate to Ireland with her. She is night blind so she needs our support. She cannot live alone. Pl advise.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Samra Javed, I don’t work for immigration and cannot legally provide you immigration advice for your particular case. You will need to consult the immigration office & guidance and consider engaging an immigration lawyer if you need further support.

  9. Dami
    | Reply

    Hi,I have a Germany temporary permit but my kids has the German passport can I and my kids move to Ireland?

  10. Lisa
    | Reply

    I’m from the USA, an attorney in my 50s. I meet the independent income requirement and work remotely. I want to move in the next year and want to know how hard this might be. I also want to bring my pets, all small, family pets, fully vaccinated and chipped. I would love comments and suggestions.

  11. Sweet Dee
    | Reply

    Hi Colleen

    I have been with my Irish partner 7 years living in SA. For de facto partner visa he has no proof of income last 3 years (he is supported by parents). Will this effect our application. If we are married does he still need to prove sponsorship?

  12. Mohammad
    | Reply

    I am planning to be a citizen of Ireland, do you any agency that provide these services? i am from Middle east and want to move with my family for a better life.

  13. José Vilas
    | Reply

    Deer Collen:
    I would like to work as as Spanish / French / Portuguese teacher in Ireland. Besides, having a Master Degree in Linguistics and being a polyglot, I have a degree in education and another in accounting. Furthermore, I have plenty of experience in language teaching. I am a EU citizen ( from Spain). My question is : Do you need to be an Irish citizen to work in a public school in Ireland? Yes, I do know that an EU citizen can get a job in the private sector, but I do not know if public sector is restricted to Irish citizens. Can you give some lights on that issue,please? Besides, do you know which institutions are in charge of the homologation procedure in Ireland? Go raibh míle maith agat, Collen.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Dear José Vilas,
      You would be best to contact recruitment agencies specialising in teaching roles. The NARIC Ireland provides advice on the academic recognition of a foreign qualification. Primary school teachers must be able to speak Irish in order to teach since teaching of the Irish language is compulsory for primary school students, but not secondary, since you just need to specialise in the topic you are teaching – in this case languages. The Teachaway website is a helpful resource for you.

  14. Ellie
    | Reply

    Hello,

    I am African and have been searching to relocate to Ireland for a long time, but haven’t settled on it. But before it I wanted to know how get a job and how much do I money i would need to relcate.

  15. Tessa
    | Reply

    Hello,

    I am a Canadian 25 year old, I sponsored my Irish partner when he was living in Canada, 2 years after being together. We have been together for 4 years in total. He had to go back to Ireland to finish his university degree and I want to move to Ireland to be with him and work there. I have been to Ireland 4 times so far and I love it more each time. I graduated university in 2019 in Toronto, so the working holiday visa is not applicable. If there is any information you can share that would be excellent.

  16. Cullen
    | Reply

    Hello,

    I’m an EU citizen. Can I freely move to Ireland and live without issues? I don’t have work lined up but have a substantial savings of $500,000 USD.

  17. Kokomma Benson
    | Reply

    I wish to relocate to Ireland, how do I go about it? I took the IELTS with band 7 in the 4modules, I am a nurse and a Nigerian , how do I relocate and work in Ireland?

  18. Mrs Dickson
    | Reply

    Hello to you. I am a sponsor and have helped my Spouse with his application. Unfortunately, the application was refused. I am trying to figure what the immigration officer expects when a reason for refusal is
    -Evidence of income over the previous three years from sponsor not submitted

    What exactly do they want? I provided one p60 form and one Employment Summary for two years instead (a mistake on my part). I also didn’t have recent payslip as I was not in the country at the time of the application. I submitted the 3 recent payslips that I had. I also submitted bank statements.

    Why would they decline and say it was not submitted? If they say insufficient, I would understand.

  19. Sophie
    | Reply

    Hello, I am from Nigeria, I would love to permanently migrate to Ireland, I don’t mind any kind of job to make end meet, I don’t have any family member there. Please can you help me with the process required? I would very much appreciate your assistance..

  20. Tinodaishe
    | Reply

    Hi Colleen . I’m a Zimbabwean, my aunt is in UK and wants to sponsor us to visit Ireland for tourism just for 2 weeks. Will my tourist visa application be rejected because I’m being sponsored or will this weaken my Visa application?

  21. Greg Campbell
    | Reply

    Hi my wife and I have job offers and contacts
    We are South African Citizens we are just asking for guidance to help with the work permits or we are willing to pay a fee not too costly but we are willing to contribute.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Greg Campbell, I suggest you contact an immigration solicitor. I’m afraid I can’t recommend any as I have never used these services.

