How to Move to Ireland: Full Guide (2025)

Shot of old cathedral in Ireland


Jump to: Quick Facts · Living Essentials · Pros · Cons · Visas Guide · Residency & Citizenship · Business · Resources

Immigrating to Ireland? Here’s what you need to know:

🇮🇪 Ireland at a Glance

  • Population: 5,115,000 people and rising—thanks to 0.7% annual growth from migration and natural increase
  • Geography: Covers 70,273 km² with rugged cliffs, rolling plains, and a 1,448 km coastline; highest point: Carrauntoohil (1,041 m)
  • Climate: Temperate maritime – expect wet winters and gentle summers, but climate change may bring 0.7°C–3°C warmer temps and more extreme weather by 2100
  • Fun Fact: Waterford—Ireland’s oldest city—was founded by Vikings in 914 AD

🏠 Living Essentials

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Languages: Irish (Gaelic) (official, 30% can speak, 5% use daily); English (primary language – 99% speak fluently)
  • Religions: Mostly Catholic (68.8%); No religion (14.7%); plus Orthodox, Church of Ireland, Muslim, Hindu minorities
  • Ethnicities: Irish (82%), Other White (9%), Asian (3.5%), African (2.5%), Mixed/Other (3%)
  • Largest Cities: Dublin (592,713; tech/finance hot spot), Cork (222,333; historic port and foodie hub)

🤔 Why Choose Ireland

  • Booming Economy: 4% GDP growth forecast for 2025—faster than the Eurozone and U.S.; big sectors: tech, pharma, finance
    • 2.8+ million employed, jobs up 2.2% in 2025
    • Google, Apple, Pfizer, and more have HQs here, lured by 12.5% corporate tax and Critical Skills visas (fast-tracked for jobs > €38,000)
    • Dublin’s “Silicon Docks” = 50,000+ tech jobs
  • Top-Tier Quality of Life: Ranked #15 globally (U.S. News, 2024) for quality of life
    • Free public healthcare, life expectancy 83 years
    • Education for all, plus generous social safety net
    • World-class urban parks (Phoenix Park) and walkable city designs
  • English-Speaking: 99% English fluency—ditch the language headaches!
    • 35,000+ international students choose Irish universities annually (Trinity College Dublin = world’s top 100 list)
    • Easy for business—ranked #14 globally for “Open for Business”
  • Safe & Stable: Ireland is the 2nd-safest country (Global Peace Index), with a tiny homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000
    • Cities have lower theft rates than London
    • 17,500 Garda (police) with quick emergency response
    • Neutral—not a NATO member, so less geopolitical drama
  • Rich Culture: 5,000+ castles, 3 UNESCO sites, endless festivals and traditional music
    • Creative Ireland funds 200+ arts projects each year
    • Pub culture, lively arts, strong community bonds (78% of rural folks report tight social ties)
  • Perfect Gateway: EU membership means visa-free travel to 27 Schengen countries
    • Common Travel Area with the UK = free movement to Britain
    • Dublin Airport: 190+ destinations, direct flights to U.S. cities
    • For business: 4.5% export growth expected, deals with 80+ countries
    • Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme offers residency to founders creating 10+ jobs or €1M+ revenue

Summary: Ireland’s buzzing economy, cultural flair, and peace of mind make it a top pick for professionals, families, and entrepreneurs!

⚠️ Ireland Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

  • High Cost of Living: Ireland’s #3 most expensive in Western Europe; a family of four needs €5,795/month for basics
    • 1-bed in Dublin = €2,100/month
    • Groceries cost 15% more than EU average
    • Utilities for a studio: €134+ per month; dinner for two = €89
  • Salaries Lag: Even tech pros (earning €50,000–€70,500) feel squeezed— 48% tax rate eats into disposable income
  • Severe Housing Shortage: National shortage of 250,000 homes
    • Dublin vacancy rate is 1.2%; average house price = €435,000
    • 70% of renters face agent wars (40+ applicants per urban rental)
    • Student housing only covers 65% of needs—overcrowding common
  • Immigration Red Tape: 8–12 months average for non-EU study/work permits
    • Some wait 13+ months (especially Iranian scholars)
    • IRP renewals delayed 6 weeks—can’t work/travel during gaps
    • Labor market tests can add 3–4 months to hiring process
  • High Taxes: 48% marginal rate over €44,000 (single); 4% PRSI; 23% VAT; and 33% capital gains tax
    • Germany and UK have slightly lower top tax/VAT rates
    • Childcare = €1,200/month (with no tax relief!)
  • Tough Weather: 1,250 mm of rain/year (double London); just 1,300 hours of sun annually
    • 116.7 mm rainfall in January alone, storm risks, power cuts, and pricey winter heating (€350+/month)
  • Underfunded Public Services: 12+ month waitlists for non-emergency health care
    • GP visit = €63 without insurance
    • Public transport lagging in the countryside; Dublin trams over-packed, rural roads rough
  • Limited Career Mobility in Some Fields: Outside tech/pharma, wages can stall
    • Example: Chefs €30,000–€45,000/year; financial advisors up to €47,500—below living wage in many areas
    • Glass ceiling for non-Irish execs: 78% of top roles held by locals

