Ireland digital nomad visa: Requirements, benefits, and how to apply

Dreaming of working remotely from the rolling green hills of Ireland? While Ireland doesn’t offer a formal digital nomad visa, remote workers can still live and work there legally through a variety of other visa pathways. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or business owner, there are options to base yourself in Ireland while staying compliant with immigration laws.

This guide breaks down everything HR managers and remote workers need to know about how to get a work visa in Ireland, including eligibility, application steps, and tips for relocation.

Does Ireland have a digital nomad visa?

As of now, Ireland does not offer a specific digital nomad visa like those available in other countries such as Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Greece, or Italy. However, that doesn’t mean remote workers are out of options. Depending on your nationality, employment situation, and length of stay, there are still viable ways to live and work remotely from Ireland.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, relocating is relatively straightforward thanks to the freedom of movement agreements. These individuals can live and work in Ireland without needing a visa or special permit.

Non-EU citizens face more restrictions but may still be able to reside in Ireland through alternative visa types: 

• Stamp 0 visa: A common option designed for people with independent means or those working remotely for a non-Irish employer. 

• Short Stay ‘C’ Visa: An option for temporary stays (up to 90 days), though this doesn’t officially allow remote work.

In some cases, individuals working for multinational companies may qualify for intra-company transfer permits or contractor-based permissions.

While not tailored specifically for digital nomads, these immigration pathways can make it possible to legally live in Ireland while working remotely, provided applicants meet the visa conditions and do not engage with the Irish labor market.

Work permits and visas for remote workers in Ireland

Even though Ireland doesn’t offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, several visa types and residency permits may allow remote workers to stay legally, depending on their nationality, financial situation, and the nature of their work. Below are the most relevant options for remote workers considering a move to Ireland.

Stamp 0 visa

The Stamp 0 visa is a temporary residence permission for individuals who want to live in Ireland without taking up local employment. It’s often used by retirees, individuals with independent income, or people working for non-Irish employers.

How to apply for the Stamp 0 visa

You’ll need to submit your application to the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) before entering Ireland. The application must include documentation about your income, purpose of stay, health insurance, and accommodation plans. Each case is reviewed individually.

Stamp 0 visa requirements

• A minimum annual income of around €50,000 from outside Ireland

• Private medical insurance valid in Ireland

• Proof of remote employment, pension, or passive income

• A written commitment not to take up work for Irish employers

• Evidence of accommodation and intended length of stay

Stamp 0 permission is typically granted for 1 year and can be renewed, but it does not lead to long-term residency or citizenship.

Tourist visa (short stay C)

If you're planning to work remotely in Ireland for a short period, the Short Stay C visa may be an option. This visa allows you to remain in the country for up to 90 days but does not permit you to take up employment or use public services.

How to apply for the tourist visa

Applications are submitted online through the AVATS system and finalized by providing supporting documents to your local Irish embassy or consulate.

Tourist visa requirements

• Valid passport with sufficient validity

• Evidence of travel insurance

• Proof of return travel and sufficient funds

• Accommodation details

• Letter explaining the purpose of your visit

Although remote work is not officially recognized on this visa, many short-term visitors do continue their foreign employment while in Ireland, as long as it doesn't involve Irish clients or employers.

Intra-company transfer or contractor visa

If you're working for a global company with a presence in Ireland, you may qualify for an intra-company transfer permit. Alternatively, contractors offering services to Irish companies may be eligible for certain employment permits.

How to apply for the intra-company transfer or contractor visa

These permits are usually requested by the sponsoring employer through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). Applicants will need to meet salary and qualification thresholds depending on the permit type.

Intra-company transfer or contractor visa requirements

• A job offer or formal contract from a sponsoring employer

• Proof of relevant experience or educational background

• Minimum salary requirements (varies by permit type)

• Supporting documents from both the applicant and employer

These permits are more structured and typically tied to a specific role within a company, so they are best suited for professionals already working within an international business environment.

Long-term residency as an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

Citizens from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland have the right to live and work in Ireland without a visa due to freedom of movement agreements. This is the most flexible option available for digital nomads from these regions.

