Ireland is a dreamlike country, blessed with lush greenery, facing the ocean, home to fairytale-like enchanted forests, yet not lacking the vibrancy and bustle of big cities… Such a country has become increasingly popular among international students. This is not just because Ireland is an English-speaking country, nor solely because studying in Ireland is relatively affordable, but more because of Ireland’s rich culture.
Attracted by Ireland’s development and limitless employment prospects, more and more international students are choosing to stay in the country.
Today, we have compiled information on how students can obtain permanent residency in Ireland through studying abroad, helping everyone pursue the lifestyle they desire.
Ireland offers many pathways to immigration, but most require substantial financial investment. For international students, the most practical way is through personal effort—study → work → immigrate. This path is known as “skilled migration.” Let’s take a closer look!
How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Ireland
International students studying in Ireland can apply for a Graduate Work Visa (Stamp 1G) after graduation. Undergraduates receive a 1-year work visa, while postgraduates receive a 2-year work visa. During this time, students can live legally in Ireland and have ample time to find employment.
Once a job is secured, students can work with their company to apply for a formal work visa (Stamp 1). There are two types of work visas, and the pathway to permanent residency differs for each:
General Work Visa
This visa is renewed annually. After 5 years, it can be converted to a long-term residence visa (Stamp 4). However, it must be tied to the employer, meaning that if you change your job, you need to reapply.
Critical Skills Work Visa
This visa targets roles in high-demand sectors. After 2 years, it can be converted to a long-term residence visa (Stamp 4). Unlike the general work visa, it does not require employer binding, so changing jobs or leaving work does not affect your status. Additionally, spouses of Critical Skills visa holders can also work and live legally in Ireland.
Eligibility requirements for the Critical Skills Work Visa:
- Job must be listed on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List, with a minimum annual salary of €38,000, and the applicant must hold a relevant degree.
- Nurses or midwives (no salary limit) must have recognized qualifications and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
- Professions with a salary above €64,000 (not necessarily on the Critical Skills List).
Note: Occupations that are against public interest or listed under “ineligible employment categories” are excluded. Details:
Ineligible Categories of Employment
Non-EU applicants without relevant degrees must have the necessary experience.
Critical Skills Occupations List
Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List covers 22 professional categories, each with multiple job roles. Below is the April 2025 version. Please refer to the official website for updates.
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Production Management
- Production Managers and Supervisors
- Site Managers
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ICT Professionals
- IT and Telecom Managers
- IT Specialists/Managers
- BIM Managers
- IT Project and Program Managers
- Business Analysts, IT Architects, and System Designers
- Programmers and Software Developers
- Web Designers and Developers
- Other ICT Professionals
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Health and Social Service Management
- Senior Health and Public Health Managers
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Agriculture-Related Management
- Professional Foresters, Resource Modellers, Geospatial Analysts
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Natural and Social Science Professionals
- Meteorologists
- Business Forecasters
- Chemists, Biologists, Biochemists, and Physicists in Manufacturing, Product Development, Clinical Pharmacovigilance, or Biotechnology
- Medical Laboratory Scientists
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Engineering Professionals
- Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic Engineers
- Design & Development Engineers
- Production & Process Engineers
- Materials Scientists, Surveyors, Project Engineers, Chemical Engineers
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Health Professionals
- Doctors, Psychologists, Pharmacists, Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, Audiologists, Gastrointestinal Technologists, Perfusionists, Nutritionists, Medical Scientists, Cardiac Physiologists, Podiatrists
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Therapists
- Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Orthotists
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Nursing and Midwifery
- Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives
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Teaching and Education Professionals
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Business, Research, and Administrative Professionals
- Chartered Accountants, Tax Specialists, Auditors, Actuaries, Financial Analysts, and Management Consultants
- Architects, Town Planners, and Surveyors
- Architects, Town Planners, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers
- Welfare Professionals
- Social Workers
- Quality and Regulatory Professionals
- Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Environmental Health Specialists
- Media Professionals
- 2D/3D Animation Art Directors
- Drafters and Related Technicians
- BIM Coordinators/Technicians
- Health Support Professionals
- PHECC Registered Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Respiratory Physiologists
- Arts, Literature, and Media
- 2D/3D Animation Background & Design Artists
- Design Professions
- Animation Layout, Props, Character, and Position Designers
- Sports and Fitness Professionals
- High-performance coaches and supervisors in recognized sports organizations
- Business, Finance, and Related Professionals
- Estimators
- Sales, Marketing, and Related Professionals
- International Sales Managers, IT B2B Sales Specialists, International Marketing Experts
More details:
Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List
This list shows that Ireland is very student-friendly, covering many majors such as IT, engineering, business, food science, Chinese language, and nursing, giving international students ample opportunities to develop their careers in Ireland.
Living in Ireland as an Immigrant
Apart from great career prospects, Ireland is also an excellent country to live in.
1. Education and Healthcare
Ireland is a high-welfare country. Public education and healthcare are free. Irish education is world-class.
2. Cost of Living
Although incomes are relatively high, daily expenses are reasonable. For example, 1L of milk costs about €1, and 900g of chicken wings about €2. Public primary and secondary education is free, and private schools are relatively affordable.
3. Food Safety
Ireland ranked first globally in food safety in 2021, thanks to its vast pastures, abundant sunlight, clean air, and unpolluted water. Irish agricultural products are exported to nearly 200 countries. According to reports, Ireland scores over 92 in both food affordability and safety, allowing residents to enjoy high-quality food at low costs.
As a world-renowned livestock country, Ireland produces top-quality beef and lamb. Ireland’s food industry is among the most strictly inspected globally, with every step carefully monitored—from animal health to export safety. Meat packaging often bears the “100% Irish Beef” label, guaranteeing quality.
4. Living Environment
Ireland is very livable. The climate is temperate maritime. The coldest months are January and February, averaging 4–7°C; the warmest months are July and August, averaging 14–16°C. Extreme temperatures below -10°C or above 30°C are rare.
Additionally, Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world, with friendly locals. Evenings are often spent with friends drinking, chatting, singing, and dancing, enjoying life fully.
5. Scenic Beauty
Ireland covers over 70,000 km², with a population of under 5 million. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Irish Sea to the east, with the UK across the sea. Ireland’s natural environment is stunning, with lush greenery and rivers everywhere. The shamrock is Ireland’s national flower. Popular destinations include the Dingle Peninsula, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and Donegal beaches.
Every visit offers a unique experience. Many iconic films have been shot in Ireland, including Braveheart, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones.