Among the most popular destinations in Europe, there is one that has been rising in the ranks. The Emerald Island shines for its educational offers and opportunities for working abroad. If you’re one of those people who has always been drawn by the island’s mysticism and beauty. Or, if you’ve only just started considering this destination, we have all the info for you! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about moving to Ireland.
Moving To Ireland | The Ultimate Guide
So, get your notepad and get ready. Because after this you’ll be packing your bags and all set for your Irish adventure. First, let’s have a word about the country itself.
5 Reasons to Emigrate to Ireland
Before reviewing the formalities and processes, there’s one fundamental question. Why is Ireland among the best countries to migrate to? Well, here we have the five reasons that our growers shared with us. You’ll have to give us yours once you get there!
Quality of life in Ireland
When we go to study and work abroad, one of our wishes is to find well-being and happiness. Fortunately for us, many Irish cities have been conquering the indexes of quality of life and satisfaction.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recognizes Ireland’s high standards in public health, education, community, and environmental services. Furthermore, there is a high perception of personal safety and work-life balance.
But no indicator of living well in Ireland is as reliable as the experiences of our growers. They do not stop highlighting how safe and modern the country’s cities are. And they have the kindness and good vibes of the Irish in their hearts.
Salaries balanced with the cost of living
Emigrating to Ireland for its high quality of life sounds very tempting. But you may hesitate about making ends meet in such a country. Relax! Another indicator of well-being is the balance between wages and monthly spending in Irish cities.
Through our experience advising travelers, we know the cost of living ranges from € 800 to € 1,500 monthly. Most of it goes to rent: between 400 and 800 euros in a shared flat. Of course, the figure will vary depending on your lifestyle and the city you choose.
But, the fact is that, in compensation, Irish wages are among the best in Europe. The minimum that you can be paid in a part-time job is 10.20 euros in 2021. And with specialized jobs (systems, biotechnology, art direction), your monthly income can amount to 5,000 euros per month.
Enjoy natural and cultural wealth in Ireland
History and traditions are usually big points of interest when selecting a country to live in abroad. And Ireland has this by bucketloads! There is an ancient cultural legacy that will stimulate your senses and thinking. The variety is great: Celtic ruins, medieval castles, avant-garde museums, and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day.
On the other hand, you don’t want to be in the city 24/7. At least on the weekends, you need the opportunity to escape to nature to loosen your body and test your strength. In Ireland, there are beaches, mountains, and wide valleys for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Explore the hilly trails, thick forests, and castles of Connemara National Park on foot. Cycle the west coast of the country, visiting the small traditional villages. If you are lucky, you might even see whales and dolphins at Cape Clear.
Great study opportunities in Ireland
High-quality education is one of the most inspiring aspects for thousands to emigrate to Ireland. Without a doubt, those who take the crown in this section are the Irish universities. Trinity College, the University of Cork, and the Limerick Institute of Technology are emblematic examples.
If you think you are not ready for a college experience yet, there are also vocational courses for you. They focus on developing high-demand skills. Furthermore, you could learn Irish!
At GrowPro, we know that there are several ways to meet your goals. And we have the experiences to match them! Have a look!
Work opportunities to make it big
The varied opportunities to work in Ireland as foreigners is another great attraction that drives them to undertake the journey. From student jobs to senior professional positions, Irish companies are constantly offering vacancies.
The main reason is the peculiar situation of the island: the demand for employees exceeds the inhabitants of the country. So, even without knowing English, Spanish-speaking adventurers find jobs in cafes, bars, and tourist services.
Of course, the best job offers are aimed at professionals in sectors critical to the Irish economy. Among them, there’s construction, pharmacology, medicine, and chemistry.
The technology industry deserves a separate mention. The latter is in a boom. So much so that giants like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft have their European headquarters here. Around them, dozens of smaller companies have been born. Imagine the possibilities!
How to Emigrate to Ireland
Surely you are already ready to pack. But, as with any trip, there is a process to follow to emigrate to Ireland. We will explain that to you step by step. From the outset, know that the conditions are different for Europeans and non-Europeans. Let’s go!
With European Passport
Citizens of any country in the European Economic Area (EEA) already have one foot in Ireland. It so happens that as members of the community, they have the right of free movement to live on the Emerald Isle. You can get work and enroll to study here easily.
Documents for European citizens
This means that Europeans do not require any type of visa or permission to enter and stay in Ireland indefinitely. However, if this is your case, take into account the following documents to take with you:
- Passport or DNI. Although it is a member of the EEA, Ireland reserves the right to ask you for either of these two documents.
- Bank statement. You need enough money to support yourself until you find a job.
- European sanitary card. This document gives you access to the necessary health care in an emergency.
- Driving license. It is valid for temporary stays. And if you decide to stay longer, you can exchange it for the Irish card.
- Penalty Certificate. It will be very useful in jobs related to childcare or security tasks.
- Translated degrees and certificates. When looking for a job, they could ask you to prove your training.
Register and request your residency in Ireland
Now, once you settle in Ireland, you have a period of three months to register as a student or worker. This procedure is done with the Irish Immigration and Naturalization Service (INIS).
If you choose to take full-time courses, you must verify that you are enrolled in a school in the country. And that you have sufficient resources to support yourself.
By law, you are on an equal footing with the Irish to ask for an allowance. You can even collect a scholarship.
On the other hand, when you get a work contract or freelance, you need to apply for residency. This document is granted for five years and is renewable. It gives you the right to access all the benefits of any Irish worker.
