Moving to a new country with your family can be both thrilling and tough. Ireland, with its beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and strong economy is a great place for families wanting to begin a new life.
This guide will explain how to move to Ireland with your family using visa sponsorship in easy steps. You’ll learn what to do, what visa choices you have, and how to make the move smooth for everyone.
Why Pick Ireland for Your Family?
Ireland has a great quality of life, good schools, and a friendly vibe for newcomers. It has plenty of jobs, especially in tech, healthcare, and engineering, which makes finding visa sponsorship easier. Also, Ireland’s family-friendly rules and English-speaking people make it a perfect spot for families to settle.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to move to Ireland with your family on visa sponsorship.
Step 1: What is Visa Sponsorship in Ireland?
Visa sponsorship means someone in Ireland, like an employer or family member, helps you get permission to live and work there. For most families, the main way is through a job-based visa. Ireland has a few visa types, like:
General Employment Permit: For jobs paying at least €30,000 a year.
Critical Skills Employment Permit: For high-skill jobs (like IT or nursing) paying €32,000 or more.
Dependant/Partner/Spouse Permit: Lets family members of visa holders work in Ireland.
These permits let you bring your spouse, kids, or other dependents. Ireland makes it simpler than some countries for families to join the main visa holder.
Step 2: Get a Job with Visa Sponsorship
To move to Ireland with your family, you first need a job that offers visa sponsorship. Many Irish companies hire skilled workers from outside the European Union (EU). Here’s how to start:
Look for Jobs: Check sites like Indeed.ie, LinkedIn, or Jobs.ie for openings.
Focus on Popular Fields: Tech, healthcare, and finance are big in Ireland. Jobs like nurses, software developers, or engineers often get sponsorship.
Apply and Interview: Make your resume short (1-2 pages) and get ready for video interviews. If asked, mention you’re moving with your family.
Get a Job Offer: When you get an offer, your employer will help apply for your work permit. This is the key to visa sponsorship.
Tip: Look at Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List to see if your job qualifies for a permit.
Step 3: Apply for Visas
Once your work permit is ready, you need a visa to enter Ireland. Your family will need visas too. Here’s what to do:
Long-Stay ‘D’ Visa: Intended for individuals planning to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days. You must apply through the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Documents You Need:
Passports for everyone in your family.
Your job offer and work permit.
Proof of family ties (like a marriage certificate or kids’ birth certificates).
Bank statements showing you can support your family.
Health insurance for all.
Processing Time: It can take 4-12 weeks, so apply early.
Once approved, you’ll receive a visa allowing you to enter Ireland. Upon arrival, you’ll need to register for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) to remain in the country long-term.
Step 4: Plan Your Family’s Move
Moving to Ireland with your family is more than just paperwork. You need to plan for housing, schools, and daily life. Here’s how:
Find a Home:
Good Areas: Dublin, Cork, and Galway are family-friendly. Dublin costs more but has more jobs.
Start with Renting: Look for short-term rentals on sites like Daft.ie. A 3-bedroom house might cost €1,500-€2,500 a month.
Utilities: Plan for €150-€200 a month for electricity, heat, and internet.
Get Kids into School:
Public schools are free for kids aged 6-16.
Find schools near your home and ask about signing up.
Bring your kids’ school records and birth certificates.
Healthcare:
Ireland has public and private healthcare. Your job might give you private insurance for quicker care.
Sign up with a local doctor (GP) when you arrive.
Step 5: Arrive and Get Settled
When your visas are ready, book flights and head to Ireland. Here’s what to do next:
Register with Immigration: Within 90 days, go to an immigration office to get your IRP card. It costs €300 per person.
Open a Bank Account: You’ll need one for your salary and bills. Try banks like AIB or Bank of Ireland.
Get a PPS Number: This is like a social security number for taxes, healthcare, and schools.
Your spouse and kids can apply for their own permits if needed. For example, your spouse can work with a Spouse/Dependant Permit without a separate sponsor.
Step 6: Start Your New Life in Ireland
After moving, focus on settling in. Join local groups, visit parks, and try Irish activities like Gaelic football or a pub visit (for grown-ups!).
In time, you might get Stamp 4 (after 2 years on a Critical Skills Permit) or permanent residency, giving your family more security in Ireland.
Conclusion
Moving to Ireland with your family on visa sponsorship takes effort, but it’s worth it. Start with a job that sponsors your visa, get the right visas, and plan your family’s move. Ireland’s beauty, jobs, and friendly people make it a great home. Take it step by step, and you’ll soon be settled in Ireland.
Read more on other relevant article: How to Apply for Social Media Manager Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
