Best Countries to Move to From Ireland
If you’re considering emigrating from Ireland, whether for work, to join family, or simply to explore other countries, several countries welcome expats from Ireland. The ideal country for you depends on your purpose for relocation and personal preferences.
Our immigration lawyers at IAS can help you facilitate your relocation overseas from Ireland. Contact us today at +353 (0)61 518 025 for immediate assistance.
What Are the Top Considerations When Choosing a Country to Move to From Ireland?
Several factors should be considered when choosing a country to relocate to. The specific factors vary based on individual reasons for emigrating. However, there are general considerations when choosing a country to relocate to, regardless of personal circumstances. They include:
- Quality of Life: This comprises several sub-factors that will influence your overall well-being in your new country. It includes access to affordable, high-quality healthcare; safety; political stability; public transportation; and environmental quality, including vulnerability to natural disasters. If you’re relocating with your family, access to education is also a key consideration.
- Career Opportunities: This is a major factor to consider when planning to leave Ireland, unless you’re a retiree. Access the local job market and the demand for your particular area of expertise/skillset. If you’ll be working remotely, you should also look into internet connectivity and speed.
- Cost of Living: Assess the living costs compared to how much you’ll be earning. Check costs of housing, food, utilities, public transportation, and other daily expenses. Also, research the tax policy and if they have a double taxation treaty with Ireland.
- Cultural Compatibility: Culture and language are key considerations. Language barriers can affect how well you settle into your new life. So, if you’re moving to a non-English-speaking country, it’s vital to have a basic understanding of the local language and culture. Also, look out for a destination with a thriving expat community or Irish organisations, as it will help you integrate faster.
- Visa and Legal Requirements: If you’ll be relocating to a country outside the European Union, you’ll most likely need a visa for a long-term stay. Research the available visa types, eligibility criteria, and the requirements for obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.
Top 10 Countries to Move to From Ireland
United Kingdom
Although the UK is no longer a member of the European Union following Brexit in 2020, it maintains the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement with Ireland. It remains one of the top countries for Irish emigrants. Thousands of Irish professionals move to the UK annually seeking better economic opportunities.
Irish nationals do not require a visa to move to the UK, thanks to the CTA agreement. They enjoy similar rights as British citizens, including the right to live, work, and study in the UK, access to free healthcare services and social welfare benefits, and the right to vote in certain elections.
Aside from the rights and privileges Irish people enjoy in the UK, one of the biggest reasons Irish nationals move to the UK is the strong job market. There are job opportunities for Irish workers in the UK, particularly in the healthcare, finance, technology, and research sectors, fuelled by local labour shortages.
The proximity of Ireland to the UK makes relocating to the UK easy. Plus, both countries share the same language and have cultural similarities, which enables seamless social integration.
Germany
Germany is the EU’s largest economy and tech hub. It attracts many Irish workers due to its high job demand, efficient social infrastructure, and high quality of life. Irish nationals do not need a visa to work in Germany, thanks to the EU freedom of movement.
There are several career opportunities for Irish people in Germany, as the country is experiencing significant labour shortages in various sectors. Foreign talent with skills in healthcare, engineering, science, technology, construction, and skilled trades is in high demand.
While language can be a barrier, many young people in German urban centres understand English, and there are large expat communities in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.
Germany has a world-class educational system that provides tuition-free education for residents up to the university level. You can easily improve your skills and qualifications by taking a course in one of its prestigious institutions. And many of its higher institutions provide instruction in English.
The average monthly cost of living in Germany is €1,800 for an individual and €4,700 for a family of 4.
United States
The United States of America is one of the top destinations for Irish emigrants. It has a long history of welcoming the Irish people and has one of the highest numbers of Irish diaspora. There are also no language barriers, as English is the primary language in the U.S. and Ireland.
The U.S. remains the world’s largest economy and offers lots of opportunities for career advancement, particularly in the tech and finance sectors. It is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and colleges, and many Irish nationals move to the U.S. to further their studies and develop their skills for career progression.
You’ll need to apply for an appropriate visa to stay in the U.S. for longer than 3 months. The type of visa you’ll need depends on your reason for moving to the U.S. The EB-3 and EB-3 visas are the most popular routes for obtaining a U.S. Green Card for those who do not have American family members. However, you may need to secure employment in the U.S. to qualify.
The cost of living in the UK varies depending on your location. However, popular expat destinations like New York City, Boston, and Austin can be very expensive. Unlike in Ireland, healthcare in the U.S. is expensive, and there’s no universal free healthcare coverage. You’ll have to find and pay for a suitable health insurance service.
Portugal
Portugal’s warm climate, low cost of living, and welcoming environment continue to attract thousands of expats yearly, including Irish nationals. It is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, attracting diverse categories of foreign nationals, including digital nomads, young families with children, and retirees.