Without European Passport
What if you come from a country outside of Europe? Without exception, you require a visa for moving to Ireland. But, fear not. Here we’ll explain the steps and routes that are open to fulfill your dream. Take note!
Check if you need a visa to enter Ireland
Many countries have a visa exemption to enter Ireland. So you’ll only need a valid passport to visit the Emerald Island for three months. During that time, you can tour and take a short course.
On the other hand, there are other countries that do not have this benefit. This means that they must apply for at least a short-stay visa (type C) to enter Ireland. Check out here if you need a visa to enter Ireland.
Enroll in an eligible academic program
One of the ways to get a visa for Ireland is by enrolling in a language, vocational or university course. But, be careful, it has to be an option included in the Provisional List of Eligible Programs (ILEP).
With proof of registration, you can process the student visa before moving to Ireland. This, if you do not have a visa exemption. If you have a European passport, you need to do it within three months of your arrival in the country. But you do have a visa exemption.
Find a job and get an offer
Harder, although not impossible, is to moving to Ireland to start working immediately. So, before traveling, you must get a job offer from an Irish company. In addition, you need to apply for an immigration permit to work.
However, the Irish government reserves the power to grant permission only if it considers your work to be highly specialized. Or if there are few professionals in the country to meet the demand.
From experience, we know that our growers prefer to start studying in Ireland.
They both get a part-time job to pay their monthly expenses and gain experience. And once they feel ready, they start looking for full-time work in Ireland.
Get your visa and temporary residency
Before completing three months in Ireland, you must begin the process to obtain your student or worker visa. You also have to register with the INIS to get the Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This document certifies your legal stay in the country.
Another essential document that you must process if you stay in Ireland as a worker is the social security number or Personal Public Service (PPS). This seven-figure benchmark gives you access to public health, wellness, education, and scholarships. It will also allow you to pay taxes.
Work for 5 years and get your permanent residency
After five years on a work visa, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence, and for moving to Ireland permanently! This permit is granted by the INIS for five years and is renewable. And, after eight years in the country, you can request an endorsement of your residence without a time condition.
This means that you can live in Ireland for an indefinite period. Another way is to apply for citizenship by naturalization. You need to show that you have lived and worked five of the last nine years in the country. One of those should be the one immediately before the request.
It should be noted that the time you have worked with your student visa does not count towards obtaining residency. Later, we will tell you how to get a work visa after completing university studies in Ireland.
Requirements for Moving to Ireland
Now let’s review the requirements that you must meet to emigrate to Ireland. First, this is what the immigration agent at the airport will ask for:
- Passport. Its validity must cover your entire stay.
- School enrollment.
- International health insurance. It must cover your entire stay in the country.
- Job offer. It must be issued by an Irish employer.
- Proof of income. You must show that you have enough resources for your stay.
- Departure ticket. You must indicate the exact date of your departure, even if you plan to extend your stay.
And then, once you’re enjoying Guinness beers and Irish nature, you’ll need to get these:
- Temporary residence permit. You must get it before you are three months old in Ireland.
- Social Security number. This is essential for you to obtain worker benefits and pay taxes.
- Visa. It is the fundamental requirement to emigrate to Ireland.
Visa for Moving to Ireland
Actually, Ireland extends two types of visas: short-stay (type C) and long-stay (type D). Afterward, they will assign you a stamp depending on whether it grants you permission to study or work there.
Student Visa (stamp 2)
This visa covers the entire duration of the eligible study program that you enroll in Ireland. It allows you to work 20 hours a week in school periods, and full-time on vacations (up to 40 hours).
To obtain it, you must pay a fee of 300 euros for the Irish Residence Permit (IRP). So, if your course lasts less than three months, your ideal option is a visitor visa.
Work and Holiday visa (stamp 1)
It is a special program that allows you to stay in Ireland for one year. During your stay, you can study for 6 months and work for the remaining time. It is not so easy to get since only 200 places are extended per year.
This type of visa can only be requested by certain countries, check out the list there. If your country is not there, let’s have a look at your other options.
Postgraduate Visa (stamp 1G)
Did you graduate from a university or college in Ireland? Do you want to stay in the country to fully enter the job market? It’s possible! The Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme program allows recent graduates to stay one more year. Then, you can search for employment and obtain a work permit.
Work Visas
A work visa is the first step if you want to emigrate to Ireland and stay there indefinitely. Remember that you can apply for permanent residence after five years with this type of visa.
Now, you should know that there are several types of visas that allow you to work in Ireland full-time. The following two are the most requested:
- General Employment Permit (stamp 1). Intended for candidates with experience or skills in all areas except those described in the Ineligible Lists of Occupations.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit (stamp 4). Its aim is to attract professionals with critical qualifications for the national economy. And to encourage them to take up residence in Ireland.
Moving to Ireland with GrowPro
Now you know why and how to emigrate to Ireland. One last question remains: why GrowPro is your perfect companion. The answer is overwhelming: we give you unlimited advice from the first moment. A Student Advisor helps you plan the best experience for you.
Then, once you have your ideal experience we get on to the boring stuff. We take care of the paperwork. And finally, upon arrival, we solve all your doubts and we welcome you warmly at your destination.
You will always feel accompanied! Through our events, you’ll meet others who are on a similar journey to yours! Here, have a look at some more experiences we have for you in the Emerald Island.
So, what’s left to think about? Let’s start planning for your life-changing adventure.
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