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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.
Megan
Hi,
I am wondering if it is possible to move to Ireland and continue my remote job in the US??
Thanks,
Megan
Colleen
If you earn enough then you may be eligible for the stamp 0 visa under the category of ‘Persons of independent means’. At this present time you need €50,000 per person per annum, plus the you have to ‘access to a lump sum of money to cover any unforeseen major expenses’. There are details on this page about how to apply for it.
Janine Barnett
Hi there,
Im a South African,married to a British Citizen (27 years). We are looking to immigrate to Ireland. What requirements do I need? Do I need x amount in the bank?
Colleen
You need to secure a job eligible for an employment permit which you can learn about here.
Harshad Anant Kadam
This is very helpful but I would like to know some additional info regarding the dependent visa. Suppose, After completing my education( masters ), I’ll be on stamp1g with a valid offer from a company as a software engineer. then am I entitled to bring my spouse to Ireland?
Colleen
Have you read the Crosscare Migrant Project guide to the rights of migrants in Ireland that I’ve linked to in this post? It states “No In general, non-EEA students studying in Ireland have no entitlements to family reunification.Exceptions to this include (A) when a student is doing a PhD, (B) specific academic programme agreed between Ireland and another State, or (C) student demonstrates private means”.
Gabriela
I thank you in advance if you can help me! I am from Brazil and i am in london as a tourist and my visa ends on the 31st of july. at first, my intention was to stay in London for a while and then go to exchange in Dublin, but I was unable to go due to COVID-19. can I go to Dublin at the end of July straight from London and enter as a student? I saw that English classes will return on August 10th. thank you
Colleen
Hi,
As I don’t work for immigration, I can’t provide you immigration advice. Here is information on Student Visas. I also suggest you contact the college you are planning on attending as they usually have an international student adviser who will be able to provide you specialised advise based on your circumstances.
Kate Fairfield
Hi Colleen,
Thank you for this page, it is super informative. My partner and I are South African and interested in permanently migrating to Ireland. Do you know of any agents that assist with this process, provide legal advice and walk you through each step. I was hoping for a company that charge for the service.
Thank you in advance for any assistance.
Colleen
Hi Kate,
I am aware of Migrant.ie. I haven’t used them myself or have any partnership with them, but I believe that they are one of the main providers of this kind of service.
Kate Fairfield
Thank you so much for responding. Have a good day!
Debra Kruger
HI there
I wonder if you can assist.
I was born in South Africa, but have both South African and British Passport (as my parents immigrated from the UK to RSA). My Husband has a South African Passport, but is able to obtain a spousal visa for the UK. We have 3 children that are all eligible to obtain Ancestral British Visas.
Would it be possible for us to relocate and work in Ireland? Would we need to secure jobs first? If you could please point me in the right direction.
Thanks so much
Colleen
Hi Debra,
Please refer to my employment permit page and the UK Citizens section – as a UK citizen you are eligible to move there without a visa or employment permit. The conditions for non-EEA spouses are potentially going to change with Brexit though, but I have explained more in this section.
grace
hi, please i want to know if your can use an ineligible job to process an employment permit in other to relocate to ireland
Colleen
Hi Grace, if you require an employment permit to come and work in Ireland, then it needs to be a job that is eligible for one. You can see the list of employment permits here.
Azwinndini Olga MATSHIDZE
Good day, i’m a single mother of three kids(x2 17 years and 12 years) from south africa.i would like to relocate to ireland and have care giving qualifications, how do i apply for a work permit?
please come back to me the soonest
regards
olga
Colleen
You would need to secure an job that will be eligible for an employment permit. You can learn more about how to get a job in Ireland here.You would need to secure an job that will be eligible for an employment permit.
Melody
I am a British Citizen, my spouse is Hong Kong and he is holding a UK spouse VISA. We are living in the UK now, how can I bring him to Ireland legally? Do I need to apply for an Ireland spouse visa to him?
Colleen
During the transition period, non-EEA family members of UK citizens have the same right to live and work in Ireland.
The information currently on the Irish Citizens Information website states: “Information about the status of non-EEA family members of UK citizens who hope to come to Ireland after the transition period has finished (31 December 2020) will be published on citizensinformation.ie when it is available.”
I suggest regularly checking the Citizens Information page and the Irish Immigration page – see their current notice regarding this matter here.
Ahunne Oma
Hello,
I am a mum from Nigeria in my 40s with 3 kids (17, 15 and 5 years) and would love to relocate and start a new life in Ireland, where do I start from?
Colleen
You would need to secure an job that will be eligible for an employment permit. You can learn more about how to get a job in Ireland here.
Ryan
is there a company in the US that can assist me with all of the paperwork for Irish citizenship by descent?
Ayo
Hi colleen ,I have applied for the family reunification visa since april 2019 and I havent gotten any email or reply from the embassy
I have applied for this with my two kids to join my husband who is an irish citizen
I just want to know how long does it take to get an Irish spouse visa cause I saw online it takes 6 months after receipt of all documentation but its over a year now and I havent gotten reply from the embassy
Colleen
It can take a long time, but do you know that they have received your application? What evidence do you have that it has been submitted and is being processed? You should contact the embassy to see what is happening with your application.
Linda
Hi, I am wondering if you could advise me on what to do. I am a 66 year old US citizen looking to remain in Ireland with my daughter. She has been naturalised through marriage to an Irish citizen and has 2 teenage children.
My daughters husband recently passed away and now she is struggling to cope, she suffers from mental health issues and I want to remain in Ireland to help her with my grandchildren. Her gp has deemed her as a vulnerable adult.
There is one problem, I have arrived in Ireland already for a visit but have not returned home due to the situation. I have heard of a stamp 0 but the saving you are required to have are far more than what I have. Also my daughter is not working in Ireland now and she receives disability. I need to be with her.
Colleen
Hi Linda,
You could consider applying for Family Reunification which you can learn more about on the Immigrant Council website.
Naryiaana Fedorova
Hi there,
I am currently pregnant with an Irish national (me being non-EEA resident) and planning to give birth in Ireland. Me and the father are not together, but we are planning moving to Dublin from Australia for the sake of the baby. I’m a citizen of Russia. After giving birth to the baby in Ireland, and the baby automatically getting an Irish passport, what are my options for visa? Like parent of an Irish citizen child visa, and am I going to be eligible for a passport after a while? What are any eligibilities? Thank you!
Colleen
Hi,
You can apply via the ‘Join Family’ Government Policy on Non-EEA Family Reunification. More information is here on the INIS website.
Hanafi
Hi Jill,
I hope this email finds you well. I am a Malaysian you have just got an approved Critical Skills Permits and plans to migrate with my family this coming July.
I have a few questions, I appreciate if you can help to give insights:
1. I understand that my Spouse will need to apply for an immigration pre-clearance before arriving in Ireland. When approved can she come along with me and my children or I need to arrive first and they comes later?
2. I understand that my wife will eventually be granted a Stamp 1G which permits her to work but she cannot access public-funded amenities like hospitals even though she might be paying taxes to the State?
3. My children: Would they be eligible to National Schools?Would they be eligible for Child Benefits?
I have read about Habitual Residence Condition (HRC), would I and my family eligible for this?
For a note, Malaysia is a non-visa required country.
Thank you in advance Jill
Colleen
Hi,
I have some helpful links on my information on my Critical Skills Permits here. Once you have your permit you can start the application process for your immediate family. However, the application time can be lengthy see point 4 on the INIS site here. They will need health insurance. After 5 years they can apply for a stamp 4.
Yes your children can attend school.
You potentially could be eligible for the HRC on an employment permit if you can meet the HRC requirements- detailed criteria seen here – I am not allowed to advise you on this since I do not work for the Social Welfare office. Also, be aware that each of the schemes/benefits that fall under it also have their own eligibility criteria on top of this.
Mary Ann Bumgarner
I am a person of independent means who wishes to obtain Irish citizenship. Where are the forms.
Colleen
If you earn enough then you may be eligible for the stamp 0 visa under the category of ‘Persons of independent means’. At this present time you need €50,000 per person per annum, plus the you have to ‘access to a lump sum of money to cover any unforeseen major expenses. There are details on this page about how to apply for it.
Kendal
From what I understand of that visa, it’s only for a limited time and can’t count towards permanent residency. I’m in the same boat, I run my own business and I’m interested in living in Ireland, but I would want to do it with the goal of getting citizenship. So far, I can’t find information on what visa I could apply for. Do you know? Thanks!
