Immigration Ireland

Living and Working In Ireland

Please note this document is not and does not purport to be a legal document. The following information is intended for guidance only and is not a formal interpretation of Irish law. For further information on the relevant legislation, please contact the Embassy of Ireland or your local Irish Consulate. The inclusion of a reference to a service provided by any commercial agency does not constitute an endorsement by the Embassy of the service provided.

1. Entry Into Ireland
While U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Ireland, other normal immigration controls apply. These include the following:

  1. possession of a valid passport
  2. possession of a round trip ticket
  3. evidence of sufficient funds of support for the duration of stay (e.g. statement of earnings, bank statement, credit cards, ATM cards, traveler’s checks etc.)

Additionally an immigration officer has the right to request any other information he/she deems necessary in connection with entry. The final decision on right of entry rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Persons entering Ireland for study or to sit an examination must, in addition to the above, present to the immigration officer at the port of arrival a letter of registration from the relevant education institution in Ireland verifying the duration/nature of the course or examination and evidence that the requisite fees have been paid. Prospective students must also present evidence of full Medical Insurance for the period of proposed stay in Ireland. Where medical cover is being arranged by the college, this should be indicated on the letter from the college; otherwise separate evidence will be required.

Persons entering Ireland for employment must, in addition to the above, present to the immigration officer at the port of arrival a copy of a valid work permit or copy of confirmation from the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment that a work permit will issue (see section 5 below).

Persons entering Ireland to establish a business/self employment must, in addition to the above, present to the immigration officer at the port of arrival a valid business permission from the Irish Department of Justice authorizing them to operate a business in Ireland (see section 9 below).

2. Permission to Remain On Entry to Ireland
Permission to enter Ireland is given by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry. Persons entering Ireland will receive a stamp in their passport giving them permission to remain in the country for a particular purpose for a period of up to 90 days. Under no circumstances should a person engage in any activity in Ireland for which they do not have the appropriate permission (e.g. employment).

Persons visiting Ireland cannot stay for longer than 90 days without the permission of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. (see section 3).

Persons coming to Ireland for study, employment or to operate a business must obtain permission to remain within the first week following their arrival (see section 3 below).

3. Requirements For Stays Greater Than 90 Days
Persons intending to stay in Ireland for a period greater than 90 days are required to seek permission from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform within the first 90 days following their entry and preferably within a few days of their arrival. In the case of immediate family members of Irish citizens such extensions are usually automatic, although a formal application must still be made.
Persons seeking this permission should report for registration to the Aliens Registration Office, An Garda Síochána (Police Office), Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Ireland or, if outside of the Dublin area, to their local Police Superintendent’s Office. An unauthorized overstay could result in prosecution, imprisonment and a fine.

The following documentation is required in support of an application:

  1. completed Aliens Registration Form (available from local police offices)
  2. a valid passport
  3. four passport photographs
  4. evidence where relevant of sufficient funds of support for the duration of stay (e.g. statement of earnings, bank statement, credit cards, ATM cards, traveler’s checks etc.)
  5. students and persons intending to take up employment in Ireland require additional documentation (see below)

Applicants may also be required to provide any information requested by an authorized official in connection with the purpose of their residing in Ireland.

If a person is refused permission to remain in Ireland they will be informed of the reasons for the refusal. Unsuccessful applicants can submit a written appeal against the decision.

In the event of not appealing the decision or the appeal being unsuccessful a person will be given a specified period of time in which to make arrangements to leave Ireland voluntarily. Failure to depart voluntarily could result in prosecution and/or deportation.

Further information on all of the above is available from the Immigration Section of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform of Ireland, 72-76 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-602.8202).

4. Irish Citizenship

Citizenship By Birth

  1. Anyone born in Ireland is an Irish citizen, except children of parents holding diplomatic immunity in Ireland.
  2. Anyone born outside Ireland, whose father or mother was born in Ireland, is an Irish citizen. li>If one of the above does not apply, citizenship is not automatic and must be acquired through application.

