Moving from US to Ireland (2024)

Do you dream of moving to Ireland? Most people are apprehensive about moving to another country. Their fears are justifiable because, at times, it is hard to predict what lies ahead. If you are an American citizen and would like to move to Ireland, we have rounded up useful information to help make your relocation hassle-free.

Benefits of moving from the US to Ireland

Although Ireland does not have sunny and sandy beaches, it is a beautiful place to migrate and settle in. However, Ireland is a small country, and the road network is excellent. There are lots of activities such as camping and mountain hiking. There are hiking trails, national parks and serene countryside. Irish people are known for their hospitality. Once you become a citizen, you automatically qualify for public health care. Also, maternity fees and child care are free until a child reaches six months.

How to move from the US to Ireland

You can become a citizen of Ireland through marriage, naturalization or family. Ireland Irish naturalization is a complicated process and requires you to have at least resided in Ireland for five years. In most instances, the five years does not include time spent during study or work. If your parents or grandparents were born in Ireland, then you are exempted from a visa application. However, you can apply for Irish citizenship directly.

Requirements

For an American citizen, the best place to start is at the Irish Embassy. There exists the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) that stipulates the requirements for immigration. Here, you will get all the information about immigration, visas, asylum or citizenship.

Before you move to Ireland, you need a passport, and the INIS carries out the screening process. Fortunately, United States citizens do not need a visa when visiting Ireland for 90 days when on business or vacation.

The D-visa category is a single entry and is long-term. The visa allows you to study work and settle there permanently. If you have family members who are citizens, you can settle with them.

Ireland is very strict about its immigration, and you must demonstrate the intention to travel. You must also have evidence of funds for migration and settlement.

If you intend to stay beyond the three months, the first step is to notify immigration officials. Next, seek permission depending on the specific scheme for migrating to Ireland. If you plan to stay longer, there are three main options or schemes. These are to study, to work, or retire there. Beyond these schemes, you can now seek citizenship.

Planning to study

If you enroll as a student, the visa only stipulates a certain period depending on the duration of the education program. A US student may enroll for a full-time study of at least 15 hours per week, and there certain programs that are deemed eligible. Enrollment for study in an Ireland institution does not guarantee. If you would like to settle permanently, the schooling years do not count when you apply for citizenship.

For you to get a student visa, you will need several documents as proof of intention to study. You must have an acceptance offer from the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programs).

Secondly, you must prove your qualifications in English and present proof of funds. The fees must be paid and must prove that you have at least 7000 Euros to support your education each year. Other documentation includes medical insurance and education history. The study visas are available for those seeking to study in Ireland and return home after graduation.

Work visa

A long-term work permit will enable you to stay in Ireland for a long time. The duration of your stay depends on your occupation and certain circ*mstances.

For you to be eligible for a work visa, you must have a job already, and this requires convincing a company to hire you beforehand. It is a difficult task, not unless you possess special skills. Some of these occupations that are in high demand include engineering, management specialists, health care, international trade experts, and natural science. The tech sector is growing and is one of the areas with active opportunities.

If you are an expat, you are more likely to get a visa since the pay may be higher. If the proposed salary is more than 30000 Euros, then the chances of getting a work visa are high. There are various websites where you can apply for jobs, for example, irishjobs.

When seeking a job, it is essential to be candid that you are currently a US citizen and would like help in processing your papers with INIS. After getting a work contract, the next step is to contact the INIS.

Moving to Ireland to retire

Retiring is another option that will require a lot of money to relocate. It is a dream of every Irish American to work until retirement. However, there are new rules implemented in 2015 about retirement. For you to retire in Ireland, you must be earning more than 55,138 pounds or 50000 Euros. For married couples, the earnings are double.

This income does not consider any money held in cash, bank, or debt. The application process for a retirement visa takes a long time since you must show proof of funds. There have been attempts by the INIS to review the rules since the income requirement is too high for most people.

The process differs for those choosing to migrate to a county in Northern Ireland. The first step is to apply for a UK visa then apply to the UK's home office. The UK Home website has a wide variety of visas for those seeking to migrate under the work or study options.

Taxation

There exist taxation rules between the US and Ireland. If you are an American citizen earning a salary in Ireland, then you will file your tax returns in Ireland.

Taxes in Ireland are more favorable for businesses since there is a 12.5% corporate tax exemption. However, income taxes are generally high for the middle-class group. The tax paid depends on your income.

Cost of moving from US to Ireland

The cost of moving your possessions during a long distance relocation can vary depending on weight and space occupied. There are lots of international moving companies that charge depending on volume. Shipping can take time, depending on the location. There is also the issue of packing stuff, and there are vehicle taxes when you transport by road.

A one-bedroom house costs an average of $1,618 in a city location. Outside the city, the same costs an average of $1,187 per month. A three-bedroom costs an average of $2,698 in the city and $1,942 outside the city.

Most popular areas in Ireland

Some places like Dublin are cheaper to live since rent is not too high as compared to London. Also, Dublin has great opportunities since many companies are opening offices there. There has been an increase in house prices across Ireland; however, some smaller towns are affordable.

However, there are some cheap towns to settle, such as Laios, Roscommon, Leitrim, Galway, Cavan, and Donegal.

Before you move to a town, you can move in temporarily and experience the neighborhood. But, if you plan on bringing your US items, it is vital to consider a permanent location.

Having prior knowledge of your accommodation saves you money on living in hotels, guest houses, and more. Likewise, several real estate companies connect to home and property owners. Additionally, there are some websites where you can find homes to stay in.

It is crucial to evaluate your reason for migration before you decide to move into another country. You can relocate to another country to work, study or retire. Set aside enough funds for migration, compare the cost of living and taxation in the county you wish to relocate to.