Ireland Digital Nomad Visa: Application and Requirements

Ireland doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa. If you’ve been Googling around, you’ve probably noticed that every website says something slightly different. I remember feeling confused the first time I looked into living there while working remotely.

However, you can still legally live and work remotely from Ireland, just not through a dedicated digital nomad visa.

Instead, Ireland offers a few alternative pathways for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers. In this guide, I’ll break down all viable options, including Stamp 0, short-stay visas, and other permits.

Does Ireland Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Ireland currently doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa, and many guides get this wrong or mix up visa categories.

Still, remote workers can legally stay through other permission types, such as Stamp 0 or short-stay visas.

Because Ireland isn’t part of Schengen, it follows its own entry rules, so stays and conditions are handled separately from the rest of Europe.

Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Ireland

Even without a digital nomad visa, you still have several ways to stay in Ireland legally. Here’s the full breakdown, starting with the simplest path.

1. EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens (Freedom of Movement)

If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, it’s pretty easy to relocate to Ireland. You don’t need a visa, and you’re free to live, work remotely, freelance, or settle long-term with almost no restrictions.

You should register your residence if you stay longer than 3 months. You’ll be required to present your passport, proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation details (if asked). It’s usually a quick and easy process.

2. Stamp 0 (Most Relevant for Digital Nomads)

Stamp 0 is the closest thing Ireland has to a digital nomad visa, but it’s more restrictive. It gives you temporary, low-impact residency for one year at a time.

You can live in Ireland and work remotely for clients or companies abroad, but you must not work for Irish companies. It’s perfect for freelancers and remote employees with foreign income.

To qualify, you need an income of around €50,000 per year from non-Irish sources, plus private health insurance and proof of sufficient savings to cover your stay. Authorities may also ask for proof of accommodation and a written declaration confirming you won’t take Irish employment.

You must apply before entering Ireland. If approved, you’ll get permission to live in Ireland and renew it yearly. Just keep in mind that Stamp 0 doesn’t lead to long-term residency. And if you stay more than 183 days in a year, you’ll have tax implications.

3. Short Stay “C” Visa (Up to 90 Days)

If you only want to stay in Ireland for a few weeks or a couple of months while working remotely, a Short Stay “C” Visa can work. It doesn’t officially authorize remote work, but many short-term nomads use it as long as their income comes from outside of Ireland.

It allows visits of up to 90 days. You’ll need proof of funds, travel insurance, a return ticket, and confirmed accommodation. If you’re from a visa-exempt country like the US, Canada, or Australia, you don’t need to apply for this visa.

Ireland Digital Nomad Visa Requirements (By Path)

Although Ireland doesn’t offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, most alternative pathways share similar requirements. Here’s what you’ll need depending on the permission you’re applying for:

General Requirements

• Proof of income from non-Irish sources: Essential for Stamp 0.
• Health insurance: It must cover your entire stay.
• Valid passport: Ideally with 6+ months validity.
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings or a rental contract.
• Clean financial record: Make sure there are no major issues.
• No engagement with local labour market: Applies to all people using the Stamp 0 or short-stay routes.

Extra Requirements for Stamp 0

• Around €50,000 yearly income, from non-Irish sources.
• Proof of savings
• Written declaration that you won’t take Irish employment.
• Application submitted before entering Ireland.

Extra Requirements for Short-Stay Visitors (Visa or Visa-Free)

• Return ticket
• Visa application (if applicable)
• Proof of funds for the duration of your stay
• Purpose of visit

How to Apply for the Ireland Remote Work Visa Options

The process depends on your nationality and what path you’re using. Some people can just show up, while others need to apply weeks in advance. Here’s how it works for each group.

For visa-exempt nationals

• You can enter Ireland freely without applying for a visa in advance.
• You can stay up to 90 days.
• You can work remotely for a non-Irish employer.
• Extensions aren’t guaranteed, unless you have a valid reason.

For Short-Stay “C” Visa applicants

• Apply through AVATS, Ireland’s online visa system.
• Submit your documents (funds, accommodation, insurance, return ticket) to your local embassy or consulate.
• Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks, so don’t leave it for the last minute.

For Stamp 0

• You must apply for your Stamp 0 visa before you arrive in Ireland.
• Prepare your documents (cover letter, income proof, insurance, accommodation).
• Wait for approval.
• Once approved, you can travel to Ireland and get your Stamp 0 once you arrive.

Benefits of Living in Ireland as a Digital Nomad

Ireland is one of those places that feels easy to settle into, even if you’ve never lived abroad before. It’s English-speaking, laid-back, and the culture is very friendly, which already takes half the stress of moving as a digital nomad.

You’ll also find a vibrant tech scene, especially in Dublin, so it’s a great place to meet other remote workers, creatives or startup people.

Ireland’s also a great base for traveling. You can hop to London, Paris, Amsterdam, or almost anywhere in Europe in less than 2 hours. Easy spontaneous trips any weekend.

Internet speeds are strong and solid across most cities, and fibre is pretty common. It’s reliable enough that you won’t be stressing about your Zoom calls dropping.

After work, the quality of life is one of the biggest perks. You’ve got green landscapes everywhere, coastal walks, forests, and parks that make it easy to disconnect. Even if you’re not a big hiker like me, you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Safety is another plus. Ireland's cities feel comfortable to move around, even if you’re on your own.

And, of course, there’s the culture: art, music, pubs, festivals... If community is important to you, Ireland makes it pretty easy to find your people.

Things to Know Before Working Remotely from Ireland

Ireland is an amazing place to base yourself, but it helps to arrive with clear expectations. A couple of things surprised me when I first researched working remotely here, so here’s what you should know before making the move.

Ireland is expensive. The cost of living, particularly in bigger cities like Dublin, is high compared to many European countries. Rent, groceries, transportation, and even eating out add up fast. Something to consider when you’re working on your digital nomad budget.

There’s also a housing shortage, so finding a long-term rental takes time and patience. Short-term stays are easier, but pricey. Make sure to book early if you’re coming during summer or around big events.

The weather isn’t the best: expect rain, winds, clouds, and unpredictable temperature swings. You’ll get lovely days too, but it can be unexpected. Bring a good jacket, you’ll thank me later.

Cafés are work-friendly. Ireland has a great café culture, and many places are comfortable with people working on laptops for a few hours. It’s not Bali, but you’ll find good setups in most cities.

There are plenty of good cities to choose from as a digital nomad base. Dublin has the infrastructure and job market, but Cork, Galway, and Limerick are more relaxed and cheaper. Each one has a creative, friendly vibe that makes it easy to fall in love.

Ireland offers a great time zone for global teams. Its GMT zone works well if you collaborate with both Europe and the US. You won’t be stuck doing midnight calls!

One important thing to consider is that there’s no public healthcare for most non-EU visitors. Private insurance is mandatory for most visa options, so make sure you get health insurance before traveling.

Remember the tax residency risk. If you stay over 183 days in a year, Ireland may consider you a tax resident, so plan your stay accordingly and organize your taxes.

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Written by Pamela Leon

Pamela is one half of Pame & Dami, a digital nomad couple from South America. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle around traveling the world while working remotely.

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