About Ireland

Ireland is an island nation located on the western edge of Europe, divided into two parts: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the latter being part of the United Kingdom.
Ireland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality, including iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway, traditional music, literature, and the drink of Guinness.
Ireland is a popular destination for work and settlement, particularly for those in tech, finance, and healthcare, due to its strong economy, high quality of life, and English-speaking culture, with cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway offering many opportunities. Ireland is generally a safe place to visit and live. The 2020 Global Peace Index ranks it as the 12th safest country in the world. While we trail behind countries like Denmark, Canada and Japan, we’re streets ahead of our nearest European neighbours. Ireland saw 6.3 million foreign visitors, a significant drop from the 10.95 million in 2019, with the tourism sector contributing €6.2 billion to the economy.

Here are some updated fast facts about Ireland:

• Official Name: Ireland
• Capital: Dublin
• Currency: Euro
• Official Languages: Irish (Gaelic) and English
• Area: 26,592 square miles (68,890 square kilometers)
• Major Mountain Ranges: Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Wicklow Mountains
• Major Rivers: Shannon, Liffey, Boyne, Moy, Barrow

Ireland Permanent Residency

In Ireland, Permanent Residency (PR) is a status that allows non-EEA nationals to live and work in the country indefinitely without needing additional employment permits, and it’s a significant step towards Irish citizenship, typically requiring 5 years of continuous legal residence.

Benefits of Ireland PR

1. Freedom of Movement: PR allows you to live and work in Ireland without restrictions, and to travel freely within the European Union.
2. Business Opportunities: You can establish and run a business in Ireland without visa constraints.
3. Family Reunification: PR status can facilitate bringing family members to Ireland.
4. Social Benefits: Eligibility for certain social benefits and services.
5. High Standard of Living: Ireland offers a good quality of life with a relatively safe and stable environment.
6. Multicultural Environment: Ireland is becoming increasingly multicultural, offering a diverse and welcoming atmosphere.
7. Path to Citizenship: PR can be a stepping stone towards Irish citizenship, which offers further benefits, including access to a passport that allows visa-free travel to many countries.
8. EU Access: As an Irish citizen, you can live and work in other EU countries.

Who is eligible for the Ireland Permanent Residency?

Eligibility Requirements:
1. Continuous Legal Residence: You must have lived legally in Ireland for a continuous period of five years (60 months).
2. Employment Permit: If you are a non-EEA national, you will likely need to have been working in Ireland under an employment permit for at least five years.
3. Application: You can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, but it’s not mandatory.
4. Compliance: You must have complied with all regulations while living in Ireland.

Which Irish residence permissions are not eligible for Irish permanent residency?

You are not for permanent residency in Ireland, even if you meet the time requirements, if:

• You have lived in Ireland with a Student Visa.
• You have lived in Ireland as an Intra-Company Transferee.
• You are an employee at a foreign embassy in Ireland.
• You received Permission to Remain under the Working Holiday Visa scheme.
• You only hold a Green Card (Employment) permit.
• You are living in Ireland under Business Permission.
• You are living in Ireland under the Turkish Agreement.
• You have received permission to remain in Ireland under humanitarian grounds.
• You have received Refugee Status.
• You received permission to remain in Ireland under the IBC and IBC-05 (Irish Born Child) schemes.

How to Get PR in Ireland?

1. Legal Residence: You must have lived in Ireland legally for a continuous period of five years (60 months).
2. Work Authorization: This residency must be based on a valid employment permit, such as a general work permit or a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
3. Critical Skills Employment Permit: If you hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you may be eligible for PR after two years.
4. Good Character: You must have a clean criminal record and maintain good character.
5. Stable Financial Background: You need to demonstrate a stable financial background.
6. Valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP): Your IRP must be valid at the time of application.
7. Continuous Residence: Your continuous residence is not affected by temporary absences of less than 6 months per year.

How Many Years to Get PR in Ireland?

To get permanent residency (PR) in Ireland, you typically need to live in the country legally for a continuous period of five years under a valid work permit, such as a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a general work permit.

Documents required for Irish Permanent Residency

1. Application Form: Ensure you complete the application form accurately and thoroughly.
2. Identity and Residence Documents:

• Passport: Full-color copies of your current and past passports, including all immigration stamps.
• Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB Card: A copy of your current IRP or GNIB card.
• Proof of Continuous Residence: Documentation demonstrating you have been residing continuously in Ireland for the required period (typically 5 years on a General work permit or 2 years on a Critical Skills visa). This can include copies of tenancy agreements, bank statements, P60s or P45s from the Department of Revenue, or proof of receipt of state benefits.
• Employment Contract or Employer Letter: A copy of your employment contract or a letter from your employer detailing the commencement and terms of your employment.

Irish Permanent Residency Renewal

You do not have to submit another Ireland Permanent Residence Permit application. Once your permit expires, you just have to visit your local Immigration Office and renew it for another five years.

