Travel topic · Money
Moving to Ireland: visas and cities
Apply for a residence permission (employment, study or family) if you plan to stay >90 days; expect €300‑€1,000 fee and 4‑12 weeks processing; choose Dublin for jobs, Galway or Cork for lifestyle.
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Applies to
Clear answers on who can move, visa costs and processing times, plus city options for work and lifestyle in Ireland.
Key facts
- Eligibility
- EU/EEA citizens can live and work in Ireland without a visa; non‑EU nationals need a visa (if required) and a residence permission for stays longer than 90 days
- Main visa typescheck
- Employment Permit, Critical Skills, Study Visa, Family Reunification, Working Holiday (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Chile)
- Typical feecheck
- €300‑€1,000 depending on permit type (check official fee schedule)
- Processing timecheck
- 4‑12 weeks for most permits; Critical Skills often 8‑10 weeks (check official processing times)
- Top city for jobs
- Dublin (finance, tech, multinationals)
- Lifestyle cities
- Galway (creative, student vibe), Cork (food, tech hub), Limerick (engineering)
Who can apply
EU/EEA citizens: no visa required; you may stay indefinitely and work without additional permission.
Non‑EU citizens: visa requirement depends on nationality; many need an entry visa and must obtain a residence permission for stays longer than 90 days.
Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Chile can apply for the Working Holiday Scheme (check eligibility for each nationality).
Visa types, fees and processing
Employment Permit – for a job offer from an Irish employer; fee €300‑€500 (check); processing 8‑12 weeks (check).
Critical Skills Employment Permit – for occupations on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List; fee €1,000 (check); processing 8‑10 weeks (check).
Study Visa – for full‑time courses >3 months; fee €300 (check); processing 4‑8 weeks (check).
Family Reunification – for spouses/children of Irish residents; fee €300‑€500 (check); processing 8‑12 weeks (check).
Working Holiday – limited to 12 months; fee €300‑€350 (check); processing 4‑6 weeks (check).
Watch out
- Application must be submitted online via INIS; paper forms are rarely accepted.
Show 3 sectionsHideChoosing a city, Questions people ask, Related
Choosing a city
Dublin – largest job market, especially finance, tech, pharma; rent €1,500‑€2,200 for a one‑bedroom in city centre (2026 estimate).
Galway – strong creative and education sector, growing tech scene; rent €1,200‑€1,600 for a one‑bedroom centre.
Cork – food, biotech and engineering firms; rent €1,300‑€1,800 for a one‑bedroom centre.
Limerick – engineering and manufacturing hub; rent €1,000‑€1,400 for a one‑bedroom centre.
Do
- Use public transport in Dublin (Leap Card) – monthly cost €120.
- Consider commuting from nearby towns (e.g., Swords, Bray) for cheaper rent.
Watch out
- Rent prices can spike after university terms; check current listings.
Questions people ask
Moving to Ireland: what is the short answer?
Non‑EU nationals need a visa (if required) and a residence permission; expect €300‑€1,000 fee and 4‑12 weeks processing; pick Dublin for jobs or Galway/Cork for lifestyle.
Who does it apply to?
All travellers planning to stay longer than 90 days; EU/EEA citizens need no visa, others need a visa (if required) and a residence permission.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Fees range €300‑€1,000 depending on permit; processing typically 4‑12 weeks, faster for Critical Skills permits (check official timelines).
Can I work while on a student visa?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during term and full‑time during holidays, provided the course is recognised (check specific conditions).
Is the Working Holiday Scheme available to US citizens?
No, it is limited to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Chile; US citizens must apply for a standard work permit (check eligibility).
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
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