  22. Eric
    | Reply

    Hi!

    Just a quick question. I am an American, looking for a job in Ireland with the intention of moving there soon. Is this a possibility at this time due to the craziness of everything going on? If so, what would be some best practices to go about that? I have been applying to places through irishjobs.ie for the past 50 days, but have recevied little response back.

    I appreciate your time!

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      I think relocating is challenging at this time since the rules continue to change regularly. It also greatly depends on the type of work you are applying for – if it is a role they can fill in Ireland, then they won’t look to recruit someone who needs an employment permit. I suggest you contact the recruitment agencies in your field of work who may be able to provide you advice on employment options that might be available to you.

  23. Tanita Dawn Loos
    | Reply

    Hi.

    I am an EU passport holder residing in SA with my fiancé and son. My son and I hold EU passports. However my fiancé is a SA national. How would I go about applying for him to relocate with me and my son to Ireland on my EU passport. Would this be a visa or family residence card. The posts are so conflicting.
    Thanks

  24. worker
    | Reply

    Hello ,

    I have a question about immigration and work permit in Ireland

    I am Palestinian, I have a Jordanian , palestinian and Norwegian passport, I now have a job in Dublin as computer engineer (Cloud Architect), I have a PPS number but when i applied on the pps number i used the Norwegian passport as proof of identity

    Yesterday I received a message from the Norwegian government that they are going to take away my nationality and my passport because when I applied for Norwegian nationality I didnt mention that I had more than one passport, so they are going to take away my nationality and the right to be in Norway “And in the schengen”

    My question is if Norway says that I don’t have a Norwegian passport and I have to go outside the country and the Schengen too, what would happen to my work and work permit here ? Let me work as before in Ireland or I have to leave the country ?

    The second question if Ireland is not going to throw me out of Ireland, can I change my PPS residence card to my Palestinian or Jordanian passport?and how to do that ?

    Thanks a lot

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      I am not an immigration lawyer, so can’t provide you advice. If you are working in Ireland on a Norwegian passport and have that taken away, then that will have an affect on your rights to live and work in Ireland, so you need to seek appropriate professional advice.

  25. Kerri
    | Reply

    Hi,

    My sister is UK national residing in SA. Her husband and kids are SA nationals. There is a new preclearance scheme. Can you clarify according to the application process. It says required income earning last 3 years surely that doesn’t refer to income in another country? That would be hard for anyone to meet considering the exchange rates. Please don’t refer me to the link on the INIS site I have read the policy about 500 times its ambiguous I need clarity. Do you prove income at preclearance application or once in Ireland and recieved your stamp 4 D?

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      Hi Kerri, I am not an immigration consultant so can’t provide you advice. You may wish to consider engaging the services of one.
      There is some helpful advice on the Berkeley Solicitors website (no affiliation) that they recently published which covers this particular aspect of the application process.

  26. Stefani
    | Reply

    My husband and I live in Canada and I have my uk citizenship (with uk passport). I know i’m able to live there without a visa and we’re planning on moving to Ireland this year and I’m having trouble nailing down what my husband needs. I’ve come across both that he does and doesn’t need a visa because I have my UK and he is my husband. Any idea what he might need. I’ve seen residence card of family member but also visas. It’s confusing! Any insight would be appreciated! Cheers!

  27. C.J Van Der Walt
    | Reply

    Hi im currently living in ireland with my wife she has a British pasport and im qualifying to apply for my Irish pasport in this year i would like to get my parents to move to ireland and come and stay with me is there any chance you could advice me what to do and if this is possible and what we would need to do thanks .

  28. Colleen
    | Reply

    I have registered myself in the foreign births registry and have an Irish passport. Does that mean I am now an Irish National? Does that mean I can move there anytime as a citizen?

  29. Mandla
    | Reply

    Hi Colleen do South Africans qualify for refugee status in Ireland please help hey

  30. Dhiru
    | Reply

    What are the rights of a permanent resident in Ireland? Once they get permanent residence do they need to be resident in Ireland after that as well?

  31. Rohullah Azimi
    | Reply

    Hi, iam Rohullah Azimi from Afghanistan, currently iam working with TOR international company as Head of security, i have a bachlor degree in law, i want to come to Irealand with my family and start my life there, My boss which iam working for her she is from irealand, as you know Afghanistan condication especially Kabul city is not good, so i want to ask is there any way that my boss could help me to come to Irealand with my family, i mean she sponser me, i have a small family, which is Me my mom my wife and my two duagthers which are under age.

    Regards.

  32. Vishnu Priyal
    | Reply

    I want to move to Ireland and need to search for ICT Professional jobs. Is that possible? Or how to start with that. Could you please guide me on that?

  33. Jonny L
    | Reply

    Hi I am a Malaysian citizen and I am currently residing in Australia. I have completed my Bachelor degree in Australia and currently working. I would like apply for a Permanent Residency in Ireland but I am not sure on which visa to apply for.

    Some websites talk about Stamp 0 but I think I do not qualify for that. Some information would be great.

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      A stamp 0 is issued to people who are self-sufficient and permitted to remain for a specific, temporary and limited purpose, for example, retired person of independent means. You cannot work on this stamp. If you are going to Ireland to work, then you would need to have an employment permit eligible job offer and would the be applying for a stamp 1.

  34. Eigbiremolen Eromosele Gideon
    | Reply

    Hi Collen, I’m from Nigeria and looking to study in Ireland and also permanently staying there, i already have a bachelor’s degree in architecture, how do i go about this, A honest reply will be nice thanks.

  35. David
    | Reply

    Hi There,

    If and when my sister gets to Ireland – currently applying for her Irish passport now and once there would she be able to sponsor me and my family to come over to Ireland, i am non EU citizen with a foreign passport ?

  36. Prabesh pokhrel
    | Reply

    I have finished my Bachelors in hospitality Management. From Nepal and i want to move to ireland can i apply for the employment and education. What should i consider for the application.

  37. Delia
    | Reply

    Hi! I’m an Irish citizen (citizenship from parents) but living in the USA. What are the steps for me to move to Ireland and be a student in college?

    Thanks!

  39. Michelle
    | Reply

    Hi. If I have an UK ancestral visa .. coming from South africa with my two daughter (15& 11)and partner(not married) will we be able to move to Ireland and apply for work permits?

  40. Dolly
    | Reply

    My Husband is an EU citizen but am not , we are looking forward to relocating to Ireland with our kids , can I be able to work am a trained cook with a Diploma in Hospitality from Italy .

  43. Paul haden
    | Reply

    My partner an I are looking to relocate to Ireland due to covid 19 restrictions, we both live in lanzarote, my partner is an irish citizen and I am a UK citizen, due to the circumstances we find ourselves in, ie no work, we are soon the find ourselves homeless,we can afford to get back to Ireland and are wondering if there are any organisations that may help us find accommodation. We will be applying for work as soon as I can get my pps number(my partner has hers) any information would be gratefully received thank you

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      On the Citizens website there is a whole collection of articles for Irish returning home and also support on the Migrant Project website. You might find some useful resources on there.

      There are private services that you can pay to assist you to find accommodation. I have not worked with any companies, so can’t recommend any.

  44. Shae
    | Reply

    My partner and I want to move to Ireland. He’s from the UK I’m from NZ. I don’t seem to qualify for the long stay visa, what visa do I need as I’m planning to permanently stay and live in Ireland.

  45. Terri
    | Reply

    Hi, I have tried to find out but can’t see anything on the sites regarding how long the IRP is valid for. Please could you tell me?

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      The IRP usually expires when your visa does – this is dependent on the type of visa you have applied for.

  46. Ian Baker
    | Reply

    Good day, my family is looking for a way to migrate/immigrate to Ireland or Scotland.

    I have a opportunity to work remotely and be payed in USD as a South African citizen, and am hoping there is a legal way to achieve our goals.

    How would a person/family migrate/immigrate to Ireland and work remotely for a Company not listed in Ireland ?

    What are the possible ways to achieve this ?

    Visas required ?

  47. Kevin O’Shea
    | Reply

    I have dual Irish citizenship. If my spouse (non citizen) and I moved to Ireland how long before I would be eligible for National Health Care. I would be 64 and she would be 67.

  48. Sara
    | Reply

    Hi. What kind of visa/permit/status should I ask for if I am Canadian but married to an European citizen.
    Thank you so much for your help.
    Sara

  49. Deepak Bhailalbhai Radadiya
    | Reply

    I am a spa therapist and I am relocated to Ireland so I can get a work permit as a therapist professional???????
    So please, give me your own advice for the my career and settle to Ireland

  50. Aren
    | Reply

    Hi I am wondering whether 1. I can travel to 3rd country while applying the Irish work permit.

    2. If not, can I apply the work permit from where I live now(UK)? My residence permit is until the end of July. If I apply the work permit in July, can I apply it from the UK?

    • Colleen
      | Reply

      If you are a non EU citizen then you will need to secure a job eligible for an employment permit then apply for your work permit. You don’t need to be in your home country to apply for this, you could do this from the UK.

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