How many loopholes to jump through, to live in Ireland?

Question

I've been gathering all of the information I can about moving to Ireland.

I thought it'd be easier. After getting the passport, it seems my only option is staying there less than 90 days, and the only way I can stay longer is by obtaining a work visa. And... to achieve dual-citizenship by naturalisation (I'm not directly related to any Irish citizens), I'd have to be a resident of Ireland for at least a few years.

No problem, except the only way I can be a resident there for that long, is by obtaining the work visa, which I heard is very hard to get.

After completing all these tasks, I'll have to contact the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and ask his permission, after meeting the list of requirements.

Is it really this incredibly difficult? Hopefully I'm missing something, at this point it seems like it'd be easier to become an astronaut, than live in Ireland.

Help would be most appreciated

Thank you!

Answer 1

You can get your work visa with a letter offering employment from a registered employer. If you have a particular skill or specialisation that's hard to source in Ireland, then it shouldn't be too difficult.  

Answer 2

You can do it the really easy way like I did:  find yourself an Irish citizen, fall in love, get married:  SORTED!

(the 'falling in love part' is not entirely neccesary, but definetly recommended...)

ps.  if you work in IT, it is much easier to do the whole work permit thing.  The economy (in the west anyway..ie Galway) is very computer-industry driven and they're always looking for good people.

Answer 3

It really is that difficult. It has to be. We are a small country and we already have free travel with all the EU countries. We cant make it easy for everyone.

You have to get a work permit.

http://www.entemp.ie/publications/labour...

To get a work permit you need the job offer first.

An easier way is to get a job where you are in a company that can transfer you to Ireland.

http://www.entemp.ie/publications/labour...

Even that is difficult.

The easiest way would be to come and study in Ireland. Once you have earned your degree you can apply for the 3rd Level Graduate Scheme. Basically your student visa gets extended by 6 months once you finish your degree and you can stay and look for a job. If you get a job then you can get a permit.

http://www.entemp.ie/labour/workpermits/...

Of course it will it will be expensive for you to study in Ireland.

Once you have a work permit its not that hard. Provided you dont lose your job you just keep renewing the permit. ONce you've been here 5 years you can apply for citizenship. It all just paperwork.