Colleen
I know that in some countries if you have a significant sum of money you can pretty much buy a citizenship, but that’s not typically the case in Ireland, particularly because they are in the EU and this sort of practice is frowned upon. But in saying that, there are some EU countries that do offer this and people use it as a way to get an EU passport which allows them access to the EU countries.
Ireland also run schemes that are aimed at wealthy investors who can access a residency visa for a substantial investment. The scheme is called the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) which you can read about on the INIS page. The investor and their nominated family members will get a stamp 4 which can take you on the path to residency – see part 3 of the guidance.
In Ireland they use the term ‘Reckonable residence’ which is the duration of a person’s residence when assessing an application for naturalisation. As you see on the Naturalisation Residency Calculator stamp 0 is not even an option on the list because they don’t count that time towards citizenship through naturalisation. However, there was an interesting recent case of someone having their stamp 0 accepted as reckonable residence for naturalisation.
William
Hello Colleen,
I’m a UK citizen and presently living in Hong Kong with my HK wife. We are planning (hopefully) to move to Ireland in a couple of years; purchase a property there and set up home (it appears to be a lot simpler than the UK process!) .
I understand about the initial visa process upon entry (for my non EEU spouse) and associated requirements; my query however, is with regard to income. As a UK citizen, do I need acquire work before applying for her ‘extended long term visa’, am I required to earn a ‘certain’ amount (minimum threshold) to demonstrate capability to support ourselves and/or, do we require to have an amount of savings in the bank in order to facilitate the ‘long term stay’ visa?
Appreciate your time greatly.
Colleen
The information currently on the Irish Citizens Information website states: “Information about the status of non-EEA family members of UK citizens who hope to come to Ireland after the transition period has finished (31 December 2020) will be published on citizensinformation.ie when it is available.”
My concern is, the current requirements could very easily change by the time you make the move in a few years time. I suggest setting up news alerts or regularly checking the Citizens Information page ‘Residence rights of UK citizens’ page and the Irish Immigration page – see their current notice regarding this matter here.
Enoch
Hi, I’m a Nigerian and a graduate with Cisco certification. I’m looking for entry level Network Engineer job in Ireland. Under what category do I fit in please?
Colleen
You need to check if your occupation is on the ineligible list. If it isn’t, then you might be eligible for a general employment permit which you can learn about here. You must be able to fulfil all of the requirements.
Shey
Hi. I was recently offered a job transfer to Ireland. My company is in the process of applying for a Ireland Inter Company Transfer Visa for me. Is it possible for them to apply for the visa for me with a copy of my passport. As I travel a lot. And if so and the visa is approved, can I proceed to get the visa stamped upon arrival, as in Gulf countries like Oman.
Colleen
Hi Shey,
I haven’t been through the Intra Company Transfer Visa process myself, but I do believe that your employer can apply on your behalf and submit a photocopy of your passport, but it must be valid for at least 6 months. Here is a checklist for the process so you can see what other documents you will need to provide.
You will need to ensure that you have everything in place for when you arrive at immigration. Then you will also need to register with the Garda.
Naz Doherty
Hi Colleen.
I am a NON EU national living in the UK with my British/Irish husband and a daughter. We are planning to relocate to Ireland this year but since I’m a visa required national I have to apply for a family visa first. Today I started my online application for a long stay visa to Ireland as a spouse of an Irish citizen and stumbled across a question about contact details for contact /host in Ireland.
We haven’t got a place yet as my family and I are going to relocate to Ireland from the UK together, we’d like to apply for a visa first and then my husband would travel to Ireland to find accommodation.
I’ve read some posts online where people suggesting to use a hotel reservation. Is it possible?
How do I go about this particular section?
I would really appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Colleen
Hi Naz,
Refer to the INIS ‘Information to Assist you in Completing your Online Visa Application’ guidance page 6 under heading ‘Contact/Host in Ireland’ which addresses your question and lists your options for answering it.
Mary Lopes
I hold a Critical Skills Work Permit and I would wish to have my elderly parent residing longer than 3 months in Ireland. I heard that the applications for elderly parents have a lower rate of being approved than those for immediate family members. I was wondering what if you know how long is the process to apply for the Join family visa? And what are the exactly requirements needed to be successful?
