Ireland is one of the most appealing European countries to move from every corner of the world. In fact, it so attractive that even Australian citizens find it easy to relocate here. There are various requirements to comply with for those who move to Ireland from Australia, among which applying for suitable types of visas in accordance with their relocation purposes. Various visa types can be used as a legal pathway to staying here on a permanent basis and apply for citizenship, including the investor visa in Ireland.
Below, our immigration lawyer in Ireland explains the steps for moving here from Australia. Should you need assistance with moving to Ireland from Australia, you can rely on our local specialists, who can advise on the main steps for obtaining an Irish residence permit.
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Situations in which Australian citizens do not need Irish visas
There are cases where those who want to come to Ireland from Australia do not need visas. However, it should be noted that these cases imply short stays of up to 3 months in Ireland. The following categories of Australian citizens do not need Irish visas:
- those who come for tourism purposes alone or with organized tours, as well as those who only transit Ireland;
- those who come to visit friends or family and plan on staying for short periods;
- those who come for business reasons or to attend business conferences;
- those who participate in exams and other academic programs.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Immigration requirements for short stays | Australian passport holders can move to Ireland from Australia without completing any visa formalities. |
|
Immigration requirements for long stays |
For long-term stays, Australians must apply for visas in accordance with their purpose of arrival. |
|
Visa exemptions for Australian nationals |
One can move to Ireland from Australia visa-free only for stays with a duration of maximum 90 days. |
| Reasons of arrival for which visa exemptions are granted | Travel, visiting family or friends, business reasons (such as attending business events), academic reasons. |
| Can Australians travel to other European states visa-free? |
Yes, they can visit other EU member states. |
| Obligation to apply for a residence permit |
It appears when the duration of stays extends beyond 90 days. |
| Reasons for which Australians can relocate to Ireland for long stays |
Family reunification, study, employment, investment. |
| Visa designed for Australian nationals |
Working Holiday visa for Australians of 18 to 35 years old. |
| Visa processing fees |
Individuals can move to Ireland from Australia after paying a visa processing fee of EUR 60 (for single entry visa) or EUR 100 (for multiple entry visa). |
| Residency permit fees (yes/no) | Yes. |
| Where to apply for an Irish residence permit |
the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. |
| Requirements to become an Irish permanent resident |
5 years of stay. |
| Minimum residency for citizenship |
3 years of reckonable residency (for those married to Irish nationals) or 5 years of reckonable residency (all other cases). |
| Ways to acquire citizenship in Ireland |
By marriage to an Irish national, by residency, by being the child of naturalized Irish parents or of those who are of Irish descent, or by being a refugee. |
| Fee for citizenship formalities | The application fee is EUR 175. |
There is also an exception for short-term stays (for less than 3 months) for sportsmen and artists who need to apply for visas when coming to Ireland, as they are remunerated for their performances.
For those who are planning to move to Ireland from Australia for more than 3 months, the visas to be obtained will be based on their reasons for relocation.
If you are interested in immigration to Ireland from another country, you can rely on our lawyers for support.
Long-term visas when moving Ireland from Australia
Applying for employment visas or for an Irish residence permit represent the main ways to move to Ireland from Australia for those seeking to stay here for more than 3 months. When applying for a work permit, there are various aspects to consider, among which the fact that there are two important programs under which citizens of non-EU countries can immigrate to Ireland provided that they meet certain requirements. Although numerous foreigners apply for work visas issued for a given amount of time, some of them prefer to remain in this country and even apply for Irish citizenship.
The two programs which allow moving to Ireland from Australia based on an employment pass are the General Employment Permit Scheme which can be obtained by non-EU citizens interested in living and working in various industries and the Critical Skills Employment Permit which can be sought by highly skilled foreign nationals interested in moving to Ireland and working in specific industries.
It is important to note that under the Critical Skills Employment Permit specific salary requirements apply in order for visas to be issued for those who want to relocate to Ireland from Australia.
Australians who will arrive here under a long-term residence permit in Ireland must know that this document can be issued for a period of 5 years. They are also entitled to a renewal of the document for the same period of time.
For approved applications, foreigners must pay a fee of EUR 500 (for the issuance of the permit), in a period of 28 days since the day in which the person receives the notification.
In the case of those who plan to relocate here on a permanent basis, there will also be the option to apply for citizenship in Ireland. The application is also charged with a standard fee, while in the case of those who will receive a positive answer, an additional fee will be charged.
This will be necessary for the issuance of the certificate of citizenship (there are 4 categories of fees).
Australia is also part of the Working Holiday Scheme which targets citizens of certain nationalities who can come and work in Ireland for a maximum period of 1 year.
If you are interested in long-term relocation, you can discuss your case with our immigration lawyer in Ireland who can provide all the details based on your nationality.
Ireland and Australia – economic facts
It is no wonder that many Australian citizens are interested in moving to Ireland, as the two countries have outstanding economic relations. According to the Australian Government, the value of Irish investments in Australia rose to 21,8 billion AUD in 2018. In terms of immigration statistics between the two countries:
- there were 74,891 citizens with Australian descent living in Ireland in 2016;
- there were also 79,000 Australian visitors in Ireland in 2018;
- 58,000 Irish visitors traveled to Australia in 2018;
- 1,013 students from Ireland were enrolled in Australian universities in 2018.
For those who want to immigrate to Ireland from Australia, the expat services provided by our immigration lawyers can be useful.
FAQ on how to relocate to Ireland from Australia
- How much time does it take to obtain a visa for Ireland when coming from Australia?
Depending on the type of visa required and the documents that need to be prepared, it could take a few weeks for a visa to be issued in order to move to Ireland from Australia.
- What are the documents required to move to Ireland from Australia?
First of all, you will need a valid passport and documentation that support your stay in Ireland, among which an employment contract, proof of accommodation and health insurance.
- Can I move to Ireland as a businessperson?
Yes, Ireland has entrepreneur visas for businesspersons seeking to move here. Our immigration lawyer in Ireland can help you apply for it.
- Can I move to Ireland from Australia with my family?
Yes, you can also bring family members along from Australia.
If you plan to move to Ireland from Australia and need guidance, do not hesitate to contact us for support.