Citizenship By Application

  1. Anyone born outside Ireland, whose father or mother is an Irish citizen not born in Ireland or who has at least one Irish born grandparent, may be able to register as an Irish citizen by having his or her birth entered in the Irish Register of Foreign Births at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin or at the nearest Irish diplomatic or consular mission.
  2. The spouse of an Irish citizen may obtain Irish citizenship by making a declaration of acceptance of Irish citizenship. The declaration may be made not earlier than three years after the marriage to the Irish spouse or attainment of citizenship by the spouse.

Citizenship by Naturalization

  1. Non-Irish nationals legally resident in Ireland may be eligible for citizenship through naturalization if they have been legally resident in the country for a total period of four years within an eight year period. Applicants must provide one year prior notification of their intention to apply and must show proof that they intend to reside in Ireland after naturalization. Application forms and details for Irish citizenship by naturalization are available from the Immigration Section of the Department of Justice of Ireland, 72-76 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-602.8202)

For more information on Irish Citizenship, please see the Citizenship Information page.

5. Employment Authorization
U.S. passport holders must have a valid work permit before they are allowed to enter into employment In Ireland. For Information on how to apply for a work permit please see the

6. Employment Opportunities
Information on employment in Ireland is readily available on the Internet and through the Irish newspapers. For a list of Irish Internet sites please see Irish Web Links.

7. Student Employment
There are a number of reciprocal exchange programs which permit U.S. students, college groups and societies to take short-term work in Ireland. Persons considering such a program should contact the Council on International Education Exchange at 205 East 42nd. St, New York, NY 10017, tel. (212) 661-1450.

8. Establishing A Business Or Self-Employment
Persons wishing to establish a business / self-employment in Ireland are required to obtain Business Permission. Applications for business permission should be made to the Immigration Division, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 72-76 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-602.8202). Eligibility requirements for business permission include:

  1. a minimum capital investment of IR£300,000 (approx. US$450,000)
  2. creating employment for a least two Irish (or other EU) nationals or maintaining the employment level of an existing business
  3. adding to the commercial activity and competitiveness of the country
  4. substituting Irish goods for goods that would otherwise be imported
  5. be a viable trading concern, providing the applicant with sufficient income to provide for themselves and any dependents

Exceptions to the IR£300,000 minimum capital investment may be considered, for example where:

  1. the applicant has been legally resident in Ireland in an employed capacity for a period of five or more years
  2. the applicant is the spouse/dependent of an Irish (or EU) national

Persons meeting the eligibility requirements will require the following documentation in order to apply for business permission:

  1. a business plan which addresses the eligibility requirements, preferably endorsed by a recognized accountancy company or a financial institution involved in venture capital
  2. a valid passport
  3. a statement of character from the police authorities of each country in which the applicant has resided for more than six months during the preceding ten year period

Applicants must also provide other relevant information as may be required by the Irish authorities in support of the application.

In addition to the requirements for business permission, all businesses operated in Ireland, depending on their sector and location, are required to be legally registered and must operate in conformity with relevant financial, tax, health and safety, and environmental regulations. People considering operating a business in Ireland are advised to engage the services of a suitably qualified Irish attorney.

9. Creative Artists
There are concessionary tax benefits for some creative artists (e.g. writers, visual artists, musicians etc.) wishing to establish themselves in Ireland. Eligibility is judged on a case by case basis. Information is available from the Immigration Section, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 72-76 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-602.8202) and the Irish Revenue Commissioners, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland (011-353-1-679.2777).

10. Studying And Education
Public primary (4-12 years) and second level (12-17 years) education is free to dependent children of all persons legally resident in Ireland. There are also private fee paying schools (both day and boarding). Unlike the US most public schools are denominational in character and management. Third level undergraduate education is free to dependent children of all persons legally resident in Ireland for five or more years at the time of admission to third level. Undergraduate and post-graduate fees, where payable, are generally lower than their US equivalents.