As an Irish citizen, you do not need a visa to move to Portugal, thanks to the EU freedom of movement. However, you must register your long-term residence with the local council and obtain a Certificate of Registration within 3 months of arrival in Portugal. You can also register with the Portuguese healthcare system (SNS) for free/subsidised medical care.
Portugal has a large expat community, and most young Portuguese speak fluent English. However, a basic understanding of the Portuguese language will aid quicker integration. You can take free language lessons organised by the Portuguese Immigration and Citizenship Service.
The cost of living in Portugal slightly varies across the city. A single person can live comfortably on a budget of €1,700 per month, while a family of 4 will need about €4,000 on average.
Australia
Australia attracts thousands of Irish nationals annually due to its strong economy, warm climate, and stunning natural scenery. Plus, there are no language barriers to surmount when moving from Ireland to Australia.
There are lots of opportunities for Irish workers in Australia, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, due to critical skilled labour shortages. The Australian job market is experiencing a shortage of trade and technical workers, as well as healthcare, IT, engineering, and science professionals, making Australia a great destination for Irish professionals.
You’ll need a visa to stay in Australia for more than 3 months. Australia has several visa routes categorised based on entry purpose and duration of stay. However, the Working Holiday visas for young adults and the Skilled Independent visa are the most popular options for Irish expats. You can also opt for an employer-sponsored visa if you have a job offer from an Australian employer.
The cost of living in Australia is relatively less expensive than in most of Western and Central Europe. However, living costs are rising fast in large cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Victoria. A single person will need an average budget of A$3,500 (€1,984), while a family of 4 will need at least A$8,000 (€4,535).
Canada
Canada is one of the top destinations that receives Irish talent annually. Many Irish emigrants choose Canada because of its high quality of life, abundant job opportunities and efficient social system. Plus, English is the primary language in most parts of Canada, so there are no language barriers. Canada also provides universal healthcare for all residents and free basic education.
There are significant skill shortages in various sectors of the Canadian economy, including healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, and technology. These shortages provide lots of employment opportunities for Irish workers, particularly those with high-demand skills.
Irish nationals can visit Canada for up to 6 months visa-free. However, you will need a visa for a long-term stay. You can apply for Canadian permanent residency through the Federal Express Entry Program or any of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
The average cost of living in Canada for a single person is C$3,000 (€1.974.59) and C$7,500 (€4,627.95) for a family of 4.
New Zealand
Stunning scenery, adventure, relaxed pace, pleasant weather, a high quality of life, and low crime rates attract many expats to New Zealand every year. New Zealand also has a good educational system and affordable, high-quality healthcare. All legal residents enjoy free public healthcare coverage.
New Zealand has a strong job market with significant labour shortages in various critical sectors of the economy. Irish professionals and skilled workers can find lots of work opportunities in New Zealand; however, the highest labour demands are in the Information & Communication Technology (ICT), construction, skilled trades, engineering, education, and hospitality industries.
As an Irish national, you’ll need a visa for a long stay in New Zealand. The Skilled Migrant Resident visa is the most common route for Irish workers moving overseas to New Zealand. You’ll need to get a job offer from a New Zealand employer to qualify. If you’re an entrepreneur or freelancer, you can explore the business visa options.
The cost of living in New Zealand for a single person is NZ$3,200 (€1,577.22) on average, including rent, and NZ$8,500 (€4,190.54) for a family of 4.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is another favourite country for Irish expats. It offers low crime rates, an efficient public transportation system, a thriving economy, and a good work-life balance. And English is widely spoken in most major cities.
There are several opportunities for Irish nationals in the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Utrecht are home to numerous multinational companies with constant demand for skilled labour. There are severe labour shortages in the Netherlands’ IT, healthcare, education, and construction industries.
The Netherlands is an EU member state, so you don’t need a visa to travel there or to stay as long as you want to. You can work, live, and study in the Netherlands freely without fear of losing your residence permit due to loss of employment.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is about €2,400 per month for a single person, including rent, while a family of 4 can expect to spend at least €5,500 per month.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE attracts Irish nationals looking to move abroad. It offers lots of benefits to Irish expats, including zero personal income tax and employer incentives.
Irish professionals can find employment opportunities in finance, education, healthcare, and construction. Employment contracts often include perks like higher wages, accommodation, flight tickets, health insurance, and paid vacation. However, there’s been a large influx of expats to the UAE in search of these opportunities, resulting in a highly competitive job market.
The Standard Work visa is the most popular route for relocating to the U.S. It is issued to employees of the UAE government and multinational companies, so you’ll need an employment offer to qualify. If you’re self-employed or a highly skilled independent worker (freelancer) and are financially solvent, you may qualify for the Green Visa.
The cost of living in the UAE is not much different from that of Dublin. However, housing costs are steadily increasing, particularly in the downtown areas of Business Bay and Marina.