The Irish Without Condition As To Time Endorsement

Without Condition As To Time (WCATT) is when non-EEA nationals have acquired 8 years, or 96 months, of lawful residence in Ireland. This period covered legal residence is proved by a Stamp 5 permission in your passport.

Who is eligible for the Without Condition As To Time Endorsement?

• You have lived in Ireland legally for at least 8 years (96 months)
• During your residence in Ireland, you had one of the following immigration stamps:
  • Stamp 1
  • Stamp 3
  • Stamp 4
  • Stamp EuFam
• You are in Ireland at the time you submit your application.

Documents required for the Without Condition As To Time Endorsement

• Completed Application Form
• Passport Copies
• Irish Residence Permit (IRP) Card
• Financial Documentation
  1. Tax returns (P60s or P45s)
  2. Bank statements for the past 6 months
  3. Proof of receipt of state benefits, including state pension, from the Department of Social Protection

Becoming a citizen of Ireland

However, if you have lived in Ireland for the required amount of time, you may be able to obtain Irish citizenship through naturalization. You can apply for Irish citizenship through naturalization if you can prove that you were legally resident in Ireland for at least 5 years out of the last 9 years, including the one year immediately preceding the application.

Get a Residence Permit

If you enrolled for a study degree that lasts longer than three months, you will need to register at the local GNIB as soon as you arrive in Ireland.

The residence permit allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months and will receive a Certificate of Registration (known as a Green Book), which must be renewed before it expires.

Work in Ireland

To work in Ireland, non-EEA/Swiss nationals generally need an employment permit and may also require a visa, depending on their nationality. You must find a job offer first, then apply for the permit and visa (if needed).

Ireland generally offers a good environment for work, with a strong economy, diverse industries, and a high quality of life, particularly in areas like technology and finance.

Job market in Ireland

The Irish job market is currently strong and diverse, with low unemployment and high employment rates, particularly in sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance, while also offering opportunities in hospitality and tourism.
Here’s a more detailed look:

• Low Unemployment:
  The unemployment rate has been consistently low, below 5% since early 2022, and stood at 4.2% in December 2024, nearing full employment.
• High Employment Rate:
  The employment rate is 74%, significantly higher than the EU27 average.
• Strong Economic Growth:
  Ireland has experienced significant economic growth, particularly in industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and healthcare.
• Dominant Service Sector:
  The job market is largely dominated by the service sector, with opportunities in various industries.
• High Demand for Skilled Workers:
  There’s a high demand for skilled workers in sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
• Opportunities for both Skilled and Unskilled Workers:
  The Irish job market offers opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, with demand in sectors like hospitality, retail, and agriculture.
• Trending Jobs:
  Some of the trending jobs in Ireland include Software Engineer/Developer, Data Analyst/Data Engineer, and Cybersecurity Specialist.

Skill shortages

1. IT and Data:
Businesses struggle to find skilled IT professionals, including software developers, data analysts, and IT support specialists.
2. Healthcare:
The healthcare sector faces a shortage of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, exacerbated by an aging population and growing demand for services.
3. Engineering:
There’s a shortage of engineers, particularly in areas like civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
4. Construction:
The construction sector is experiencing shortages in tradespeople, project managers, and architects.

Summer jobs

Due to the country’s busy tourism industry summer, seasonal and casual jobs shouldn’t be hard to come by. Once again your chances of securing such roles will increase in the bigger towns and cities.

Temporary jobs can cover everything from cleaning and promotions, to teaching and hospitality work.

Teaching jobs

Ireland is a popular destination for those who want to learn English. Typical employers include commercial language schools, public and private schools and institutions of higher education.

The majority of English as a foreign language (EFL) schools are privately run and are located in or around Dublin, but work can also be found in smaller towns and cities such as Cork and Galway.

The Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services (ACELS) is the national body responsible for the development and management of English language teaching organisations in the country.

Internships

Because of the competitive job market in Ireland, you are more likely to secure a role in the country if you have relevant work experience.

Depending on the industry in which you want to work, you could contact firms individually to see if they have a scheme in place.

Irish visas

UK and EU nationals do not need a visa to enter Ireland. If you are a non-EU or international citizen you may need a visa to work in the country and you should apply for this online at the Irish Nationalization and Immigration Service (INIS).

UK, EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals are entitled to work in Ireland, and be treated in the same way as Irish citizens when applying for a job, without an employment permit.

If you come from a country outside the EU you will need an employment permit to work in Ireland prior to your arrival in the country. If you’re coming to live with family, in some cases you may not need one. There are nine different types of permit including a general permit and a critical skills permit.

Coraledu is dedicated to empowering international individuals to excel in their lives abroad. Through our tailored work and settlement services, we assist both individuals and employers globally, facilitating successful transitions and thriving experiences, particularly in Ireland. Contact us today to unlock opportunities and ensure success in both professional and personal endeavors abroad.