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🇮🇪 Moving to Ireland: what you actually need to know
Ireland is a popular English-speaking destination within the EU, with a strong tech, pharma, and finance sector. Dublin hosts European headquarters for most major US tech companies. The immigration system for skilled workers is employer-sponsored through the Employment Permit system, and the housing situation in Dublin is severe: rent and availability are the biggest practical challenges for new arrivals.
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Visa routes
Your main options for moving to Ireland
Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
For occupations on the Critical Skills List (software engineers, doctors, nurses, certain financial roles). Requires a job offer above €38,000/year (€32,000 for shortage occupations). Processing: 6–14 weeks. Permits a spouse to work immediately.
General Employment Permit
Broader than the CSEP but requires a Labour Market Needs Test showing no suitable Irish/EU candidates were available. Job offer minimum: €34,000/year. Processing: 4–8 weeks.
Student Visa (Stamp 2)
For study at a recognised Irish institution. Allows up to 20 hours of work per week during term, full-time during holidays. Third-level graduates can apply for a graduate stay-back permit (1–2 years).
Stamp 4 (Long-term Residency)
After 5 years on employment permits or 2 years on CSEP, you can apply for Stamp 4: which allows you to work without a permit for any employer. This is the closest Irish equivalent to permanent residency.
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Cost of living
What it actually costs to live in Ireland
Dublin
€2,800–4,500/month
Rent for a 1-bed apartment: €1,800–2,800. Dublin has one of the tightest rental markets in Europe: properties often receive 20–50 applications within 24 hours.
Cork
€2,000–3,200/month
Ireland's second city. More affordable than Dublin, with a growing tech and pharma presence.
Galway, Limerick, Waterford
€1,500–2,500/month
More affordable options outside Dublin. Good infrastructure but fewer multinational employers.
Key steps
What to do and in what order
1
Apply for your Employment Permit
Done by the employer in most cases. You need your passport, a signed job offer, and proof of qualifications. The permit is tied to a specific employer: changing jobs requires a new permit in the first year.
2
Enter Ireland on an employment permit
Non-EEA nationals arriving to start work typically enter on a work visa (D Visa) issued at the Irish consulate. The employment permit is separate: you need both for non-EEA entry.
3
Register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) / IRP
Within 90 days of arrival. Book an appointment at the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin (or local garda station outside Dublin) to get your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. The IRP is proof of your legal residency status.
4
Get your PPS Number
Applied for at a local Department of Social Protection Intreo centre. Bring your passport, IRP card, and proof of address. Required for employment, tax, and most government services.
5
Register for Revenue (tax)
Done online at revenue.ie using your PPS number. Set up myAccount to receive your tax credits certificate, which your employer needs to apply the correct tax code.
Common mistake
Housing in Dublin is the biggest practical barrier for new arrivals. Budget for 2–4 weeks in a serviced apartment or Airbnb while you search for a permanent rental. Many employers have corporate housing arrangements: ask before you arrive.
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