Colleen
There is detailed guidance on the INIS website here. Depending on your status it can take anywhere from up to 6-12mths. They advise that the applications are processed in date order. This is not something I have had experience it, but you should read their very detailed Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. There is guidance on bringing elderly parents over (section 18). It does warn that it is subject to considerable restrictions and in some cases ‘extreme’ wait times. I wish you luck.
Hossein Jahan
To Whom It May Concern
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please kindly be advised that; I would like to Move to Ireland legally to live with my family because of my country situation. Could you pls introduce me a free Immigration Consultant /organization/ charity/Company / trusted … whatever… to consult / to help me in this regard.
Please advise.
Many Thanks
Hossein Jahan
Tehran .
Colleen
Hi Hossein,
I have removed your phone number as you really shouldn’t post your personal details online. There is the Immigrant Council and the Irish Refugee Council. They generally help those already in Ireland, but they might be able to provide advice to you.
John Henry Batt
Good day. My wife and I are looking to Immigrate to Ireland what is the process we need to follow ? We are both South African citizens
Colleen
If you are planning on working there, then you will need to secure a job offer in order to support your application for a work permit. Here is a guide on how to get a job in Ireland.
Cassie
Hello Colleen,
I’ve been going through the permit options and I find myself with a bit of a problem. My husband and I both work remotely for US-based companies in occupations that would qualify for CSEP. (I’m a software engineer, and he’s an IT manager.) We don’t want to change companies, so we don’t need a sponsor, but we would like to be able to “work” and live in in Ireland. What kind of permit do you suggest?
Thanks in advance!
Colleen
Hi Cassie,
If you earn enough then you may be eligible for the stamp 0 visa under the category of ‘Persons of independent means’. At this present time you need €50,000 per person per annum, plus the you have to ‘access to a lump sum of money to cover any unforeseen major expenses. There are details on this page about how to apply for it.
Leisa Borem
I am a US citizen. My fiancee is Irish, living in Ireland. I would like to move to Ireland. Looking at getting a general work visa to begin process, but my line of work is on the ineligible list. Is there such a thing as being sponsored by my fiancee and/or his family while I work on getting my dog training business (for which I am certified) established as an entrepreneur? Or do you have any other suggestions?
Colleen
Things have recently gotten slightly easier for partner/spouse/de-facto’s of Irish citizens. The Migrant Project have a really helpful page about these requirements and the evidence that you will need to apply.
Sanjeev Chaudhary
Have 13+ years experience of Banking & finance want to settle with family in Ireland.
Giorgi Rukhadze
Hi Colleen,
Here’s hoping you could help. There is a requirement of 60k minimum salary for the critical skills work permit, but the gov’t website defines it as a base salary+health insurance contributions per employee (i.e. employers contributing to employee health insurance as benefit, which ”increases” employee income). Would you perhaps have a rough estimation of how much are health insurance contributions per employee on average in Ireland? Don’t have to be exact, any rough estimation would do. Many thanks in advance.
Colleen
Sorry I haven’t had any experience of having this in my salary offer. I am aware that some companies may offer 5%.
Russell Baron
Hi Collen
My son is visiting his sister in Ireland for 14 days, he now wishes to stay for 1 month longer and return with her when she is coming home for the christmas holidays. She has a permanent job in Dublin, the immigration officer told him to leave on his stated date i.e 14 days. He is South African therefore no visa required can he apply for an extension of 1 month?
Thanks,
Russell
Colleen
I can’t provide you visa advise since I don’t work for the INIS, but generally on a South African passport you can stay in Ireland on a short stay visa for 3 months. To get advise for your particular circumstances you will need to contact the visa office.
Naya
Hello, I’m a bit confused about the financial requirement. Does Irish sponsor have to earn a gross income of 40k in the last 3 years prior to the application?. My husband just started a job so does that mean we cant apply for the Visa until he accumulate 40k? He lives in Northern Ireland and we are looking into getting his Ireland passport.
Colleen
I’m a bit unclear of your situation and what you are asking. The salary requirements for the work permits relate to your annual salary contract.
