Ireland has become a top choice for people looking to build their careers while enjoying an exceptional quality of life. With a thriving job market and major tech companies, it’s no surprise that professionals from around the world are making the move. In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn your dream into reality and what you need to know to work in Ireland.

Let’s explore the benefits of working in Ireland, what you need to qualify for, the most in-demand jobs, and some helpful tips to make your job search easier. We’ll also cover the cost of living, salaries, and the best platforms to get started. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be well on your way to landing your first job in Ireland.

What are the advantages of working in Ireland?

The biggest advantage of working in Ireland is the chance to live in a country known for its high quality of life, good salaries, and plenty of job opportunities. Finding a job here won’t be too difficult—whether you’re aiming for a local company, a global multinational, or working as a digital nomad, there are plenty of options depending on your skills and career goals. Here are the five key benefits you can expect:

1. High demand for international workers: Every year, thousands of foreigners come to Ireland, drawn by labor shortages in key fields like tech, healthcare, engineering, finance, and education. The government’s immigration policies also make it easier for foreign workers to settle and benefit from various support programs.
2. Presence of multinationals: Ireland is home to major tech giants like Google, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, making it easier to land a well-paying job with global opportunities.
3. Competitive income: Ireland has a minimum wage of $2,000 per month and much higher salaries for skilled professions.
4. Economic and labor stability: You’ll be working in a country with a strong economy, a dynamic job market, and low unemployment. Giving you greater stability and peace of mind.
5. Good quality of life: Living and working in Ireland means enjoying clean air, rich culture, safe streets, and excellent public services. In cities like Dublin, Cork, or Galway, you’ll find yourself just minutes away from nature, making it easy to balance work with a healthier, more relaxed lifestyle.

Requirements to work in Ireland

Before anything else, you’ll need to understand what it takes to work in Ireland legally. The rules vary depending on where you’re from. Ireland offers several visa options tailored to different professional backgrounds, including one for digital nomads. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll generally need to get started:

• Work visas: If you’re a citizen of the EU or the European Economic Area, you don’t need a visa to live or work in Ireland. But if you’re coming from a non-EU country you’ll need to apply for a work visa, such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit or the General Employment Permit.
• Previous job offer: For most visa types, you’ll need to have a job offer in hand before you travel. Stating your position, salary, and the length of your contract.
• Additional documentation: You’ll need a valid passport, a job offer, and either a relevant degree or proven work experience in the field.
• Registration and PPS number: Once you arrive in Ireland, you’ll need to apply for a PPS number (Personal Public Service Number). It’s essential for things like getting officially registered for work, paying taxes, and accessing social services.
• Bank account: You’ll have to open an account in an Irish bank so you can receive your monthly salary.

7 tips to start working in Ireland

Every country has its own way of posting job openings and choosing the right candidates. To improve your chances and avoid applying to dozens of jobs without success, follow these tips that can help you stand out from the crowd.

• Prepare your CV Irish style: The best approach is to use a clear, straightforward resume, skip the photo and focus on measurable achievements. Make sure to tailor it for each job you apply to, so it fits the specific role perfectly.
• Cover letter: Make sure to write a unique, personalized cover letter for each company. Show that you’ve done your homework, understand their goals, and explain how your own ambitions align with theirs.
• Social networks: You’ll find plenty of Facebook communities where people who’ve made the move to Ireland swap stories, share job opportunities, and offer advice. Perfect to get answers to any questions you might have.
• Look for temporary accommodation: You can start by renting a room temporarily until you settle in and find a job. Websites like Daft.ie and Spotahome offer plenty of options for shared apartments or entire places to rent.
• Hire the best connection: Staying connected online from the moment you arrive is crucial. Holafly’s monthly plans offer unlimited data and reliable service, helping you keep up with job listings, find your way around, and stay in touch with recruiters without any hassle.
• Driving license: Depending on your new job, you might need a valid driving permit to drive in Ireland. It’s a good idea to get an International Driving Permit in your home country and carry it along with your regular license.

Type of jobs in Ireland for foreigners

What kind of role do you want to pursue? Take some time to think about your background, skill set, and experience. If your goal is to grow professionally in Ireland, look for employers who can offer you not just a paycheck, but stability and a respected position in your field.

If you don’t have specialized training, you can start with more general roles in hospitality or logistics. While working, you can continue learning, and eventually move up to more skilled positions. Here are some of the main industries hiring in Ireland:

The most in-demand jobs in Ireland for foreigners

If you’re planning to work in Ireland, it’s helpful to know which industries are actively looking for foreign workers—either due to a shortage of qualified locals or the need for multilingual skills. The jobs listed below have the most openings, making them your best bet to achieve your goal. Take a look and see which ones might be a good fit for you:

• Multilingual customer service agent: Job openings are available in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. Your role would involve handling customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat in multiple languages, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical support across different languages.
• Software developer: These professionals are in highest demand mainly in Dublin and Galway, where they develop, test, and maintain applications. It’s also one of the better-paying jobs out there.
• Nurse or caregiver: The highest demand is in Cork, Waterford, and rural areas in the west. Your role would involve providing basic medical care, administering medication, and offering daily support to patients.
• IT support technician: Dublin and Cork require these professionals to assist users with technical or software installation problems.
• Delivery driver or warehouse worker: Most job openings are in Dublin, Limerick, and industrial areas. Your duties will include sorting packages, loading and unloading, and delivering orders.
• Teacher of a foreign language: You can find work at universities and language centers across Ireland. Your role would involve teaching, creating lesson materials, and assessing students’ progress.
• Waiter/waitress: This is a popular job for students, especially in tourist hotspots like Dublin, Galway, and Killarney. As a waiter, you’d be serving tables, helping customers, and keeping the space tidy.

Wages and cost of living in Ireland

We’ve already mentioned the great quality of life here, but it’s important to know that living costs can be quite high. Rent in Dublin can take up over 40% of your monthly income, making the city the second most expensive in Europe for rentals, right after London. For example, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $2,139 per month.

The good news is that wages tend to be higher too, especially in tech and healthcare. In 2025, the minimum monthly salary is around $2,130 before taxes, but skilled jobs can pay well over $3,500. Depending on the role you land, you might afford your own apartment or at least rent a room in a shared place.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Where to find employment opportunities in Ireland?

Ready to kick off your job hunt in Ireland? The first step is knowing where to look. There are plenty of online platforms like Jobs.ie, IrishJobs.ie, Indeed Ireland, and LinkedIn, where companies regularly post openings. You can filter by location, experience level, and contract type to find roles that match what you’re looking for.

You can also go through traditional recruitment agencies like Adecco Ireland, Manpower, or CPL Resources. They act as a bridge between employers and job seekers, and can help you fine-tune your CV, prep for interviews, and guide you through the steps to land a job more quickly.

There are also special programs run by the Irish government or the EU, like seasonal jobs in farming or tourism, perfect for something short-term. You’ll find these, along with official job listings, work programs, grants, and incentives for international workers, on Ireland’s official government site. So, with plenty of opportunities out there, it’s just a matter of sending that first application and seeing where it takes you. Best of luck as you start your adventure!

Frequently asked questions about how to work in Ireland

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Paula Henderson

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