How to apply for the long-term residency visa

Technically, no visa application is required. However, residents planning to stay longer than three months should register with the local immigration office and may be asked to show proof of employment or sufficient financial means.

Long-term residency visa requirements

• Valid passport or national ID

• Evidence of remote income, savings, or employment

• Health insurance coverage may be requested

• Proof of accommodation

This option allows digital nomads to reside in Ireland without the need for a traditional work permit and is ideal for freelancers or remote employees from the EU or EEA.

How the Irish digital nomad path works

Although Ireland doesn’t have a dedicated digital nomad visa, remote workers can still establish a legal and comfortable base in the country by following the appropriate steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to consider if you're planning to live and work remotely from Ireland.

Choose the most suitable visa option

The first step is identifying which visa or residency permission fits your situation. Non-EU/EEA citizens might explore the Stamp 0 visa for low-impact residency, while EU/EEA nationals can move freely without a visa. If you're only staying for a short period, a Short Stay C tourist visa may work, but be aware of its limitations. If your employer has an Irish branch, an intra-company transfer permit may also apply.

Meet income and insurance requirements

To be approved for a longer-term stay, you’ll likely need to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially. For example, the Stamp 0 visa generally requires a minimum annual income of around €50,000 from non-Irish sources. You’ll also need private health insurance that covers your time in Ireland, as you won’t be eligible for public healthcare.

Find accommodation in Ireland

Before applying for most long-term permissions, you’ll need to secure housing. This could be a short-term rental, long-term lease, or even a letter of accommodation from a host. Having a clear accommodation plan strengthens your application and makes your transition to Irish life smoother.

Open a local bank account (optional)

While it’s not a requirement for all visa types, having an Irish bank account can make it easier to pay rent, handle utilities, and manage everyday expenses. To open one, you’ll typically need a valid passport and proof of address, such as a lease agreement or utility bill.

Prepare for tax residency rules

If you spend more than 183 days in Ireland within a tax year, you may be considered a tax resident and required to pay taxes locally. Ireland taxes are based on residency, not citizenship, so it’s important to understand your obligations ahead of time. You may also need to look into double taxation agreements between Ireland and your home country.

Understand local employment restrictions

Remote workers on the Stamp 0 visa or tourist visa are not permitted to work for Irish employers or enter the local job market. Your income must come from outside Ireland—typically through freelance work, contract jobs, or salaried employment with a non-Irish company. If you're caught working without the appropriate permit, your visa may be revoked.

Who is eligible for remote work in Ireland?

Even without a formal digital nomad visa, several groups of people can still legally work remotely from Ireland, either through visa-free travel, temporary residence permissions, or other visa types. Eligibility depends on your nationality, employment status, and source of income.

Here are the main categories of people who can work remotely while living in Ireland:

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals

Citizens of EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland can move to Ireland freely without a visa, thanks to the right of freedom of movement. They are allowed to live, work, or study in Ireland without applying for residency permits or work visas. This makes Ireland an attractive destination for remote workers from within the EU.

Documentation you may need:

• Valid passport or national ID

• Proof of income or employment

• Private health insurance (recommended)

Self-employed freelancers

Freelancers earning income from clients based outside of Ireland may be able to live in the country under the Stamp 0 visa, as long as they meet income thresholds and agree not to work for Irish clients or businesses. This category works well for digital nomads with international contracts or passive income.

Documentation you may need:

• Proof of non-Irish income

• Private medical insurance

• Evidence of accommodation

• Clear explanation of your remote work setup

Remote employees of foreign companies

If you’re employed by a company based outside Ireland and can perform your job from anywhere, you may be eligible to stay under the Stamp 0 visa or as a short-term visitor. It’s important that your employer is not Irish and that your role doesn’t involve engaging with the local labor market.

Documentation you may need:

• Employment contract or letter from employer

• Income statements or payslips

• Health insurance and housing details

Entrepreneurs or individuals with passive income

People who earn income from investments, pensions, or other passive sources may qualify for Stamp 0 residency as long as they can prove financial self-sufficiency. This option is often used by semi-retired individuals or business owners who manage operations remotely.

Documentation you may need:

• Proof of investment or pension income

• Bank statements

• Health insurance coverage

• Accommodation plan

Intra-company transferees and contractors

If your company has a presence in Ireland or you’re providing services to an Irish client through a valid contract, you may be able to apply for a specific employment permit such as an intra-company transfer or contractor visa. These typically require a job offer or service agreement and meet salary thresholds.

Documentation you may need:

• Contract with Irish-based entity

• Employer or client support letter

• Salary and qualification documentation

• Proof of relevant experience

Understanding your eligibility is the first step to working remotely from Ireland. Always confirm the most current visa requirements with the Irish Immigration Service before making plans to relocate.

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Benefits of living in Ireland as a digital nomad

Ireland is a popular and practical destination for remote workers, thanks to its modern infrastructure, strong economy, and high quality of life. Here are some of the top reasons why digital nomads choose to base themselves in Ireland:

English-speaking country

Ireland is one of the few English-speaking nations in the EU, making it an easy transition for remote workers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. There’s no language barrier when navigating everyday tasks, business communication, or legal processes.

Strong tech and startup ecosystem

Ireland has established itself as a European tech hub, home to the European headquarters of companies like Google, Meta, and Apple. Its vibrant startup culture, particularly in cities like Dublin and Cork, makes it a great place for networking, innovation, and professional growth, even for those working remotely.

Easy access to EU travel

Ireland’s location makes it an excellent launchpad for travel throughout Europe. With major airports offering frequent low-cost flights, it’s easy to explore neighboring countries on weekends or holidays—all without long-haul travel.

High quality of life and healthcare

Ireland consistently ranks high for quality of life, offering access to clean air, beautiful natural scenery, and a strong public safety record. While public healthcare access may be limited for short-term residents or non-EU nationals, private health services are widely available and of high quality.

Reliable internet and infrastructure

Ireland boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including fast and reliable internet, essential for digital nomads. Whether you’re working from a café in Galway or a co-working space in Dublin, you can expect dependable connectivity and modern amenities.

From the ease of communication to the cultural richness and travel opportunities, Ireland provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for remote workers looking to live abroad while staying professionally productive.

Hire employees and contractors in Ireland with Rippling

Whether you're expanding your team or supporting remote workers based in Ireland, Rippling's global hiring software makes it easy to hire, manage, and pay employees and contractors without setting up a local entity.

Through Rippling’s Employer of Record (EOR) services and Global HRIS solutions, you can:

• Automatically generate compliant offer letters and contracts tailored to Irish labor laws

• Run global payroll in EUR and pay Irish employees and contractors on time

• Provide localized benefits and track time off, sick leave, and holidays

• Manage equipment, apps, and onboarding from a single platform

All of this is managed through one unified system that connects HR, IT, and finance, giving you real-time visibility and control across every country where you operate.

No matter where your team is based, Rippling gives you one unified system to manage your global workforce.

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Ireland digital nomad visa FAQs

What is the easiest digital nomad visa in Europe?

Countries like Portugal, Croatia, and Estonia offer dedicated digital nomad visa programs with relatively clear requirements and application processes. While Ireland's nomad visa options are more limited, alternatives like the Stamp 0 visa make it possible to live in Ireland legally while working for a non-Irish employer.

Does Ireland accept US citizens?

Yes. US citizens can enter Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days under the Short Stay ‘C’ visa exemption. For longer stays, they may apply for a Stamp 0 visa or other permissions that allow remote work. It's important to ensure your income is sourced from outside Ireland to comply with visa conditions.

Can I get a work visa for Ireland without a job offer?

Most traditional Irish work permits require a job offer from an Irish employer. However, if you're a remote worker employed by a company based outside Ireland, or a freelancer, you may be able to stay under the Ireland remote work visa alternatives like the Stamp 0 or long-stay permissions. These are not true digital nomad visa Ireland programs, but they serve similar purposes.

Do I have to pay Irish taxes as a digital nomad?

If you spend more than 183 days in Ireland in a tax year, you may become a tax resident. That means you could be required to pay taxes on your global income. Be sure to check Ireland’s tax treaties with your home country and consult a tax advisor to understand your obligations as a digital nomad in Ireland.