Many people look at Ireland because it is an English-speaking country inside the European Union. A number of international technology, pharmaceutical, medical device and financial services companies run large operations there, so the work environment will feel familiar if you have worked for a multinational before. Most work routes start with a job offer, which makes Ireland a practical option if your skills are in demand with Irish employers.
Families weigh the longer view. After a qualifying period on an employment permit, you can move to Stamp 4 permission, which lets you work without a permit. Time lived in Ireland on most work and family permissions can later count towards citizenship by naturalisation, and Irish citizenship carries the rights of EU citizenship. When you hold the right permission, your spouse or partner and children can join you, and children can attend local schools.
Students consider Irish universities and colleges for recognised qualifications taught in English, and for the Third Level Graduate Programme, which lets eligible graduates stay on to look for work. Ireland has tightened several rules recently, including family reunification conditions, rising salary thresholds for employment permits and proposed changes to citizenship. It is worth checking your profile carefully before you commit time and money.
