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Jump right in:

• How to get a job in Ireland
• How to apply for a Job in Ireland as a foreigner
• Minimum wage & average salary
• Self-employment
• Business culture
• Social security & benefits
• Maternity & paternity leave

How to find a job in Ireland

If you’re an EU/EEA national, you can establish a home, and then start looking for a job without bureaucratic hassle.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA national, you’ll need a relevant visa to live and work in the country. For more on this, see our section on how to get a Visa and Work Permit in Ireland.

Which work industries are in demand?

Ireland regularly updates its , which highlights roles facing shortages and prioritizes them for work permits. Below is an overview of the main industries currently experiencing high demand, so you can quickly see where the strongest job opportunities are.

• Technology & ICT: Ireland is one of Europe’s major tech hubs, home to companies like
  *
  * *
  * *
  *

Roles such as software developers, IT business analysts, web design professionals, and IT project managers are on demand.

• Finance & business: Dublin is a major European financial center. There is steady demand for accountants, financial analysts, actuaries, big data business analysts, and risk managers. Major companies include:

   *  [Accenture](https://www.accenture.com/ie-en/careers) 
   *  [Deloitte](https://www.deloitte.com/ie/en/about.html) 
   *  [pwc](https://www.pwc.ie/) 
   *  [Citi](https://jobs.citi.com/search-jobs) 
   *  [PayPal](https://careers.pypl.com/locations/ireland/) 
   *  [Mastercard](https://careers.mastercard.com/us/en/dublin-ireland) 
   *  [KPMG](https://kpmg.com/ie/en/careers.html) 
  

• Healthcare

Ireland faces ongoing shortages of doctors, nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals. Hospitals and private clinics regularly hire international staff.

You can check and for job opportunities.

• Science & engineering

Roles such as chemical scientists, medical laboratory scientists, biological scientists; civil engineers, mechanical engineers and electrical engineers are among the professions in high demand in these fields. Here are some companies that hires in this sector: * * * * *

How to apply for a Job in Ireland as a foreigner

Job vacancies can be found online at:

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment companies are ideal places to start your job search no matter which country you move to. This is because job recruiters are typically locals who are familiar with the current job market. They will also be best suited to find you positions to apply to based on your specific qualifications and references.

Here are some well-known recruitment agencies operating in Ireland:

Where to look for freelance jobs in Ireland

When searching for freelance work, the best alternative is to go online. Here are some of the leading sites to start your search:

Just like with traditional jobs, networking is also a great way to find freelance work. If you are new to Ireland and unsure of where to start networking, consider joining an established expat community. InterNations is the largest social network of expats around the globe. Servicing over three million expats, 51�ԹϺ�����hosts events and groups in over 420 different communities across the world.

Attending one of our events will help you to not only feel connected to your new expat home, but also help you build a network of individuals who intimately understand the expat way of life, and can help you with best practices on starting your freelance business in a new country.

Application tips

Some helpful application tips to consider when applying for a job in Ireland

Resume/CV Tips

An Irish CV follows a similar format to other European ones.

• Your name and contact details should be written at the top of the page
• Below that you should list your educational history and achievements, starting with the most recent accolades
• Next, you will list your work history, also in the order of most recent to the oldest
• You should keep your CV under two pages.

Cover letter tips

Although Ireland's job market is strong, competition for roles tends to be high, particularly in major cities and popular industries. To make yourself standout, be sure to research each company before applying and tailor your letter to match that company. Mentioning specifics about the company will go a long way to showing recruiters how enthusiastic you are.

Interview tips

• it is best to dress “business casual” when interviewing for a job.
• arrive to the interview at least five minutes early.
• be polite and friendly and expect a bit of light small talk at the start.

Networking tips

When going to networking events, you should always have business cards on hand and make sure to follow-up with anyone with whom you exchange contact information. InterNations has active groups in both Cork and Dublin. These groups are great ways to meet fellow expats and locals who can help you settle into the country and advise you on the best practices for landing your dream Irish job.

You can also check out career fairs and network events in the country, some include:

Minimum wage & average salary

What’s the minimum wage?

In Ireland, most employees are legally entitled to a national minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage Act. The current minimum wage is 13.50 EUR (approx. 15.65 USD) per hour for workers aged 20 and over.

Some sectors such as security and contract cleaning have their own legally set minimum rates.

Employers must always pay at least the applicable legal minimum, and you cannot agree to work for less (except in limited cases, such as working for a close family member or being on a recognized apprenticeship).

What’s the average salary?

According to recent Central Statistics Office data, the average full-time salary in Ireland is around 52,800 EUR (approx. 61,240 USD) per year, which works out to roughly 3,400 EUR (approx. 3,950 USD) net per month.

However, averages can be influenced by very high earners. The median salary, a more representative figure, is about 44,800 EUR (approx. 52,000 USD) annually.

What is a good salary in Ireland?

Determining what a good salary is in Ireland depends on where you live. As you might expect, Dublin and its surrounding areas have the highest cost of living throughout the country. To live comfortably in this capital, a family unit would need to earn nearly twice as much as Ireland’s average annual salary. A solo expat, on the other hand, can live relatively comfortably, but there will not be much room for saving.

Here is a look at what a good level of annual income per person is for expats in Ireland’s most popular cities:

**How much is the average salary for the most in-demand jobs? **

Self-employment

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you can move there and establish residency without the need for a visa. Therefore, you could start working as a self-employed person immediately upon arriving. All you will need to do is prove you can financially support yourself. UK citizens may also enter the country and start working as a self-employed person.

If you’re a national of a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK, you’ll need immigration permission before you can legally live and work in Ireland. You can read more about these in our visas and work permits guide s�𳦳پ��Dz�.

