Are you currently entertaining the prospect of moving to Ireland? If so, you must be wondering whether it’s an easy or hard process. Regardless, Ireland is a popular destination for ex-pats and immigrants alike, particularly because of its rich culture, beauty, and opportunities.
But even so, the actual process of preparing your paperwork and going through the process of the relocation itself can be a bit stressful. Of course, there’s the inexplicable fear of navigating an entire country on your own, not to mention the gruelling steps you have to take to settle comfortably in your new home. This doesn’t have to be the case. Immigration solicitors help make the transition to your new country smoother and hassle-free since they provide valuable insight and advice about the whole process. They ultimately help you make the best decisions and ensure you’ll have a great stay in your home without worrying too much about other things.
The question now is, where do you begin? Don’t worry, because this article discusses simple tips and steps about what you need to consider or follow when moving to Ireland.
Visa Types and Requirements
If you’re planning to go to Ireland, you’ll need to obtain permission from the Irish government to do so, regardless of whether you plan to be there for the long or short term. You’ll also need to know how to obtain an Irish work visa, if not a permit. EU nationals usually don’t need a visa to work or enter Ireland. However, they will have to submit evidence of their financial stability after residing in the country for three months.
In this case, you may be required to accomplish certain forms like a General Employment Permit, Irish Residence permit or Visa Application depending on the reasons why you’re travelling to Ireland. There are various types of Irish visas you can apply for, and these largely depend on your current circumstances and the intent of why you’re moving to Ireland.
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), EU, Switzerland, and UK countries are generally allowed to travel to Ireland without a visa and stay there for a time frame of 90 days. They are also permitted to study or work in the country without having to apply for a permit.
But if you’re not a citizen of any of these countries, here are some ways you can move to Ireland and the visa types you may be eligible for.
Long Stay Visas
For those who want to relocate to Ireland for permanent residence, long-stay visas are your best option. These visas allow you to stay more than 90 days in Ireland and are particularly applicable for individuals who come to the country to either join a family member, study, or pursue their careers.
Nonetheless, these are the types of Long stay visas you can apply for depending on your current situation:
- Irish Study Visa
- Irish Residency
- Irish Family Visa
- Irish Business Visa
- Irish Work visa
It’s worth noting that each type of visa differs, and there might be a different set of requirements or extra steps in the path that you’re willing to take. For instance, if you decide to apply for an Irish work visa, you’ll first have to acquire an employment permit. These employment permits also vary depending on the job you’re taking on, and you’ll have to opt for the one that perfectly suits your reason for going to Ireland. Some of the most usual ones, however, are the General Employment Permit and the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Qualifications for Moving to Ireland
Requirements for eligibility mostly differ in various immigration paths. However, most of them share fairly common features or attributes. Here are some of them.
- Applicant should come to Ireland for the reason stated on their application form. For example, if you plan on moving to Ireland on a work visa, you should prove that you’ll be working there. The same goes for other visas and reasons for your relocation.
- Applicant must possess a valid passport with at least a six-month expiration date at the date of their departure from the country.
- Applicant should be able to submit the required evidence of their financial stability and appropriate funds to support themselves while staying in the country, especially if they have to sustain dependents like a civil partner, spouse or children. This proves that they won’t need to rely on public funds while staying in the country.
- Applicant should have an intention to depart Ireland at the end of their visa’s validity period or make appropriate arrangements to renew or apply for a new one before their current document expires.
Some of these eligibility requirements don’t apply to other visa types, and some might require more. Nonetheless, make sure to comply with the needed documents and meet the qualifications so you’ll have better chances of moving to Ireland successfully and legally.
