Countries with visa-free entry to Ireland

Standard of living in Ireland

Ireland has been part of the European Union since 1973, and in past years was considered one of the significant economies of England. Previously, the territory of the Irish island belonged entirely to the United Kingdom of Great Britain, but on December 6, 1922, most of the island became independent. Northern Ireland remained under the leadership of Elizabeth II. Today, the Western European state is visited by many Russian tourists, especially the capital Dublin, the historical county of Cork, the Aran Islands, and the Ring of Kerry walking route.

Russian travel agencies present the Irish island as an emerald area with over 50 shades of green. And indeed it is! Moderately warm winters, lack of snowfall, and constant light rains maintain an amazing green landscape all year round. In addition, frequent south-west winds from the Atlantic Ocean blow through the entire area, bringing a fresh breeze. Thanks to this natural combination and the absence of heavy industry, the Irish island is considered one of the cleanest in the world.

The economy in Ireland went through a major upheaval between 2008 and 2010 during the global crisis. During these years, life on the island became more difficult, primarily for the population. Thousands of people fell under forced layoff reforms and unemployment rose to its record high of 13.5%. Local residents began to emigrate in large numbers to the UK and the USA - today it is in America that the largest Irish diaspora lives. Loans from the EU and investments from the United States helped to get out of the financial and economic crisis. Due to such circumstances, Great Britain, with which the main trade turnover took place, faded into the background.

The Americans helped in difficult times and thereby strengthened trade relations; today the main share of exports in the amount of 25% goes to the USA, and only 9% to the UK. The latest export figures amount to $160 billion, imports $85 billion, thereby confirming the positive balance of foreign trade. GDP in 2021 was $386 billion, GDP per capita $78,785 per year. Today Ireland is a developed country with a stable economy, but at the same time with progress. The standard of living of the population remains high in 2021, unemployment has been reduced to 4.8%, the average Irishman receives a net salary of €2,564 per month.

Pros and cons of immigration to Ireland

Gradually, more and more people from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus want to move to Ireland, and we should also not forget about the Baltic citizens. Due to joining the Eurozone, Poles, Latvians, and Lithuanians are rapidly immigrating; they are the ones who compete with specialists from the CIS in the European market. If we talk about the pros and cons of moving, then you should rely on the opinion of our compatriots.

Pros of moving

According to reviews from Russians, there are plenty of advantages to immigration, the most common of which are:

1. Active economy. Ireland is attracting more and more investments in various areas - tourism, agriculture, innovative technologies, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce. The Irish government offers favorable business conditions and simplified taxation. Because of this, many international companies operate in Dublin. After emigration, there is an opportunity to find work for experienced specialists.
2. Irish passport. The unclear political situation in Russia and disagreements between some developed countries have led to the fact that it is quite difficult for Russians to obtain a Schengen visa, as well as a visa to the USA, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, and Australia. For these reasons, citizens of the Russian Federation are increasingly thinking about acquiring a second citizenship or immigrating altogether. You can move to Ireland using one of the emigration methods and get an Irish passport, which is valued all over the world. It is included in the list of the best, and allows you to travel without a visa to 30 EU member countries, also in North America.
3. Beautiful nature. Although the Irish island does not have warm summers, you can enjoy its natural beauty all year round. The country has many green meadows, mixed forests, and mountain ranges. In addition, open access to the Atlantic Ocean makes Ireland unique and unlike other countries. And if you want to warm up, it’s easy to get to France and Spain on direct flights and ferries.
4. Official language. A big advantage is the presence of two official languages ​​- Irish and English. Expats only need to know English to get a job in a local company.

Right to permanent residence

Those moving should not forget that after five years of stay in Ireland on official grounds, the person moving has the right to apply for permanent residence. After three years of permanent residence have expired, you can count on acquiring citizenship. Thus, the minimum period from entry to obtaining citizenship is eight years.

An exception, as already mentioned, is the case of a child being born in Ireland, subject to the legal presence of his mother in the country for 10 months. In this case, the newborn is immediately granted citizenship.

Currently, the number of emigrants from Russia in Ireland slightly exceeds the mark of five thousand people. This is largely due to the remoteness and some isolation of the island compared to other possible migration options. However, those who are seriously thinking about moving to another country should seriously consider Ireland, because it offers good opportunities for both educational and business activities.

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Ways to move to Ireland for permanent residence in 2021

To move for permanent residence to a developed country, you must have perseverance and knowledge in immigration matters. Today, due to innovative opportunities, it is much easier to move to the desired region than several decades ago. Immigration policy is regularly reviewed - this is done in order to attract labor resources, foreign capital, and to resolve demographic issues.

Common methods of emigration with obtaining a residence permit or permanent residence in Ireland include:

• labor migration and business immigration;
• studying at an Irish university;
• birth of a child and reunification with family.

Labor migration and business immigration

Specialists in the IT industry, engineering, design, architecture, and medicine can migrate from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. To obtain employment with a temporary residence permit, you need to find an employer. They look for vacancies on international websites or contact recruiting agencies. You can use Internet resources:

• https://www.recruitireland.com/;
• https://www.jobserve.com/ru/en/Job-Search/;
• https://cpljobs.com/ie/;
• https://www.lacreme.ie/.

After the interview has taken place and your candidacy has been approved, the company applies for a special permit - Work Permit, Critical Skills Application. Here the process is not much different from other countries of the European Union. The Irish Department of Labor, before issuing permission to work, checks whether applicants for a given vacancy are from the EU. If they were not there, only then does it give the go-ahead. The main competitors of Russians are citizens from Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

If you plan to work for yourself, then you need to apply to open your own business. This method of emigration guarantees faster obtaining of permanent residence. The starting capital is set at €300,000, and within 6 months the entrepreneur must open 15 jobs. In the first year, you need to confirm the profitability and solvency of the new company. Migration policy proposes to obtain a permanent residence permit by investing in the economy in the amount of €500,000.

