Ireland · long-stay visa routes and official sources
5 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Ireland: Medium (52/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Student permission / Critical Skills Employment Permit.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Ireland?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Student permission / Critical Skills Employment Permit. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (52/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Ireland without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 5 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student permission. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Long Stay D Study Visa / immigration registration for study
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Visa/residence permission tied to course; renew registration where eligible.
Apply up to three months before travel with passport, application summary, eligible-course acceptance, tuition-payment evidence and private medical insurance; complete registration after arrival.
Over eight months: immediate access to €10,000 plus €10,000 and tuition for every later academic year. Eight months or less: €833 per month or €6,665 total, whichever is lower.
Employment permit plus immigration permission / long-stay visa if visa-required
An employer-led or qualification-based work route.
Typical timeline / duration: Permit validity depends on type. General Employment Permits generally can be up to 2 years initially with renewals; immigration registration is also required.
A non-EEA national generally must hold a valid employment permit unless exempt.
For work over 90 days, they must have a contract of employment and relevant work permission; if visa-required, they apply for a long-stay D visa before travel.
Employment permit type matters: Critical Skills, General Employment Permit and other permits have different salary/occupation/labour market rules.
For employer-backed roles outside Critical Skills.
Typical timeline / duration: Up to two years initially; renewable for up to a further three years; after five years, long-term residence or Stamp 4 may be available
Obtain a job offer from a bona fide employer trading in Ireland and registered with the relevant tax and company authorities.
The role must generally pass the Labour Market Needs Test and must not be on the ineligible occupations list.
Meet the minimum annual remuneration of EUR 36,605 that applies from 1 March 2026 (EUR 32,691 for meat processing, horticultural, healthcare assistant and home carer roles), plus the role, qualification, and experience requirements, and submit a contract signed by both parties.
Apply through Employment Permits Online, normally at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date; after approval, complete immigration registration if required.
For founders with an innovative, high-potential business proposal; this is not a passive investment visa.
Typical timeline / duration: Permission under STEP; applicants requiring visa apply for D visa once permission granted.
STEP applicants must be of good character, have no criminal convictions, have €50,000 funding available, and have an innovative business proposal.
Permission lets the entrepreneur establish and work full-time in the business; no other employment and must not be a financial burden.
STEP means Start-up Entrepreneur Programme. It is a selective founder route, not a passive investment or retirement route.
The €50,000 is funding that must be available for the proposed business and supported with evidence of its source; it is not simply a government fee.
‘Must not be a financial burden on the Irish State’ means you must be able to support yourself without relying on Irish State welfare or other public support; the official decision is case-specific.
IIP means Immigrant Investor Programme, not IPP. It is closed to new applications and must not be treated as an available alternative.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Stamp 0 is limited permission; renewal possible if conditions continue to be met.
Ireland's official retire-to-Ireland page says applicants must be financially independent, meet all conditions, and provide independent verification of financial conditions certified by an Irish accountancy firm.
Visa-required nationals apply for D Reside before arrival, and all applicants apply for Stamp 0 before arrival.
Official page requires financial independence; exact amounts should be taken from current Irish guidance/checklist if displayed for applicant type.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.