Sweden
Sweden is one of the best places to move to from Ireland if you want to remain within Europe. It offers stunning landscapes, generous social welfare systems, clean cities, and a high quality of life. Sweden has an efficient public services system, with many services provided in English, so you won’t have a hard time settling in.
There are abundant job opportunities for Irish workers in Sweden, as the country is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled workers. The highest demand for skilled talent is in the construction, engineering, technology, clean energy, and healthcare sectors. And as an Irish national, you do not need a visa to work in Sweden.
The cost of living in Stockholm and Gothenburg can be quite expensive. A single person will need an average budget of Kr18,000 (€1,638.41) per month, including rent, while a small family of four will need about Kr50,000 (€4,551.14).
Challenges When Moving Abroad from Ireland
While moving abroad can be very exciting and provides lots of benefits, it also comes with many challenges. Some of the challenges you’ll likely encounter when you leave Ireland include:
- Culture and Language: Adjusting to a new culture doesn’t always come easy, especially when it’s very different from the Irish culture you grew up in. Even when you move to English-speaking countries, the cultural differences will still be evident, and it can be overwhelming. It will take some time to adjust and fully settle in.
- Climate: Many Irish emigrants hardly consider climatic differences when preparing to move abroad. However, moving to a place with a climate totally different from Ireland’s can affect your mood, happiness, and overall well-being, even when you’re well prepared. The difference is often stronger in reality, and you will need time to adjust.
- Employment Difficulties: There’s no guarantee that you will find employment immediately or soon after you arrive if you did not secure one before moving. Searching for suitable employment while trying to settle into a new country can be overwhelming, and it may take you a few weeks or months to secure one.
- Financial Constraints: Moving abroad is a financially taxing decision, as you may have to spend on visa and residency fees, flight tickets, accommodation, and logistics to move your belongings from Ireland to your new home. If you were unable to secure a job before moving, you’ll also need enough funds to support yourself until you find one. Plus, the cost of living may be more expensive than in Ireland.
- Difficulty Making Friends: Making friends in a new country doesn’t always come easily and may require lots of effort. It’s easier to meet people and create new connections if there’s a thriving expat community. However, you’ll still have to surmount the difficulty of making friends outside the expat community.
- Homesickness: The excitement of moving to a new country wears off fast and often results in loneliness when you start missing the loved ones you left behind. And depending on how far away you moved, visiting home often may not be possible. You’ll certainly miss important milestones like birthdays or anniversaries of your loved ones, and they’ll miss yours.
Before You Leave
Aside from securing a job, applying for visas and permits (where required), and planning relocation logistics, there are several other preparations you need to make to ensure a smooth transition and reduce the chances of future issues. You should:
- Notify the relevant institutions, such as your bank, so your transactions abroad are not flagged as fraudulent. You should also update official records with relevant Irish authorities, such as the Irish Revenue Commission.
- Research and learn about the local laws and customs of your intended new home. If possible, contact people you know who live there or have lived there to learn from their experiences.
- Arrange for necessary vaccinations and get comprehensive health insurance.
- Inform family and close friends about your plans, and provide them with an emergency contact to reach you when you move abroad.
- Make copies of your important documents, including identity documents, academic qualifications, and medical records.
- You can register your details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This will enable them to contact you in case of any unforeseen circumstance or family emergency.
- Get the address and contact details of the local Irish consulate or embassy in the country you’re moving to. If you’re a naturalised Irish citizen, you’ll need to submit a declaration of intent to retain Irish citizenship every year at the local Irish consulate if you intend to reside abroad for a long time.
How IAS Can Help You Move Abroad from Ireland
Moving abroad from Ireland, whether for study, work, or to join a family member, opens you to new opportunities and broader experiences. However, it is a significant decision that requires thorough preparation and planning. You’ll need to sort out legal requirements, documentation, and relocation logistics, which can be overwhelming without expert assistance.
The IAS team can provide the support and guidance you need to facilitate your relocation from Ireland, regardless of what country you’re moving to and your current circumstances. We’ll help collect and prepare the required documentation, complete any visa and residency applications, and provide concierge services for a seamless relocation.
Our immigration lawyers are experienced in handling complex immigration matters and are always available to help. You can reach us today at +353 (0)61 518 025 or on our website to get immediate assistance from one of our expert immigration advisors.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on November 18th, 2025 at 10:45 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
Visa requirements for Irish citizens vary by country. If you’re moving to an EU/EEA country, there are no visa requirements. Other countries, like Canada, permit visa-free visits for up to 6 months, after which you must apply for and obtain an appropriate visa/permit for long-term stay.
Portugal is a popular destination for Irish retirees due to its warm climate, affordable living costs, and outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
If you move abroad and stop being a tax resident in Ireland, you only have to pay taxes on Irish-sourced income. If you maintain your tax-resident status even though you work abroad, you’re liable for taxes on your worldwide income. However, Ireland has double taxation agreements with over 73 countries to protect from paying double taxes on the same income.
