Irish residence permit

Spouse of Irish national / resident is eligible for residence permit in case of stable income, housing (purchased or leased) and permanent residence in the territory of Ireland of the host party. Upon 3 years of cohabitation an alien spouse is eligible for permanent residence and citizenship of Ireland.

In the same way an alien can move to blood relatives in case they live in Ireland.

This kind of immigration is possible for highly skilled professionals. The country welcomes aliens in certain occupations: IT-specialists, health professionals, scientists, architects, top-managers, etc. For residence permit it is necessary to sign employment contract with stated working conditions (living conditions, vacation, working hours, fines, overtime costs, contract expiration date, detailed employees and employer data). Upon completion of procedures a work permit is issued and sent to alien by mail. That implies Irish residence permit.

Gnib-card is issued to highly skilled professionals, which simplifies granting of permanent residence and citizenship within 2-3 years.

Foreign students, who were admitted to high educational institutions in Ireland, have to pay tuition fee and possess sufficient funds for living. For legal residence in the country student is obliged to obtain Gnib-card and PPS number (number of social insurance). Residence permit is issued for the whole period of study.

1. The certificate of secondary education translated into English and notarized;
2. English proficiency certificate – IELTS (5.0-6.0) or TOELF;
3. A motivation letter describing the reasons to study at a chosen institution of higher education;
4. Letters of recommendation (if any);
5. Document confirming the availability of funds for tuition and residence in the country.

Students have the right to work, but not more than 20 hours per week and if this does not interfere with their studies.

Upon graduation an alien is eligible to get a job within 12 months. In case of failure the visa is cancelled and alien is obliged to leave the country.

There are two categories of foreign nationals who wish to set up a business in Ireland:

1. Investment in a business project of at least € 300 000 + creation of at least 2 job positions for Irish citizens (a residence permit is issued for 2 years with possible extensions for another 3 years);
2. Entrepreneur in the field of innovative technologies. Investment in an innovative business project (start-up) of at least € 75 000 (a residence permit is issued for 2 years with possible extensions for another 3 years).

Well-off aliens are eligible for Irish residence permit and citizenship subject to major investments in its economy.

Types of investments:

1. Investments of € 500 000 in companies or specialized funds for a period of at least 3 years;
2. Investments of € 500 000 into charitable foundations (with a collective application, the investment amount is € 400 000 per each investor);
3. Investments in real estate of € 500 000 (real estate should be used for its intended purpose and can not be leased);
4. Investments of 1 million euros in assets, stocks, bonds of the Irish state;
5. Investments of 2 million euro in real estate investment fund.

Investor is eligible for residence permit for the period of 2 years with possible extensions for another 3 years and further permanent residence and citizenship acquiring.

A foreign national who has provided irrefutable evidence that his life and health is in danger in his homeland has the right to apply for a refugee status. In case of positive decision a residence permit is provided automatically.

A foreign woman, who legally resided in Ireland for the minimum period of 10 months, can obtain residence permit through a simplified procedure by being pregnant and given a birth. Her child becomes an Irish national regardless of his parents’ legal status.