7 Steps to Immigrate to Ireland With Family to Start Working in 2026 after New Policy Implementation – YOA

If you’re dreaming of constructing a brand new life in Ireland — one in all Europe’s most dynamic, protected, and alternative-crammed international locations — now is perhaps your greatest shot. Thanks to the brand new insurance policies rolled out in 2025, Ireland has made it simpler for expert staff from around the globe to immigrate, discover work, and even deliver their households alongside for the journey.

Whether you’re a healthcare employee, an engineer, a tech professional, or just keen to begin a greater life, this information breaks all of it down for you step-by-step.

What’s New for 2026 Applicants? (Policy Highlights)

Step 1: Find a Job in Ireland

Why begin with a job? Because most work visas in Ireland are employer-sponsored — your application begins with a real job supply.

Where to Find Jobs:

• • JobsIreland.ie – Ireland’s official job portal.
  • IrishJobs.ie – One of the most important recruitment websites.
  • EURES – European-wide platform with Irish employer listings.
  • LinkedIn & Indeed Ireland – Filter by visa-sponsoring employers.
  • Specialist Recruiters – For roles in nursing, tech, or expert trades.

Tip: Focus on industries like:

• • Healthcare (nurses, care staff, medical technicians)
  • Engineering & IT (software program, mechanical, civil)
  • Hospitality & Food Services
  • Construction & Skilled Trades
  • Financial Services.

Step 2: Apply for the Right Type of Irish Work Visa

Once you’ve landed a job supply, it’s time to apply in your work allow. Ireland presently gives two main classes:

1# Critical Skills Employment Permit

Perfect for:

• • Roles with a nationwide abilities scarcity (engineers, docs, ICT consultants, and so forth.)
  • Jobs that pay €38,000+ (graduates) or €64,000+ (others)

Perks:

• • Fast-track to everlasting residency (Stamp 4 after 2 years)
  • Spouse can work full-time while not having their very own work allow.

Apply: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/critical-skills-employment-permit/.

2# General Employment Permit

Suitable for:

• • Jobs not on the important abilities checklist
  • Minimum wage: €30,000–€39,000 relying on the position.

Note: This kind often requires your employer to cross a Labour Market Needs Test — exhibiting no native or EU employee is out there for the job.

Apply: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/permit-types/general-employment-permit/.

Step 3: Submit Your Employment Permit Application

Process Overview:

1. 1. Employer applies by means of Ireland’s Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).
   2. You could also be required to submit supporting paperwork (passport, contract, tutorial credentials).
   3. Once permitted, you’ll obtain a allow letter to transfer on to the visa stage.

Processing Time: 4–8 weeks for many permits.

Step 4: Apply for an Irish Work Visa (Long Stay D Visa)

Once your allow is permitted, apply in your visa to enter Ireland.

Requirements:

• • Work allow approval letter
  • Passport (legitimate 12+ months)
  • Employment contract
  • Recent photographs (passport-measurement)
  • Proof of lodging
  • Proof of funds or wage assertion

Application Method: Online by means of the AVATS portal https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/.

Fee: €60–€100 relying on single or a number of entry.

Step 5: Bring Your Family Along

Ireland is household-pleasant, and 2025 insurance policies have strengthened this much more.

Spouse & Children Can:

• • Apply underneath Join Family visa class (Ref)
  • Apply for dependent work allow or(*7*) (spouses of important abilities allow holders can work with out restriction)
  • Study in Irish faculties (youngsters) or pursue increased schooling.

Documents Needed:

• • Marriage certificates or start certificates
  • Proof of relationship
  • Your legitimate work allow and earnings
  • Proof of Irish tackle or lodging.

Step 6: Arrive in Ireland & Get Your Residence Permission

After arriving:

1. 1. Register with Irish immigration (GNIB/INIS) inside 90 days.
   2. You’ll be issued a residence allow (often Stamp 1 or Stamp 4).
   3. This card permits you to legally reside and work in Ireland and can be wanted for many official duties.

Step 7: Settle Down and Plan for Long-Term Residency

After 2 Years on a Critical Skills Permit: You change into eligible for Stamp 4, which permits you to work and not using a allow and apply for many social advantages.

After 5 Years of Legal Residency: You can apply for Long-Term Residency and even Irish Citizenship (topic to language, conduct, and residence necessities).

✅ Summary Checklist

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