Visa Types for Moving to Ireland

If you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, you do not need a visa to live and work in Ireland. However, if you are from a country outside these areas, you will need to apply for the appropriate permission before arriving.

The most common visa types include the Critical Skills Employment Permit, designed for highly skilled professionals in eligible occupations (such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance). This permit is fast-tracked and typically processed within 13 weeks, with a lower salary threshold of €38,000 per year (or €64,000 for non-critical roles). After two years, Critical Skills permit holders can apply for Stamp 4 immigration permission, which grants them the right to work without a permit.

Other visa categories include the General Employment Permit (for roles with a salary of at least €34,000 per year), the Dependant/Partner Employment Permit, and the Stamp 4 (Long-Term Residency) permission. Non-EEA nationals studying in Ireland may also apply for a Stamp 2 permission, which allows part-time work during term (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during holidays. All visa applications are managed by the Department of Justice's Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).

For non-EEA nationals arriving for short stays (up to 90 days), a Short Stay 'C' Visa is available for tourism, business, or family visits. Those planning to stay longer than 90 days should apply for a Long Stay 'D' Visa before travel and then register with immigration within 90 days of arrival to receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.

Cost of Living Overview

Ireland is one of the more expensive countries in the European Union, particularly in Dublin. The cost of living varies significantly between Dublin and other cities such as Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford, with Dublin typically 20–30% higher across most categories.

Accommodation is the largest expense. Rents in Dublin average between €1,800 and €2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, while a similar property in Cork or Galway costs roughly €1,200–€1,600. Outside the major cities, rents are lower but availability can be limited. Utilities (electricity, gas, broadband) for a standard apartment total approximately €150–€250 per month.

Groceries for a single person typically cost €300–€500 per month. Popular supermarket chains include Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, Lidl, and Aldi. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant costs approximately €20–€35 per person for a main course and a drink. A pint of beer in a pub averages €5.50–€7.00 depending on location.

Public transport is reasonably priced. A monthly Leap Card in Dublin costs €100–€120 for unlimited city travel (bus, Luas tram, and DART rail). Bus services in Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford are more affordable. Many employers offer the TaxSaver Commuter Ticket scheme, which allows you to pay for annual travel tickets from pre-tax income, saving up to 52% on commuting costs.

Healthcare costs in Ireland include GP visit fees (typically €50–€70 per visit), although many residents opt for private health insurance to cover these costs. A standard private health insurance plan starts at roughly €600–€1,200 per year per adult.

Housing: Finding a Place to Live

Ireland's housing market is extremely competitive, particularly in Dublin. Rental properties are advertised on websites such as Daft.ie, Rent.ie, and MyHome.ie. Viewings are booked quickly, and it is common to attend a viewing alongside many other applicants. Landlords and letting agents typically require references, proof of income, and a security deposit equivalent to one month's rent.

When you find a property and are approved, you will usually need to pay a booking deposit (often one month's rent) to secure the property, followed by the first month's rent upon signing the lease. Tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which provides dispute resolution and sets rules around rent increases and lease termination. Under the Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) rules, rent increases in designated areas (most of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other high-demand locations) are capped at 2% per year or the rate of inflation (whichever is lower).

Shared accommodation (renting a room in a shared house or apartment) is a common starting point for newcomers. Room rents in Dublin range from €700–€1,200 per month, while in Cork or Galway they range from €500–€800 per month. For those looking to buy property, the average house price in Dublin was approximately €420,000 in 2025, compared to €290,000 in the rest of the country. First-time buyers may be eligible for the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme, which provides up to €30,000 towards a deposit on a new home.

Irish Healthcare System

Ireland has a two-tier healthcare system comprising public health services (the Health Service Executive, or HSE) and private healthcare. Public healthcare is available to all residents who are ordinarily resident in Ireland (living here for at least one year, or intending to stay for at least one year). New arrivals should register with a local GP (General Practitioner) as soon as possible after moving.

Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards are available to individuals on low incomes. A Medical Card provides free GP visits, hospital care, prescriptions (with a €2 per item charge, capped at €20 monthly), and dental/optical services. GP Visit Cards provide free GP visits but do not cover hospital or prescription costs. Eligibility depends on income, age, and family size. Even without a Medical Card, everyone resident in Ireland is entitled to subsidised public hospital care: a public hospital emergency department visit costs a €100 charge (waived if referred by a GP), and public hospital inpatient stays cost €80 per night (capped at €800 per year).

Many people in Ireland take out private health insurance to access faster treatment and a wider choice of hospitals and consultants. The main private health insurers are VHI (Voluntary Health Insurance), Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, and HSF Health Plan. Lifetime Community Rating means that if you take out private health insurance before age 34, you pay the same premium as everyone else; if you join later, a lifetime loading fee of 2% per year over 34 is added to your premiums. All health insurance plans in Ireland must offer minimum benefit as set by the Health Insurance Authority, and you cannot be refused cover based on pre-existing conditions.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles EEA nationals to necessary public healthcare during temporary stays in Ireland, but it does not cover planned medical treatment or private healthcare costs. Non-EEA nationals should ensure they have adequate private health insurance as part of their visa conditions — the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) requires proof of private health insurance for certain visa types.