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Country guide

Migrate to Ireland

English-speaking, in the EU and home to Europe's tech HQs. Critical Skills permit holders can work freely after 2 years.

EUR 40,904

Critical Skills permit minimum salary (2026)

Why Ireland?

  • English-speaking and in the EU single market
  • Critical Skills permit: Stamp 4 (no permit needed) after 2 years
  • A 15% corporate tax rate draws tech, pharma and finance HQs
  • Your spouse or partner can work straight away

Key facts

DetailInfo
Population5.1 million
Official languagesEnglish, Irish (Gaeilge)
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Minimum wageEUR 14.15 / hour (2026)
HealthcarePublic HSE system; GP visits ~EUR 55; medical card for lower incomes
Main routesCritical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, Intra-Company Transfer, Stamp 4

Visa routes

  • Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

    Ireland's top permit for skilled jobs in IT, engineering, healthcare and finance. From 1 March 2026: EUR 40,904 for roles on the Critical Skills list, or EUR 68,911 for most other roles. Stamp 4 after 2 years.

  • General Employment Permit (GEP)

    For jobs not on the Critical Skills list (and not on the Ineligible list). Minimum salary EUR 36,605 from 1 March 2026. Valid 2 years, renewable for 3, then Stamp 4 after 5 years in total.

  • Intra-Company Transfer permit

    For staff moving to the Irish branch of their multinational. Senior managers and key staff need EUR 49,523 a year and 6 months with the company. Up to 5 years.

  • Stamp 4 (long-term permission)

    Work for any employer without a permit. Open after 2 years on a CSEP or 5 years on a GEP. A step towards citizenship after 5 years of residence.

Cost of living

Dublin against Ireland's next-biggest cities.

ExpenseDublinCork / Galway
1-bed apartment (city)EUR 1,800 to 2,400/moEUR 1,200 to 1,700/mo
Groceries (monthly)EUR 300 to 450EUR 280 to 400
Public transport (monthly)EUR 120 (Leap Card)EUR 80 to 100
Internet (fibre)EUR 40 to 60/moEUR 40 to 55/mo

Jobs in demand

  • Software developersEUR 55k to 95k
  • Data engineersEUR 60k to 100k
  • Cybersecurity specialistsEUR 60k to 90k
  • PharmacistsEUR 45k to 70k
  • Quantity surveyorsEUR 50k to 75k
  • Registered nursesEUR 35k to 55k
  • Financial analystsEUR 50k to 80k
  • Mechanical engineersEUR 45k to 70k

FAQs

What is the Critical Skills Employment Permit?

Ireland's main permit for highly skilled jobs in short supply. From 1 March 2026 you need EUR 40,904 a year for a role on the Critical Skills list, or EUR 68,911 for most other roles, plus a 2-year job offer. After 2 years you can get Stamp 4 and work without a permit.

Can my family join me in Ireland?

Yes. Critical Skills permit holders can bring a spouse or partner and dependent children straight away. Your spouse gets Stamp 1G and can work without their own permit.

How long until I can apply for Irish citizenship?

After 5 years of reckonable residence, with the last year continuous. Time on a work permit counts.

Is Ireland a good base for a tech career?

Yes. Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon run their European HQs from Ireland. Dublin's 'Silicon Docks' hire software developers, data engineers and security specialists, with pay among Europe's highest.

This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website for your destination. How we research & source our guides.

What is changing in Ireland, and when

  1. Tightened

    EU temporary protection for Ukrainians ends (extended to 2028)

    Temporary protection now runs until 4 March 2028, so use the time to move onto a national work or residence permit. Source (Council of the EU)

  2. New route

    Ukrainians can apply to switch to a Stamp 4 permission

    If you have held temporary protection for a year and worked six months on at least €29,432, you can apply for a renewable 2-year Stamp 4 that counts towards citizenship. Source (gov.ie)

Could Ireland work for you?

Most refusals come from the wrong route or a weak document. Check yours before you spend.

Free eligibility check →

2 minutes. Results on screen, no sign-up.

Talk it through with a person →

60-minute plan check. $99 to book, $499 in total.

Already there? Read the arrival guide for Ireland →