Documentation

When emigrating as an employee, businessman, or investor, it is necessary to prove professionalism. In each individual case, documents are collected. The main package includes:

• a foreign passport with a validity period of more than a year;
• photographs size 35*45 mm;
• bank statements confirming sufficient funds;
• certificates, letters, recommendations from previous places of work;
• qualification certificates;
• confirmation of business activity for more than one year (for businessmen);
• marriage certificates, birth certificates of children (for the purpose of moving the whole family);
• letter of invitation from an Irish employer;
• registration document for starting a business;
• contract, receipt of investment in the economy (for investors);
• health insurance with a coverage amount of at least €30,000.

Price

The cost of a work visa varies from €60-100, depending on what type of permit the expat has been granted. An entrepreneur can register a company independently by paying the appropriate state fees. There are also special law firms offering ready-made registration at a cost of €680-2000.

Deadlines

The average processing time is from 1-1.5 months. In extreme cases, it will take longer if the Migration Police or other authorities request additional certificates.

Studying at an Irish university

For emigration purposes, studying at a local university is suitable. Considering that the education system was once influenced by the British Ministry, its quality is very high. Public, private, and international institutions offer instruction in English, so a foreign student must provide an IELTS Academic certificate. Next, write a motivation letter to school, college or university.

Documentation

For young graduates and professionals who want to move, training will serve as a good springboard to Irish citizenship. According to the rules, you should collect documentation in this order:

• international passport valid for the entire period of study;
• photographs size 3.5*4.5 cm;
• medical policy for Schengen countries;
• IELTS Academic certificate;
• certificate of completion of secondary education;
• motivation letter in English;
• receipt of payment of the visa fee;
• rental contract;
• invitation from a university or college;
• bank certificates.

Price

A quality education with a bachelor's or master's degree will cost €13,000-30,000, in college - €9,000. If you go to study a language, the cost for 2 weeks will range from €250-1750.

Deadlines

Registration of a student visa at the Embassy will take 2 weeks. The entire procedure from submitting an application to a school or university until moving will take 2 months.

Birth of a child and family reunion

Immigration to Ireland cannot be called simple, but it is still easier than to Germany, England, Switzerland, and Austria. Through the eyes of Russians, living in these states means having protection, stability, and not feeling discrimination from world powers. In fact, there is a lot of truth in this. Today, even women in labor from Russia strive to give birth to a child abroad. In Ireland, you are allowed to do this at a local clinic, and then apply for citizenship for the child and permanent residence for the parents only after 10 months. Another option to naturalize in a short time is to marry an Irishman. After 3 years, the foreign spouse receives citizenship.

Documentation

Before moving, you should agree with the clinic and open a Schengen visa. The Irish Embassy will need to provide:

• international passport for the entire period of stay abroad;
• photograph on a white background 35*45 mm;
• letter of invitation from the clinic;
• bank statement, certificate of sufficient funds;
• medical insurance for pregnant women;
• marriage certificate with an Irishman (for the spouse);
• receipt of payment of the consular fee.

Price

A medical center for childbirth is chosen according to one’s own needs. There are companies that help with the entire procedure. A woman in labor can contact them, they will select an institution at a suitable cost and conditions. An entry visa costs €100.

Deadlines

Emigration for childbirth is a very common practice among Russian-speaking women. Some study information on portals and already know that pregnant women should move to a foreign city in advance. Many airlines do not accept on board those more than 6 months pregnant, others even less.

Immigration for permanent residence

The process of obtaining Irish citizenship involves several stages. Despite the fact that immigration from Russia is regular, a decision to change one’s place of residence is not enough. Due to the limited territory of the island, its authorities cannot issue an internal passport to everyone who wants to live in the republic.

The law clearly states how to become an Irish citizen. The main condition is to live on the island for at least 5 years, after which you can count on obtaining permanent residence.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a residence permit in Ireland

To move to Dublin or Cork, you must go through the entire emigration process. The step-by-step instructions look like this:

1. They move legally, according to immigration methods: marriage, childbirth in a local clinic, obtaining a work contract, investing, opening their own business.
2. Upon arrival, they issue a residence permit and receive a temporary resident card. It is issued initially for a year, then extended. After 3 years of permanent residence in Ireland, you are allowed to write an application for permanent residence.
3. After reviewing the application, the Migration Police issues a card with permanent resident status or refuses it.

Submission and registration procedure

Of primary importance is not only the question of how to obtain citizenship of the republic, but also which authority considers such cases. The application and the specified list of documents should be submitted to the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its representative office.

Review period and cost

The decision is made within 8 to 12 months from the date of application. The resident is issued a certificate. The procedure involves paying a state fee (for an adult – 950 euros, for a child – 200, for a potential refugee – free of charge). Moving to Ireland for permanent residence will require certain financial costs - 1,400 euros (for a visa, residence permit, citizenship).

Professions in demand in Ireland

According to Irish statistics, about 5% of residents receive a minimum salary of €1,509. This amount is indicated after taxes. According to internal rules, the salary is set taking into account experience and qualifications. With minimal experience, an immigrant will be paid in the range of €1509-1600, for more than 3 years the amount increases to an average of €2500. A citizen of any country residing in Ireland can apply for any vacancy. In 2021, the most in-demand professions are:

Prices for main groups of goods

People most often want to move to Europe for the sake of decent income and quality of life. In parallel with this, it is worth taking into account the prices; in Ireland they are not inferior to other EU countries. The cost of living in Dublin per person is €745 without rent.

The tables show the main groups of goods at prices for 2021: