Ireland has long been known as the Emerald Isle due to its lush green fields. The country is home to many foreign nationals, including US citizens, who migrated for work opportunities, education, or family reunification. According to World Population Review, as of 2024, there were over 35,000 American expatriates and immigrants living in Ireland.
While relocating from the US to Ireland is an exciting opportunity, the Irish migration process and transitioning to life in a new country can be challenging, with various legal, logistical, and social factors to consider.
This article discusses key considerations for a smooth move to Ireland, including visa requirements and integration into Irish society. Working with an experienced Ireland immigration lawyer can simplify the process and ensure your Irish adventure begins on the perfect note.
Understanding Ireland’s Immigration Process
US citizens with a valid passport are allowed into Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business visits, short-term study, and other visit-related activities.
Individuals intending to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days must obtain the proper long-stay visa before entering the country. Once in Ireland, they are required to register their permission to stay and obtain an Irish immigration stamp, which indicates the type of activities that a visa holder can engage in and the duration of their stay.
Types of Irish Long Stay Visas
Ireland has several long-stay D visas tailored to different needs. Here are some of the most common visa options that US citizens considering moving to the Emerald Isle can explore:
Study Visa
The Ireland Study visa is appropriate for individuals who intend to undertake a full-time degree programme included in the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Foreign students are typically required to privately fund their academic program, have sufficient finances to support themselves, and have private medical insurance. The Study visa is valid for one year and can be extended each year for a maximum of seven years.
Employment Visa
The Irish Employment visa is granted to individuals who have a job offer covered by any of the following work permits:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit
- General Employment Permit
- Internship Employment Permit
- Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
- Contract for Services Employment Permit
- Exchange Agreement Employment Permit
- Sports & Cultural Employment Permit.
The Employment Visa is valid for a maximum of 2 years and can be renewed for an additional 3 years.
Business Visas
American entrepreneurs can move to Ireland to start a new business through the Start-up Entrepreneur Program (STEP) or invest in an existing business using the Immigrant Investor Program (IIP). To be eligible for these immigration programs, applicants must meet the Irish government’s financial requirements for business setup and investments.
Family Visa
The Join Family Visa allows foreign nationals to move to Ireland and live with their Irish-based family members. To be eligible for this visa, the sponsoring family member must be any of the following:
- An Irish national
- A UK national
- An EEA or Swiss national
- A non-EEA or non-Swiss with specific permits
- Internationally protected person.
Applying for an Irish Visa
If you intend to apply for an Irish visa, you must first determine that you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen visa route. Afterwards, you should prepare the required documents to support your application, including a valid passport, bank statements, and proof of a job offer or a study placement.
To begin the application process, you can visit the Irish Department of Justice’s website, complete the visa application questionnaire and print out the completed form. You’ll also need to upload the original and photocopies of your supporting documents and pay the visa application fee.
The next step is to submit the form or application summary sheet to the Irish embassy or consulate in the US. You may also need to provide your biometric data at the embassy.
Settling into Irish Life
With your visa secured, you can move to Ireland and begin the next exciting step of settling into Irish life. Here are important factors to consider:
Registering Your Immigration Permission
You’ll have 90 days after arriving in Ireland to register your permission to stay in the country. You can do so by booking an appointment with your local immigration registration office. Within 15 working days of your registration, you will receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card by post.
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Ireland is quite easy, even for foreign nationals. You will need to visit the bank in person, although some banks offer online account opening services as well. To open an account, you must present your US passport, proof of residence in Ireland or the US, and your utility bills. You may need to make a minimum deposit fee, which will vary depending on the bank.
Finding an Apartment
You may also need to rent an apartment, particularly if you are not joining a family member who lives in Ireland. Having a budget when searching for accommodation is important, as Ireland’s housing market is highly competitive, especially in urban centers like Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
For instance, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin can range from €1,500 to €2,000 monthly, depending on its nearest to the city’s center. Smaller cities like Kilkenny, Limerick, or Waterford will cost about €800 to €1,200 monthly. Study visa holders living on campus can expect to pay less, with monthly rents ranging from €500 to €1,000.
Furthermore, your accommodation budget should include the monthly cost of utilities, such as heating, electricity, water, and internet.
Cost of Living in Ireland
The cost of living, including food, transportation, and entertainment, will depend on your lifestyle and family size. If you are single, your grocery bills can be up to €500 monthly. If you dine out frequently, you can expect to spend more than that.
Transportation in Ireland is affordable, with public transit costing between €120 and €150 monthly. If you prefer to drive, you can spend around €1.759 per litre for gasoline. You’ll have to consider car insurance, which can range from €600 to €800 annually and parking fees, which can cost about €3 per hour in urban cities.
Irish Healthcare
Non-EEA citizens on an Irish long-stay visa, intending to live in Ireland for at least one year, are referred to as ordinarily resident. These residents are entitled to certain public health services free of charge or at a reduced cost but may need to pay for other treatments themselves. They can also choose to pay for private health care services in Ireland.
Legal Support for Ireland Immigration
Moving to Ireland can become easier with the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer. These professionals understand Irish immigration laws and can help simplify the visa application process, ensuring your supporting documents are accurate and submitted on time.
They are also invaluable when addressing legal challenges, such as changes to immigration policies that might affect your visa or disputes related to employment and housing. Their expertise ensures you remain compliant with Irish laws, enabling a smoother transition and a more secure stay in Ireland.
Beyond securing your initial visa, an immigration lawyer also provides ongoing legal support for renewals, permanent residency applications, and even naturalization.
