Ireland is very international as it has 650,000 foreigners in a country of 5 million people. In general, expats going to Irish lands are looking for good quality of life and job opportunities and are attracted by its open culture to immigrants. That has been highlighted recently after the Covid-19 recovery as the country has expanded eligibility criteria for multiple-entry visas.
One of the biggest international communities in Ireland is Brazilian. The number of expats from Brazil living in Ireland has more than quintupled in the last six years. In 2016, there were 13,600 people, according to the local census. Today, according to estimates prepared by the Brazilian Embassy in Dublin, that number reaches 70,000. Some other largest immigrant groups, with over 10,000 people, are Poles, Lithuanians, Romanians, Latvians, Indians, Americans, Spanish, Italians, French, Germans, and the British. The open labour market and the possibility of working on a student visa are major attractions in Ireland.
Changes in entry visas
The Irish government has made five-year multiple-entry short-stay visas available to all foreign nationals needing a visa, which previously were only available for Chinese nationals. Expanded eligibility criteria for multiple-entry visas will broaden the pool of entrants with business visas and other short-term immigration statuses, expanding business opportunities in Ireland. Also, foreign nationals with a travel history to several countries other than Ireland can now apply for a multiple-entry visa to Ireland. Previously, travellers generally had to have a compliant Irish immigration history to qualify for a multiple-entry visa. These changes are in line with the government's efforts to make the visa system and travel to Ireland more convenient, especially considering the country's post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.
The expanded eligibility for the five-year multiple-entry short-stay visa will reduce the need for frequent travellers to Ireland to apply for multiple visas, saving costs and administrative hurdles. Besides, visa decisions and validity periods will remain a matter of discretion of each visa officer. However, for expats intending to work in Ireland, there is still the need to apply for work authorization in most circumstances. Visa-exempt nationals are not affected by this change, as no visa is required for business or short-stay entry for these nationals as EU citizens.
Why are expats moving to Ireland?
Ireland is seen as an alternative destination to the United Kingdom after Brexit, as many expats find the country's current visa politics more difficult, especially in finding a job.
English courses: student visa
There is a huge offer of English courses, which attract hundreds of expats every month. According to some of these immigrants, in addition to the lower cost compared to other nations that also offer language classes, Ireland stands out for providing a type of study visa that allows them to work part-time or 20 hours a week. This type of visa, called Stamp 2, can be taken directly in Ireland right after arrival, as long as the foreigner proves his enrollment in a course lasting at least 25 weeks and a reserve of 3000 euros when passing through immigration.
Salary
Furthermore, Ireland has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe, ahead of countries like Portugal and Spain. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, per hour, each worker receives a minimum of 10.50 euros. English also attracts many foreigners who already speak the country's official language and wish to live in Europe but do not want to venture into the continent's other languages.
Work
In addition to the good salaries, the ease of finding a job also dazzles many expatriates who want to try living abroad. According to the 2021 survey conducted by E-Dublin, 39% of respondents were able to find a job within a month or less of arriving in Ireland. Another 37% were employed within three months.
Residency
For those who decided to adventure without papers, the Irish government brought good news in early 2022. The Ministry of Justice opened applications on January 31 for illegal immigrants who have lived in the country for more than four years (or three, in the case of families with minor children) to be regularized. Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2022, and expats will earn an immigration permit with unrestricted access to the labour market.