Summary: Expect housing crunches, high tax bites, and slow paperwork—line up your job and home before moving and budget for 30% higher costs than the EU average!

🛂 Ireland Visa Guide

Critical Skills Employment Permit

  • Eligibility: For highly skilled jobs listed on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List (think IT, engineering, healthcare) with salaries at least €34,000 (thresholds may rise for 2025).
  • Duration: 2-year initial permit, renewable for another 3 years.
  • Renewal: Just keep working in the role—no labor market test required.
  • Quotas: No caps – apply away!
  • Path to PR: Eligible for permanent residency after 2 years.

General Employment Permit

  • Eligibility: For roles not on the Critical Skills list; salary must be ≥ €34,000. Employer must show no EU/EEA candidates are available.
  • Duration: Up to 2 years initially, renewable for 3 more years.
  • Renewal: Labor market test required for every extension.
  • Quotas: Certain sectors (like hospitality, agriculture) may have limits.
  • Limits: Not valid for ineligible occupations (check that list!).

Working Holiday Authorisation (Non-EU/EEA)

  • Eligibility: For young people (18–35) from countries with a bilateral deal (like Canada, Australia).
  • Duration: 12–24 months of adventure.
  • Renewal: One-time only—non-renewable.
  • Quotas: Vary by country—numbers get snapped up quickly!

Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

  • Eligibility: Non-EEA founders with €50,000+ funding and a high-potential business plan (tech, export-focused are hot).
  • Duration: 2-year residency, with renewal for 3 more years.
  • Renewal: Must show business is growing (jobs, revenue).
  • Quotas: None—innovators wanted!

Intra-Company Transfer Permit

  • Eligibility: Transfer to Irish branch of your foreign employer, salary ≥ €40,000.
  • Duration: Up to 5 years for big bosses, 2 years for trainees.

🛬 Residency & Citizenship

Permanent Residency (Stamp 4)

  • Prerequisites:
    • 5 years legal residency (work permit/study visas count).
    • Proof of stable income or €50,000+ in savings.
  • How to Apply:
    • Submit passports, GNIB cards for proof.
    • Include tax clearance and work records.
    • €500 fee (sorry!).
  • Quotas: None—apply when ready.

Citizenship by Naturalization

  • Prerequisites:
    • 5 years of residency (1,825 days in 9 years), including a non-stop year before applying.
    • Good character (no criminal record).
    • Intent to stay in Ireland.
  • Process:
    • Online application with €175 fee.
    • Attend citizenship ceremony (€950 fee after approval).
    • Get your Irish passport!
  • Fast-Track:
    • Spouses of Irish citizens: 3 years marriage + 3 years residency.
    • Refugees: after 3 years residency.

Citizenship by Descent

  • Eligibility:
    • Irish parent (or grandparent) qualifies you.
    • If claiming via grandparent, parent must be in the Foreign Births Register before your birth.
  • Process: Register in the Foreign Births Register (6–12 months processing).

💼 Business in Ireland

Pros

  • 12.5% corporate tax (15% for mega-multinationals under OECD).
  • Easy EU access and skilled talent pool.
  • No foreign ownership limits.

Cons

  • Non-EEA directors need a €25,000 Section 137 Bond unless you have an EEA-resident director.
  • Startup costs can reach €5,000–€10,000 (registration, legal, bonds).

How to Start a Business

  • Secure Section 137 Bond: Non-EEA directors need this €25,000 insurance.
  • Register your company: Choose structure (Ltd, sole trader), name an Irish-resident company secretary.
  • Get a Verified Identity Number (VIN): For non-resident shareholders with over 25% ownership.
  • Tax registration: Sign up for VAT, PAYE, and corporate tax at Revenue.ie.
  • Open a business bank account: AIB, Bank of Ireland, or Revolut—in-person appointment needed.

📚 Helpful Resources

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9 replies on “How to Move to Ireland: Full Guide (2025)”

Good afternoon.,
My name is Henk [REDACTED], Dutch passport, My wife […] USA passport.
We are seriously considering to ask permission to retire for good in Ireland
What are you able to advise us to proceed please.
Kind regards
Henk

Hi Henk, thank you for stopping by the site. Your comment included some personal information, which I have removed as this is a public comment.

Here’s the low down:

You (Dutch passport) can move freely to Ireland under EU freedom of movement rules—no visa required, just register locally once there.

Your wife (US citizen) can join you as your spouse under EU Treaty Rights. She will need to apply for a residence card (Stamp 4 EUFAM) once in Ireland. This is standard, not difficult.

You have ample finances (assets + income) to easily meet residency/self-sufficiency requirements.

Healthcare, housing, and daily living will be simpler and more affordable than the U.S., especially since you’re both retired.

You’ve already adapted to left-hand driving and speak multiple languages—huge lifestyle pluses.

Your motivations (political climate, quality of life, culture, prior visits) are common reasons retirees choose Ireland.

So to sum up:
1.) https://www.irishimmigration.ie/ is where you would find information to register yourself.

2.) Your non-EU spouse (wife) will need to get a registration card within 90 days of arrival in Ireland. More info here: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/

Generally, the non-EU spouse will need to provide a valid passport, proof of the EU citizen’s status, proof of the relationship, and proof of sufficient resources and health insurance.

(Disclaimer: I am not an Immigration Lawyer, and this is not legal advice.)

What you just did for Ha k-can you summarize for us: US citizens, work in mental health, two adults and a minor child, needing to leave due to political climate, English Speaking, we have money in bank, but I would need a job in Ireland in mental health if possible. Just looking for some direction.

As a non-EU citizen, you will face a long road to relocate yourself and family to Ireland. May not be worth the hassle, especially given the high cost of living in Dublin.

In any case:

As a U.S. citizen, you cannot work in Ireland without proper permission (usually a work visa or permit).

Most relevant visa: Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). Designed for roles where skills are in shortage. Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and some mental health nursing roles may qualify.
Requires a job offer from an Irish employer with a minimum salary threshold (usually €32,000–€64,000 depending on role). Comes with a path to residency.

If your role isn’t on the Critical Skills List, you may still apply under a General Employment Permit, though it has stricter rules and fewer benefits.

Step 1.) Start by searching the Critical Skills Occupations List to see if your role is listed: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/employment-permit-eligibility/highly-skilled-eligible-occupations-list/

Step 2.) Ireland requires many mental health professionals to be registered with a regulatory body.

Depending on your role:
Clinical/Counseling Psychologists: Must register with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or CORU (Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator).
Social Workers: Must register with CORU.
Psychiatrists: Must register with the Irish Medical Council.
Mental Health Nurses: Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

This process may involve: Credential evaluation, Providing transcripts, references, and proof of experience. Possibly sitting additional assessments or supervised practice

Step 3.) You will need a confirmed job offer from an employer before applying for a work permit. Employers may assist with your work permit application.

Explore roles on: HSE Jobs, IrishJobs.ie, Mental Health Ireland

(Those are just the first 3 steps!)

Thank you for taking time on this. I’m a minority that will be facing threat in US so it’s worth the hassle and not having to learn another language makes it easier. We also live in a US state that is more expensive than most “high cost of living” countries-so again, worth it. What we lack most is the help and the jobs to get us over the hump into other countries. Again, much appreciate this help.

My name is Seifu Ayele from Africa, Ethiopia. I graduated with master’s degree in Rural development and planning and bachelor’s degree in accounting. I am looking for a new job.

Hi there I need further clarification on this post. I’m a Support Worker in Northern Ireland Londonderry for almost 3 years now. I’m interested in relocating to the Republic of Ireland if I can get a permanent job that can offer resident permit.

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