Standards in primary, secondary and third level education in Ireland are generally regarded as high. Access to third level education in particular is very competitive. Persons considering study courses in Ireland should contact the individual admission offices of the Irish Universities, colleges and schools regarding admission requirements. For Internet sites on education in Ireland see the Irish Web Links page. Detailed information on opportunities for study in Ireland is also available from the International Education Board Ireland, 65 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-661.2085).

Student exchange and other programs also exist between individual U.S. and Irish universities. In addition a large number of Irish educational establishments offer special short term formal and informal courses (including Summer Schools) for visitors. Details of these programs are available from the Irish Tourist Board at 345 Park Ave., Ireland House, 17th. Floor, New York, NY 10154, tel. (212) 418-0800 and Encounter Ireland at USIT, 895 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025, tel. (212) 663-543

11. Taxation
US nationals residing in Ireland are generally liable to Irish taxes. However, Ireland and the US have a double taxation agreement which in principle ensures that tax paid in one country is allowed as a credit against tax payable in the other. For more information contact the Irish Revenue Commissioners, Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, (tel. 011-353-1-679.2777).

12. Currency, Exchange Controls And Cost Of Living
Ireland is a full participant in European Monetary Union. As of the 1 January 1999 the value of the Irish unit of currency - the Irish Pound (£ or IR£) often also called the Punt - is pegged at a value of One euro = IR£0.787564. Until 31 December 2001, the Irish pound will remain the currency of daily use in Ireland. Euro notes and coins will begin to circulate in parallel with the Irish pound from 1 January 2002 and from 1 July 2002, the euro will be the only legal currency in Ireland. Although no euro notes and coins are currently in circulation, many financial agencies are now selling travelers checks denominated in euro. These can be exchanged for Irish pounds in Ireland at the fixed rate. One euro is made up of 100 cents and one Irish Pound is made up of 100 pence (p). The Irish pound fluctuates in value against the US dollar in tandem with the euro-dollar exchange rate. In recent years the Irish pound has been generally worth about IR£1 = US$1.35 - US$1.55.

There are no restrictions on the movement of funds into or out of Ireland. Foreign currency bank accounts (including US$ accounts) may be held both in Ireland and abroad. Foreign bank accounts should be reported on Irish income tax returns. Ireland has an excellent banking and financial infrastructure which compares favorably to its US equivalent. Anyone opening a bank account in Ireland should expect to have to provide two forms of identification including a photo ID and proof of address. Banks and Building Societies provide similar banking services to US banks such as checking accounts (which are usually referred to as Current Accounts in Ireland), Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, debit cards, credit cards etc. Queries on banking in Ireland can be sent to the Irish Bank's Information Services, Nassau House, Nassau Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Tel. 011 353 1 671 5299, Fax 011 353 1 679 6680, E-mail: ibis@ibis.iol.ie and website http://www.iol.ie/ibis. Major credit cards are widely accepted all over Ireland. For further information on banking in Ireland see the Banking Sites on the Irish Web Links page.

Investment in Ireland is welcome and various incentives may be available. Further information is available from IDA-Ireland, Ireland House, 354 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10154 (tel. (212) 750 4300).

In general, the cost of living in Ireland is comparable to or slightly more expensive than that in the US. However some costs, e.g. running a motor vehicle, are considerably more expensive in Ireland.

13. Retirement and Social Security
Retiring to Ireland is a major decision which requires careful prior consideration and planning.

There is a bilateral agreement on Social Security between the US and Ireland. US social security recipients legally resident in Ireland may be entitled to receive certain in-kind benefits received by Irish social security recipients. In certain cases it is possible to combine Irish and US social security contributions which might otherwise fall short of the two countries’ respective eligibility thresholds. More information is available from the International Section of the Irish Department of Social Welfare, Arus MhicDiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-704.3268).

US Social Security recipients residing in Ireland can receive their pensions in Ireland through the US Embassy.

14. Health Services
US nationals on short visits to Ireland have no entitlement to free Irish health services and may be liable for the full cost of any possible medical or dental treatment during their stay. It is strongly advised that private insurance coverage be obtained for the duration of stay prior to arrival in Ireland.

