Let’s be honest.
When you hear something like
“Ireland will pay you up to $90,000 to live on its islands”,
your first thought is probably:
“This must be clickbait.”
That’s exactly what many people think.
But here’s the truth 👇
It’s a real government-backed program.
And yes—people are already benefiting from it.
However (and this is important), it’s not free money and it’s not for everyone.
In this guide, I’ll explain:
• What the program really is
• How much money Ireland is actually offering
• Who qualifies
• What you must do to get the money
• Common misunderstandings people fall for
Let’s break it down simply.
What Is the “Ireland Paying You to Live on Its Islands” Program?
The program is officially called:
The Our Living Islands Initiative
It was launched by the Irish Government to revive and repopulate Ireland’s remote offshore islands.
These islands are beautiful—but many are slowly losing residents because:
• Young people move to cities
• Jobs are limited
• Houses are abandoned
So the government decided to act.
Instead of letting the islands die, Ireland said:
“Let’s pay people to move in, renovate empty homes, and build communities again.”
Is Ireland Really Paying $90,000? Let’s Be Accurate
Now let’s clear the biggest confusion.
How Much Money Is Offered?
Ireland offers up to €84,000 in grants.
Depending on exchange rates, that’s roughly:
👉 $85,000–$90,000 USD
But here’s the key point:
⚠️ This is a renovation grant—not cash in your pocket.
You don’t get a cheque to spend anyhow.
The money is used to:
• Renovate vacant or derelict homes
• Make them livable again
• Improve housing quality on the islands
Think of it like this:
Ireland is saying:
“If you’re willing to live here and fix a house, we’ll help pay for it.”
Which Islands Are Included?
The program covers 23 inhabited offshore islands, including islands off the coast of:
• Donegal
• Mayo
• Galway
• Cork
• Waterford
These are not mainland towns.
They are real islands—reachable by ferry or small boat.
Life there is peaceful, slow, and very different from city life.
Who Can Apply? (This Part Surprises Many People)
Here’s the good news first 👇
The program is OPEN to non-Irish citizens
Yes—even non-EU citizens can apply.
But (again) there are conditions.
You Must:
• Buy or already own a property on one of the islands
• The house must be vacant or derelict
• Commit to living there permanently or long-term
• Renovate the house using the grant
You Don’t Need:
• Irish citizenship
• Irish ancestry
• To be rich
• To speak fluent Irish
But you do need legal permission to live in Ireland if you’re not an EU citizen.
That’s where many people get confused.
Does This Program Give You a Visa or Residency?
❌ No.
This program:
• Does NOT give automatic residency
• Does NOT replace immigration rules
• Does NOT bypass visa requirements
If you’re a non-EU citizen, you must still:
• Qualify for a legal residence pathway
• Have the right to live in Ireland (work visa, business permission, family permission, etc.)
The grant is housing support, not an immigration shortcut.
What Kind of Houses Qualify for the Grant?
Not every house qualifies.
The property must be:
• Built before 2007
• Vacant for at least 2 years
• Located on an eligible offshore island
Grant Breakdown
• Up to €60,000 for refurbishing a vacant home
• Up to €84,000 for refurbishing a derelict home
The worse the condition—the higher the support.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The money can be used for:
• Structural repairs
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• Electrical work
• Insulation
• Windows and doors
You must show receipts.
No receipts = no reimbursement.
This isn’t free spending—it’s controlled and audited.
What Is Life Like on These Irish Islands?
Let’s be realistic.
Island life is:
• Quiet
• Slow
• Community-focused
• Beautiful
But also:
• Limited shops
• Fewer jobs
• Dependence on ferries
• Weather-dependent transport
This program is perfect for:
• Remote workers
• Online business owners
• Retirees
• Tradespeople
• People seeking peaceful living
If you love city noise and nightlife—this is not for you.
Can You Work While Living on the Islands?
Yes—if you have legal permission.
Many residents:
• Work remotely
• Run small businesses
• Fish or farm
• Offer tourism services
• Do crafts or trades
Internet access exists—but speed depends on the island.
Common Lies & Misunderstandings Online
Let’s expose some myths 👇
❌ “Ireland gives you $90,000 cash”
❌ “You don’t need a visa”
❌ “Anyone can just move there freely”
❌ “Ireland will pay your rent”
All false.
This is a housing renovation grant, not a free-money program.
Step-by-Step: How the Program Works
Here’s the simplified process:
1️⃣ Choose an eligible island
2️⃣ Find a vacant or derelict house
3️⃣ Buy or legally own the property
4️⃣ Apply for the renovation grant
5️⃣ Get approval
6️⃣ Renovate the house
7️⃣ Get reimbursed
Simple—but not instant.
Is This Program Worth It?
Honestly?
It depends on your lifestyle and goals.
This program is worth it if:
✅ You want peaceful living
✅ You like nature and community life
✅ You can work remotely or locally
✅ You’re okay with isolation
It’s not worth it if:
❌ You want quick cash
❌ You want city life
❌ You expect automatic residency
Final Thoughts from Owafk
Ireland is not “giving away money.”
Ireland is investing in people who are willing to:
• Revive empty homes
• Strengthen island communities
• Commit long-term
If that fits your vision—this could be one of the most unique relocation opportunities in Europe right now.
But always remember:
👉 Opportunity works best when expectations are realistic.
Important Links — Ireland’s Island Home Renovation Grants (Up to ~€84,000)
🇮🇪 Official Government Policy & Main Program Pages
🔗 Our Living Islands — Ireland’s National Islands Policy
Official government policy outlining the goals and actions to support Ireland’s offshore islands, including housing support. Our Living Islands (Official Irish Policy)
🔗 Our Living Islands Press Release
Detailed press release on the launch and objectives of Ireland’s 10-year island policy, including additional grant support. Our Living Islands Launch by Irish Government
🔗 Supporting Gaeltacht & Island Communities — Vacant Property Grant
Government publication explaining increased support for refurbishing vacant/derelict homes on islands under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Vacant Home Refurbishment Grant Details
🏡 Press & Media Reports (With Grant Details)
🔗 Irish Times — Grant Amounts & Conditions
Explains how grants for renovating vacant and derelict island homes have been increased (up to €84,000) and the conditions involved. Ireland’s Island Grants for Renovating Homes (Irish Times)
🔗 NDTV — Up to ~€70,000 Grant Explained
Overview of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with figures in Indian rupees and details on eligibility. Ireland Grant Up to ~€70 lakh to Restore Vacant Island Homes
🔗 Afloat.ie — Application Stats for Grants
Recent reporting on how many people have applied for the island grant scheme in its first years (shows real uptake data). Applications for Island Home Grants (Afloat.ie)
📌 Important Clarification
⚠️ The Irish government does not directly pay you €90,000 to move to an island as a relocation incentive. The grant is specifically for refurbishing or renovating vacant/derelict homes — you must already own the property or be in the process of obtaining it, and you must live there (not use it only as a vacation rental). gov.ie+1
💡 Helpful Resources for Further Research
While not specific to the island grant, these general resources are useful if you’re exploring residency/visa options related to living in Ireland:
🔗 Irish Immigration Services (INIS) — Government Visa & Immigration Info
Official information on visas, residency permits, and eligibility for non-EU nationals: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/
🔗 Irish Property & Real Estate Portals (for island homes)
