Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the EU besides Malta, and it hosts the European headquarters of companies such as Google, Meta, Apple, Pfizer and many others. That makes it an attractive destination for skilled workers. It also has one of Europe's tightest housing markets, which is the biggest challenge for anyone moving there.

Visas and permits

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in Ireland freely. UK citizens have equivalent rights under the Common Travel Area. Everyone else generally needs an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, followed by immigration registration with the Irish Immigration Service.

The main options are:

  • Critical Skills Employment Permit: for occupations on the critical skills list, such as many IT, engineering and healthcare roles, or for any eligible job above a higher salary threshold. Spouses can work, and holders can usually move to Stamp 4 residence, which lets you work for any employer, after two years.
  • General Employment Permit: for other jobs not on the ineligible occupations list, usually after the employer advertises the role locally (a labour market needs test).
  • Stamp 1G: non-EU graduates of Irish universities can stay for one or two years to look for work.

Ireland has no digital nomad visa, and its Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications in 2023.

How much does it cost to live in Ireland?

Rent is the biggest cost by far. Our Ireland data puts the average one-bedroom at around $2,000 a month and a three-bedroom at around $3,200, with Dublin well above the national figure. The Residential Tenancies Board's rent index tracks rents by area. Cork, Galway and Limerick are cheaper, but supply is short everywhere.

Groceries for one cost about $350 a month, and utilities about $230. Pints, eating out and car insurance are expensive by European standards. Dublin Bus, Luas trams and DART trains cover the capital, but outside cities you will likely need a car.

How Irish tax works

Irish employees pay three deductions on salary:

  • Income tax: 20% up to the standard rate band (about €44,000 for a single person) and 40% above it, reduced by personal and employee tax credits.
  • Universal Social Charge (USC): a separate tax of 0.5% to 8% depending on income.
  • PRSI: social insurance of about 4.2% of earnings.

At higher salaries the combined marginal rate is about 52%. Details are on Revenue's website. Ireland's 12.5% corporate tax rate is why so many multinationals are based there. Capital gains are taxed at 33%. Try our tax calculator for an estimate.

Healthcare

The public system is run by the HSE. Hospital care is heavily subsidised, but waiting lists are long, and most people pay €50 to €70 to see a GP unless they qualify for a medical or GP visit card. About half the population buys private health insurance from providers such as VHI, Laya and Irish Life.

Daily life

Irish people are famously friendly, and conversation, humour and the local pub are at the centre of social life. Weather is mild but wet: summers rarely pass 25°C and winters rarely freeze. Gaelic football, hurling and rugby draw huge crowds, and trad music sessions happen nightly across the country. Irish is an official language and appears on every road sign, though English is spoken day to day.

Is moving to Ireland right for you?

Ireland suits skilled professionals, especially in tech, pharma, finance and healthcare, who want an English-speaking EU base with good career prospects. Budget carefully for housing, and try to secure accommodation before you arrive. If you are weighing Ireland against Britain, see our Ireland vs UK comparison.