by Ireland offers 11 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) | N/A | €2,000,000 | 300-525d | 8/10 | Yes |
| Critical Skills Employment Permit Full guide → | €3,409/mo | N/A | 21-49d | 5/10 | Yes |
| General Employment Permit Full guide → | €3,050/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Independent Means / Retirement Permission (Stamp 0) | €50,000/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Internship Employment Permit Full guide → | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer Permit Full guide → | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Join Family / De Facto Partnership Visa | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Reactivation Employment Permit Full guide → | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Sport and Cultural Employment Permit Full guide → | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) | N/A | €50,000 | 120-210d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 3/10 | Yes |
Get Your Ireland Full Report
Detailed visa pathways, cost analysis, and a step-by-step relocation plan for Ireland.
Get Your Full Report — €10 →Official sources
Ireland
- Short stay employment visa (less than 90 days) — irishimmigration.ie — last re-checked 2026-06-24
- Long Stay Employment Visa (>90 days) — irishimmigration.ie — last re-checked 2026-06-24
- Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit — enterprise.gov.ie — last re-checked 2026-06-24
Figures are compiled from official government sources and re-checked on a rolling basis. Always confirm on the official page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Ireland offer?
Ireland offers 11 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Ireland?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Ireland?
The path to permanent residency in Ireland typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Ireland?
Most long-term visa categories in Ireland allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Ireland?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Ireland may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Ireland Guide · · All Countries