Naya
In response to your reply, I’m not asking about the requirement for the work permit. I’m asking is there a financial requirement my husband has to meet in order to bring me to Ireland. When speaking to someone from Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service they said, ” the cases are dealt with on an individual basis.” But when I download the policy for the financial requirement it said the Irish sponsor has to have a gross income of 40k prior to the application. I’m just not sure if there really is a requirement that needs to be met.
Colleen
Thanks for providing more detail. You need to get a Critical Skills Employment permit in order to bring your spouse over. To get one of these you need an annual salary of €60,000 or more or an annual salary of €30,000 if your occupation is on the Highly Skilled Occupations List. However, the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits page on the DBEI page only specifies the visa type and not the minimum salary. There is also no mention of it in their FAQ page. Where did you download the policy?
Naz Doherty
Naya referred to this Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification Section 17 financial resources.
Colleen
Thanks Naz.
Brandon
Good day, I recently obtained my French residence card after Working 5 years in France and would like to relocate to the Republic of Ireland, I hold a South African passport and French residence card am I eligible to relocate ?
Colleen
Your French residence card only permits you to work in France. As a South African passport holder you will need to apply to work under one of Ireland’s work permits.
Emmeline Ruth Ezekiel
Hello
I am a self-employed Martial arts teacher who is interested in relocating to Ireland (I currently have an Eu residency in Latvia)
What are the requirements for self-employed applicants, for example, community work, documentation etc.
And where do I go to begin the application process? I am a Mexican national.
Thank you
Colleen
Please refer to the guide on the Irish Citizens website regarding schemes for self employed non EEA nationals and for those coming to set up a business in Ireland.
Kristen
Hi. I am an American with minor children. Their birth father is deceased. My boyfriend is an Irish citizen. I’m exploring possibilities that we might join him in Ireland for 1-2 years prior to getting married. My field of employment is on the list of ineligible careers so work visa is not an option. If I enroll as a student, can my children join me since they have no other guardian? And do the requirements of “person of independent means” extend to my children as well or just me? Do you see any options here?
Colleen
As a student on a stamp 2(2A) visa you won’t be able to access any publicly funded services and your children will have to attend fee paying schools as outlined in the ‘Transitional Arrangements regarding the placement in schools of non-EEA Children not accompanied by parents and of children of non-EEA Students in Ireland’
From Aug 2019 a new Preclearance process for De Facto Partners of Irish Nationals was launched. Permission to live in the State as the De Facto Partner of an Irish National allows you to seek employment in the State, without the need to obtain a separate work permit. It does allow you to bring minors with you. Carefully read over the terms in the De Facto Partner of an Irish National.
Sarah Davison
Hi Colleen,
I am a UK citizen, my husband is a Mexican citizen, and our minor child is a US citizen. The three of us want to relocate to Ireland for at least a few years. My husband wants to study in Ireland on a student visa. As a UK citizen, can I sponsor our child to live with us in Ireland? After my husband gets his degree in Ireland, would I be able to sponsor him as well to continue living in Ireland if we choose to stay there? Since my husband and child are from visa free countries, can they arrive in Ireland with just their passports and then apply for the relevant residence permissions after we’ve arrived?
Colleen
As a UK resident your rights to live and work in Ireland are covered under the Common Travel Area Guidance.
Under Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive), as an EU/EEA member, family members can apply for a single journey short-stay C visa which will permit you to enter and reside in the State for up to 3 months. Then in order to remain in Ireland for more than 3 months as a family member of an EU citizen exercising their free movement rights, you must apply (when in Ireland) for a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen – more information here in the INIS website.
However, to be honest, I don’t know if this will still apply following Brexit. There is an article here that states that Directive 2004/38/EC will no longer apply.
KJC
Hi,
If I am an Irish citizen and my wife is American, we have been married 35 years. We have married children over the age of 21 who live in Hong Kong and who wish to immigrate. Can we sponsor them to immigrate to Ireland. The married children are the children of the American wife by a previous marriage.
Colleen
If you were an Irish citizen at the time of their birth then they are eligible for Irish citizenship through descent. An overview can be found here in the Irish Citizens website.
Edit: Sorry I read that wrong. Refer to the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family ReunificationPolicy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification
Abu Salam
Hi Colleen,
Does it mean even I have citizenship or PR and when i retire, i have to have that certain income?
Colleen
Hi Abu Salam,
I’m not sure if I understand your question, but I will do my best to answer. If you wish to retire to Ireland, you can apply for the Stamp 0 visa which requires you to have an annual income of no less than €50,000 per person. This is a visa and does not give you citizenship or long term residence. As quoted on the INIS website “Stamp 0 is a low level immigration status which is not intended to be reckonable for Long Term Residence or Citizenship.” More information here in the INIS website.
Alex
Hi im British and i would like to move to irelland with my non eu spouse whats the fastest way
Family visit or she gets some courses
Thanks
Colleen
Hi Alex,
As I am not sure of your spouse’s citizenship, I suggest you start here at the Irish Justice & Equality website ‘Check if you need an Irish Visa’ page.
1. Use the drop down menu to select your partners nationality.
2. It will then take you to a screen that asks ‘How long do you want to stay in Ireland?’ – select ‘more than 3 months’
3. The next question is ‘What do you want to do in Ireland?’ – select ‘Join my spouse, partner or family member’
4. ‘What citizenship is your spouse, partner or family member?’ – you are ‘Swiss or EU/EEA (except Irish)’
5. Then you will come to the final page that has the links to what you need before travel, after you enter and during your stay with links to the online visa application
I’m not aware of any ‘fast’ way around this process.
funmi
hello am a telecoms snr engineer with MTN nigeria would want to relocate to ireland , how do i go about it.
Colleen
First you will need to secure a job offer that will support you to get a work permit. Head over to my post on how to find a job in Ireland. The type of visa you can apply for will depend on your salary, contract type, and job type. Here is the list of occupations that are ineligible for employment permits.
Narayan Singh
Hi
I am looking for clinical coding in Ireland, please help me how to proceed for the same, I have a 5 to 6 years of experience with US healthcare in ICD 10 and CPT coding. HPO in ireland at ESRI provides training but they provide any trainig for overseas I dont know… Kindly Help.
Colleen
I’m unclear if you are looking for work or training? If you are looking for work then I suggest you start by contacting a recruitment company and looking at jobs being advertised.
Denise Allen
Hi Colleen, I am an American and my husband and I would like to move/live in Ireland, can we come over and within the 3 months stay apply for a work visa if we find/are offered employment? Also, I am currently a contracted employee for a federal government power agency as a data steward, basically records management. I am wondering if I will be able to find work in this field, it looked like records management was on the list of ineligible occupations. Thank you for your time.
Colleen
You could ask a recruitment agency whether there is any other work that you may be skilled to do that isn’t on the ineligible list for a work permit. It can be very difficult to get a work permit in Ireland.
If you are arriving on a tourist visa and the immigration officer at the airport believes that you are visiting Ireland with the intention to work, they may refuse you entry
Please read this advice on this Irish Citizens web page
E. Bennett
I am offshore worker, meaning I work on oil rigs and ships around the world. As a US citizen are there any options to relocate and live in Ireland whilst working in and out of different countries?
Colleen
If you earn enough then you may be eligible for the stamp 0 visa under the category of ‘Persons of independent means’. At this present time you need €50,000 per person per annum, plus the you have to ‘access to a lump sum of money to cover any unforeseen major expenses. There are details on this page about how to apply for it.
Jill Burgoyne
Hello!
I’m Jill. My husband and I want to move our family to Ireland for up to two years. My husband works remotely as a contract manager (Director of Operations) to an American safety consulting company. “Health and Safety Officer” is on the list of ineligible occupations. Even though his job is in that category, he is not an officer, but a manager. It’s quite a strange situation because we aren’t really looking for a job and we haven’t been offered a job. Is there a way we could live in Ireland, learn Irish, do family history and still work for an extended period of time in his current, remote, job?
Colleen
Hi Jill,
If you earn enough then you may be eligible for the stamp 0 visa under the category of ‘Persons of independent means’. At this present time you need €50,000 per person per annum, plus the you have to ‘access to a lump sum of money to cover any unforeseen major expenses. There are details on this page about how to apply for it.
Jayagiri Nair
Hi Colleen,
Good day!
I am an ICT professional with 20+ year exp and my profile is matched with the highly skilled occupations list. I am planning to visit Ireland to attend interviews by end of this year, would I able to apply for the visit visa (searching job category) from home country via Irish embassy? I am non EU professional, from india.
