Ways to live in Ireland
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Critical Skills Employment Permit
For skilled professionals with a job offer of at least 2 years in a shortage occupation or on a high salary. The fastest work route to long-term residence.
- What you need
- A job offer of at least 2 years. Salary of at least €40,904 a year for jobs on the Critical Skills Occupations List (with a relevant degree), €36,848 for recent graduates, or €68,911 for most other occupations. You are expected to stay with the first employer for at least 9 months.
- Income
- from about $3,950 a month
- How long
- 2 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- €1,000 (90% refunded if refused)
- Processing time
- apply at least 12 weeks before the start date
- How to apply
- Online via Employment Permits Online (by you or the employer), then an entry visa if your nationality needs one
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- After 2 years you can switch to Stamp 4 (residence with free access to work) without a permit; long-term residence after 5 years.
General Employment Permit
For most other jobs not on the ineligible list. The employer usually has to show no local candidate was found first.
- What you need
- A job offer with a salary of at least €36,605 a year (lower thresholds for some care, meat processing and horticulture roles, and for recent Irish graduates). In most cases the job must first be advertised to local and EU candidates.
- Income
- from about $3,530 a month
- How long
- up to 2 years, renewable for up to 3 more
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- €500 (up to 6 months) or €1,000 (6–24 months); renewal €750 or €1,500
- How to apply
- Online via Employment Permits Online
- Path to permanent residence
- After 5 consecutive years on permits you can apply for Stamp 4 (residence with free access to work).
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| One-bedroom flat | $1,560 |
|---|---|
| Two-bedroom flat | $2,400 |
| Bills | $200 |
| Typical local salary | $3,290 |
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Ireland combines easy-going humour, live music and dramatic Atlantic scenery. Dublin is the career hub for tech and finance, Cork and Galway are smaller and friendlier, and the west coast offers cliffs, surf and village life.
Day to day
Trains and intercity buses radiate from Dublin, though rural areas often need a car. Healthcare mixes public and private, and many people buy private insurance. Contactless is everywhere, broadband is good in cities, and English is the everyday language.
Trade-offs
Finding housing, especially in Dublin, is very difficult and expensive. The weather is mild but often wet and grey. Public healthcare waiting lists are long.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United KingdomVisa-free
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
SwitzerlandVisa-free
NorwayVisa-free
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South AfricaVisa
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Ireland have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Ireland?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
