7 Steps to Immigrate to Ireland with Your Family and Start Working in 2026

Are you dreaming of starting a new chapter in Ireland? With its rich history, friendly people, excellent healthcare, and strong economy, Ireland is one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for skilled workers and their families. Now, thanks to new immigration policies introduced in 2025, the process of moving to Ireland has become more accessible and family-friendly.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, IT specialist, engineer, or someone eager for better opportunities, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate each step of the immigration process.

What’s New for 2026 Applicants?

The 2025 policy updates include exciting changes that make immigrating to Ireland easier and more appealing:

1.Digital Application Portal: Ireland now uses a cloud-based system for employment permits, speeding up and simplifying the application process.

2.Easier Job Changes: Work permit holders can switch employers after 9 months, compared to the previous 12-month requirement.

3.Updated Salary Thresholds: Minimum salary requirements have been adjusted for specific roles, such as healthcare assistants, making these opportunities more accessible.

4.Family-Friendly Policies: Spouses and children of permit holders can join family members in Ireland faster and with fewer barriers.

5.Revised Critical Skills List: A focus on sectors like healthcare, IT, construction, and green jobs reflects Ireland’s growing needs.

Step 1: Find a Job in Ireland

Securing a job is the first step since most work visas in Ireland require employer sponsorship.

Where to Look for Jobs:

Here are the best platforms to find opportunities:

●JobsIreland.ie: Ireland’s official government job portal featuring various roles across industries.

●IrishJobs.ie: A popular recruitment platform with listings from top Irish companies.

●EURES: A European-wide job platform with roles from Irish employers open to international applicants.

●LinkedIn and Indeed Ireland: Use filters to find employers offering visa sponsorships.

●Specialist Recruiters: Agencies focusing on sectors like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades often provide tailored job placement services.

Key Sectors in Demand:

●Healthcare: Nurses, care workers, medical technicians, and doctors.

●Engineering & IT: Software developers, civil engineers, and cybersecurity experts.

●Hospitality & Tourism: Chefs, hotel managers, and restaurant staff.

●Construction: Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

●Financial Services: Accountants, auditors, and compliance officers.

Pro Tip: Tailor your CV to match the Irish format and highlight skills that align with the country’s in-demand sectors.

Step 2: Apply for the Right Work Permit

Once you have a job offer, the next step is to apply for a work permit. Ireland offers two main types of permits:

1. Critical Skills Employment Permit

This permit is designed for high-demand professions and offers numerous benefits:

●Jobs must pay at least €38,000 for graduates or €64,000 for other roles.

●No Labour Market Needs Test is required.

●Spouses can work in Ireland without obtaining their own permit.

●Eligibility for permanent residency (Stamp 4) after 2 years.

Learn More and Apply Here.

2. General Employment Permit

For roles that do not qualify under the Critical Skills list:

●Jobs must pay between €30,000–€39,000, depending on the role.

●Requires a Labour Market Needs Test, proving no local or EU worker is available.

Learn More and Apply Here.

Step 3: Submit Your Employment Permit Application

Your employer will typically handle the permit application through Ireland’s Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).

Documents You May Need:

●Passport.

●Job offer letter or contract.

●Proof of qualifications and skills.

●Any additional requirements specified by the permit type.

Processing Time: Applications are generally processed within 4 to 8 weeks, so plan ahead.

Step 4: Apply for an Irish Work Visa (Long Stay ‘D’ Visa)

Once your work permit is approved, you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland.

Application Process:

1.Apply online through the AVATS portal.

2.Provide required documentation, including:

●Work permit approval letter.

●Valid passport.

●Employment contract.

●Proof of accommodation in Ireland.

●Financial documents showing sufficient funds.

Fees: The visa application fee ranges from €60 to €100, depending on whether you need a single or multiple-entry visa.

Step 5: Bring Your Family Along

Ireland has made family reunification a priority, with clearer processes and more opportunities for spouses and children to join workers.

What Your Family Can Do:

●Spouses: Work without restriction if you hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit.

●Children: Access free primary and secondary education and apply for higher education.

Documents Needed for Family Visa Applications:

●Marriage certificate or birth certificates.

●Proof of relationship.

●Your work permit and proof of income.

●Accommodation details in Ireland.

Tip: Apply for family visas early to ensure they can join you as soon as possible.

Step 6: Arrive in Ireland & Register for Residency

Within 90 days of arriving, register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) or the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

You’ll receive a residence permit card (Stamp 1 or Stamp 4), which serves as proof of your legal status in Ireland.

Step 7: Plan for Long-Term Residency and Citizenship

Ireland offers clear pathways to long-term residency and citizenship:

●Stamp 4: After 2 years on a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you can apply for Stamp 4, allowing you to work without a permit.

●Long-Term Residency: After 5 years of legal residency, you can apply for long-term residency status.

●Citizenship: Eligible after 5 years of residency, subject to meeting language and conduct requirements.

Your Complete Immigration Checklist:

Step	Action
Find a Job	Use Irish job portals to secure an offer.
Get a Work Permit	Apply for Critical Skills or General Permit.
Apply for Visa	Submit a Long-Stay ‘D’ Visa application.
Prepare Family	Gather documents for family visas.
Enter & Register	Register with GNIB or INIS within 90 days.
Settle	Open bank accounts, rent housing, and start work.
Apply for Stamp 4	After 2 years on a Critical Skills Permit.
Apply for Citizenship	Eligible after 5 years of residency.

By following these steps, you’re on your way to building a successful life in Ireland. Start preparing today—your dream life is just around the corner!

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