US nationals legally resident in Ireland are entitled to inpatient and outpatient public hospital care and, if their incomes fall below a certain level, to free general practitioner services. In general medical costs in Ireland are less than their US equivalents. Different levels of private health insurance and available from the Voluntary Health Insurance and BUPA insurance companies. Further information on the health system in Ireland and on health insurance policies can be found on sites referenced on the on the Irish Web Links page.

People with private US health insurance should also enquire prior to arrival in Ireland on their policies’ international transferability. Information on health services in Ireland is available from the Irish Department of Health and Children, Hawkins House, Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-671.4711).

15. Importing Personal Belongings
US nationals transferring residence to Ireland may import their used personal property (including vehicles) free of tax or duty provided that they can prove prior ownership for at least six months. The necessary transfer of residence forms are available from the Irish Embassy or any Irish Consulate in the United States.

Most of the major US and Irish shipping and removal firms are experienced in arranging transfer of household goods between Ireland and the US. Local Irish American press and media often provide a useful list of such companies.

16. Importation Of Household Pets
As Ireland is rabies free, very strict controls are placed on the importation of animals into the country. Household pets other than dogs or cats may not be imported to Ireland. Dogs and cats may be imported into Ireland from the US, by persons transferring residence to Ireland, under license granted by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Division, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-607.2000). Application forms for importation are available from the Embassy. Please note that a compulsory condition of import is that the animal must undergo a period of six months quarantine in an Irish Government approved quarantine facility on arrival in Ireland.

17. Property
There are no restrictions on the purchase or rent of residential property or non-agricultural land in Ireland. However, the purchase by non-Irish (or EU) nationals of agricultural land over five acres in area is subject to the approval of the Irish Department of Agriculture, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-607.2000).

Finding residential property in Ireland is relatively straightforward. The property pages of the national and regional newspapers in Ireland provide a detailed listing of properties on the market and are a good guide for prospective purchasers/renters to estate agents and accommodation costs. The Irish Auctioneer and Valuers Institute, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland (tel. 011-353-1-661.1794) can provide a list of estate agents in Ireland on a regional basis and it is recommended to register with one or more estate agents to be notified of suitable available properties. Persons entering Ireland for employment or study are also recommended to contact their employer/institute of education for advice on accommodation.

If purchasing residential property in Ireland it is advisable to obtain the services of a suitably qualified Irish attorney and to have the property properly surveyed before purchase.

18. Driving
US driver’s-license holders intending to drive in Ireland other than as tourists must successfully pass the Irish driving test and obtain an Irish license. Those over 70 years of age must also pass a medical examination every 3 years. Driver’s test application forms and copies of the Irish “Rules of the Road” are available from the Irish Department of the Environment, Driver Control Section, Government Buildings, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland (tel. 011-353-96-70677). Please note that it can prove very difficult for drivers over the age of 75 to purchase insurance when renting vehicles for tourism purposes.

19. Appendix: Useful Contacts In Ireland

Embassy of the United States of America
42 Elgin Road
Dublin 4
tel (353) (1) 668.7122

US Community Groups
The American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland
c/o Heritage House
23 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
tel (353) (1) 661.6001

Ireland American Society
c/o 1a Philpsburg Terrace
Marino, Dublin 3
tel (353) (1) 676.7799

American Women’s Club
c/o 408 Dartmouth Square
Dublin 6
tel (353) (1) 676.6263

Further Sources of Information
A number of international accountancy and professional service organizations (e.g. Coopers and Lybrand, Deloitte & Touche, Price Waterhouse etc.) produce very informative guides for foreign nationals in Ireland on tax and other associated matters.