Thank you 🙂
Jay
Colleen
Hi Jayagiri,
You may be eligible for the Highly skilled job interview authorisation. More information can be found here.
You will need to apply for it in your home country which you can do online here (go through the series of questions and it will take you through to the page – you will choose the visa for less than 3mths option then the ‘Work or a job interview’ option and continue to work through the questions.
Vijay Pereira
Hi, I’m an Indian and an event manager by profession. Is there any possibility of me getting a job if i try? Do they permit employment in event management industry?
Many thanks in advance.
Colleen
Hi Vijay,
Here is the list of occupations that are ineligible for employment permits. If your occupation is on this list then you won’t be eligible for a permit, but if it’s not then you may be eligible to apply if you get a job offer.
Colleen
Chidera
Good day Colleen
Am a Nigerian and wish to relocate to Ireland. I need help on the best possible way.
Awaiting your response.
Thank you so much
Colleen
Hi Chidera,
You will need to get a job offer to be eligible to apply for a work permit.
Here is a post on the type of work permits available.
The type of visa you can apply for will depend on your salary, contract type, and job type. Here is the list of occupations that are ineligible for employment permits.
Colleen
RAVI SHANKAR
Hi, am Ravi from India and looking for career growth in Ireland, currently am IT consultant / Lead exposure in Oracle EPM suite of solutions with 10+ years of experience, am taking all the preliminary steps get register my profile on multiple job sites and yet to get response, looking forward experts guidance / unique ideas considering my situation to get job and settle-down in Ireland ? thanks and awaiting…
Colleen
Hi Ravi,
Have you read my post on How to Find a Job in Ireland? There are some tips on there about different approaches you might want to consider. I recommend getting in touch with the recruitment agencies listed on the National Recruitment Federation (NRF) website.
Nermine El Shershaby
Hello
I am French Citizen and I am moving to Ireland with my three kids this summer as I have been employed by an irish employer.
My youngest daughter, 11Y old, has Diabetes and I need to bring her nanny with me to Ireland as she knows how to look after her during my absence.
Can you please advise how can I get her a visa.
Should I apply for a work permit for her.
If so can I apply as an employer?
I also heard about Au Pair, can I host her as an AU PAIR with and AU PAIR contract.
Can you please advise what’s the work permit process in such case.
Many thanks in advance
Colleen
If the nanny is from the EEA then they won’t need a visa to work in Ireland. See the list of visa exempt countries.
If not, they may qualify for you to hire them as an Au Pair (since you are a French citizen). Here is some information about the mandatory criteria of and the type of visas they may be eligible for. On this page is also a list of Au Pair agencies that could support you with this process.
Faisal bhuiyan
Hi I am Faisal I playing cricket at academy level last 10 years in Banglaeesh. But now I want to migrate ireland for playing cricket and doing some job for bear my expenses
Colleen
Hi Faisal, I’m unclear on what your question is?
Joanne
I have a UK passport and am looking to relocate to take on a secondment to work with my current Australian company. Are there any restrictions on me working in Ireland but being paid by the Australian company?
Colleen
People who are citizens of the United Kingdom (UK) are entitled to live in Ireland without any conditions or restrictions. You can find out more on the Irish Citizens Information site.
Amal Shantha Kumara Rajamanthri
I’m Amal Rajamanthri..how can I apply for Ireland work visa?I worked in Korea 10yrs as a labour..(machine operator)plz help me to get labour work visa..
Colleen
Hi Amal Rajamanthri, you will need to get a job offer to be eligible to apply for a work permit.
Here is a post on the type of work permits available – refer to the Irish Work Permits section of this page.
The type of visa you can apply for will depend on your salary, contract type, and job type.
Here is a post on how to find a job in Ireland.
Martin Sweeney
I am an American and have an Irish passport by virtue of my mother having been born in Ireland. Should I retire to Ireland, what financial requirements are required of me to live in Ireland and what health coverage would I need?
Many thanks for any assistance!
Colleen
The financial requirements for retiring to Ireland only applies to those without residence rights and need a stamp 0 permission to live here.
Here is a helpful guide to retiring in Ireland on the Irish Citizens Information website.
To get access to the range of health services that are either free of charge or subsidised by the Irish Government you just need to establish that you have an Irish passport and plan to live there.