  • Living Abroad Publishing Inc., 199 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08540, tel (609) 924.9302, produces an annual "Guide to Living Abroad" for US nationals.
  • Where to Retire Magazine and Vacation Publications of 1502 Augusta #415, Houston, TX 77057, tel (713) 974.6903, produces reports on "Retiring Outside the US".
  • The American Women’s Club in Ireland tel (353) (1) 676.6263 c/o 408 Dartmouth Square. Dublin 6, produce a useful "Hints for Living in Ireland".
  • ‘Inside Ireland’ is a quarterly magazine published by Brenda Weir, PO Box 1886, Dublin 16, Ireland which often contains useful information on buying a home, retiring to Ireland, genealogy research etc.

How To Apply For A Visa To Visit Ireland
Please note this document is not and does not purport to be a legal document. The following information is intended for guidance only and is not a formal interpretation of Irish law. For further information on relevant legislation and to ensure that you obtain the most current information in advance of traveling to Ireland, we recommend that you contact the Embassy of Ireland or your local Irish Consulate directly.

If you are an IRISH citizen and require information about how to apply for a visa to visit the United States or any other country, you should contact the nearest diplomatic or consular mission of the country concerned and request information on the visa policy of the country concerned.

Do I Need A Visa To Visit Ireland?
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, Mexico, or the European Union you do not require a visa to visit Ireland. Please see the list below of other countries whose citizens do not require visas to visit Ireland. If you do not require a visa to enter Ireland but are planning on staying in Ireland for longer than 90 days, or if you are interested in working and/or living in Ireland.

Please note that TRANSIT VISAS are required by nationals of the following countries who while not visiting Ireland have travel plans that include a stop-over at an Irish airport: Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Romania, Lebanon, Moldova, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), Somalia, Sri Lanka and Zaire.

Passport holders from any of the following countries do not require a visa to visit Ireland

Andorra
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
El Salvador
 Estonia
Fiji
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong (SAR)*
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Korea (Rep of South)
Latvia
Lesotho
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
 Luxembourg
Macau (SAR)
Malawi
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Panama
Poland
Portugal
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent &
the Grenadines
San Marino
Seychelles
 Singapore
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tuvalu
U.S.A.
UK & Colonies**
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Western Samoa

*Hong Kong (SAR)
Residents of Hong Kong should check with their nearest Consulate or Embassy about the relevant visa requirements.

**British Dependent Territories (colonies)
Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory (South Georgia, South sandwich islands) British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago, Peros Banos, Diego Garcia, Danger Island), Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands and dependencies, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, (Henderson, Ducie and Oneno Islands), St. Helena and dependencies (Ascension Island, Tristan Da Cunha), the sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands.

Where Do I Apply For A Visa?
Applications for a visa to visit Ireland must be normally be made through the Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country of permanent residence. In the United Stare there are five offices issuing Irish visas. Applicants should make contact with the office assigned to the applicant’s State of normal residence (see the following list) and request the necessary visa application forms and instructions.

Visa issuing offices in the United States

Office Location Contact Information FBR Processing Area
New York

congenny@aol.com

 Consulate General of Ireland,
345 Park Avenue,
17th Floor,
New York, NY 10154-0037
Tel: (212) 319 2555		 New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
Boston

irlcons@aol.com

 Consulate General of Ireland
535 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Tel: (617) 267 9330		 Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Chicago

irishconsulate@sbcglobal.net

 Consulate General of Ireland
400 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Tel (312) 337 1868		 North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana. Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin
San Francisco

irishcgsf@earthlink.net

 Consulate General of Ireland
100 Pine St.,
33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111
Tel: (415) 392 4214		 Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii
Washington

www.irelandemb.org

 Embassy of Ireland
2234Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 462 3939		 Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland

While every effort is made to keep the information on this website up to date, you are advised to contact the nearest Irish Embassy/Consulate in advance of your travel to Ireland for the most up to date information regarding visas/travel restrictions.

If you do not live in the United States please check our list of Irish Embassies and Consulates around the world on our Contact Information page. If there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country of permanent residence, you may apply directly to the following address

Consular Section,
Department of Foreign Affairs,
72-76 St. Stephen's Green,
Dublin 2,
Ireland
Tel. +353-1-478 0822
Fax. +353-1-668 6518