How to be self-employed in Ireland

Register your business name: If you decide to use a business name, you must register the name with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) within one month of starting to use it. There are two ways to register:

Completing the , with a 40 EUR (approx. 46 USD) fee.

Registering . with a 20 EUR (approx. 23 USD) fee.

Register with Revenue: You must register as self-employed with Revenue through the .

You need a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to register.

After registration, your PPSN also acts as your Tax Reference Number (TRN).

If you’re not eligible to register online, you can use the .

After registration: Once registered, you pay income tax, PRSI, and the Universal Social Charge (USC) under the self-assessment system. This includes:

Paying preliminary tax for the current year by 31 October.

Filing your annual tax return for the previous year.

Paying any tax balance due.

Keep in mind that as a self-employed person you must keep records of your earnings, costs and any purchases or services. These will be required for tax returns.

Self-employed benefits in Ireland

If you earn more than 5,000 EUR (5,500 USD) per year, as a self-employed person, you will need to pay into the social security Class S PRSI. When you do, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s (contributory) pension
• Guardian’s payment
• State pension
• Maternity ,paternity and parental benefits
• Adoptive benefits
• Treatment benefit scheme
• Jobseeker’s benefit

For a closer look at the social security benefits in Ireland, and what is and is not included, please see the  w��������ٱ�.

Top self-employment jobs in Ireland

Because Ireland is becoming a tech hub in Europe, freelancers in technical fields may have more luck finding work. These freelance positions include graphic design, web design, programming, and web development.

In addition to these positions, here are a few other popular freelance positions for those interested in self-employment:

• copywriting and editing
• translation
• tutoring
• data analysis
• photographer
• fitness coach

Business culture

When working in Ireland, there are important aspects to be aware of in regard to the business culture.

**Hierarchy: **Irish business culture is hierarchical, but also casual. Decisions are made from the top down, but people in lower ranking positions should not feel like they cannot voice their opinion to management whenever they need.

**Punctuality: **While the Irish are not culturally as punctual or time sensitive as other European countries, as a foreigner you should aim to always be on time for business events. You should also give leeway when waiting for your Irish partners.

**Meetings: **They are largely informal and may often be held at a café, pub, or restaurant. You can expect polite conversation before it officially gets started.

**Greeting:**It is standard practice to greet each other with a firm handshake and eye-contact.

Workplace Dress Code: Your expected dress code will vary depending on your specific company. In general, the business dress code in Ireland is modest and conservative.

Humor: Do not be offended if jokes are a part of your workplace. The Irish are known for a good sense of humor and they will expect their colleagues to share the same.

Social security & benefits

A social security number in Ireland is called a Personal Public Service number. (PPS or PPSN).

In Ireland, a PPS will help you access public services benefits such as social welfare and obtaining a driver’s license. It’s also the number employers use to correctly deduct taxes from employee salaries.

Can a foreigner get a social security number in Ireland?

Yes, a foreigner can get a social security number. To apply for the social security number, you must meet two initial criteria:

• be living in Ireland
• proof that you need a PPS

Simply moving to Ireland or job-hunting is not enough. You must demonstrate a clear need such as starting employment, accessing social welfare, applying for a driver’s license.

Why do I need a social security number?

In addition to needing a PPS for employment and social welfare, you will also need it for the following public services:

• Free Travel Pass
• Pupil ID
• Public Health Services (including the Medical Card and Drugs Payment Scheme)
• child immunization
• revenue schemes (including taxation and mortgage interest relief)
• housing grants
• driver’s licenses

Please note that it is not mandatory for you to have a PPS in order to open a bank account �ǰ� find accommodation in Ireland.

How to get a social security number Ireland

Whether you are an EU/EEA resident or not, all foreigners immigrating to Ireland will submit the following documents to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection:

• passport
• proof of residence in Ireland (this can be a utility bill, lease, etc.)
• the reason you need a PPS number

If you are staying with a friend, you can also bring their utility bill as a proof of residence, with a note stating that this is your current accommodation.

To submit your documents, you can either book an appointment  with your MyGovID account or visit one of the .

Receiving your social security card

Once you are issued your PPS number, you will be given a Public Services Card (the same as a social security card in Ireland). This card will contain your name, photo, signature, PPSN, and card number. There will also be a magnetic strip, which you can use for social welfare payments.

Social security benefits Ireland

Social security payments in Ireland contribute to different social schemes. Both Irish nationals and “ordinarily” resident expats can benefit from these schemes. They include:

• jobseeker’s benefit
• illness benefit
• maternity benefit
• invalidity pension
• carer’s benefit
• state pension

You can find the complete list of social welfare schemes on

Maternity & paternity leave

Unfortunately, Ireland receives a lot of criticism for having one of the worst maternity leave policies in the European Union. This disapproval does not stem from the length of maternity leave in Ireland, which ranks second in Europe (just below the United Kingdom). Instead, it is aimed at the monetary amount new mothers receive.

These are some of the types of leave for parents in Ireland:

• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Parental leave
• Parent’s leave

Maternity leave

In Ireland, you’re entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, with the option to take up to 16 additional weeks of unpaid leave, regardless of number of hours worked or how long you’ve been employed. You must take at least 2 weeks of leave before the end of the week your baby is due, and at least 4 weeks after the birth.

Benefits of maternity leave in Ireland

During maternity leave, eligible parents receive 289 EUR (approx. 335 USD) per week for 26 weeks (156 days). This payment comes from the Department of Social Protection and is separate from your employer’s salary. Many companies top up your pay during maternity leave as part of their contract or workplace policy.

How to qualify for maternity benefits

To qualify for Maternity Benefit, you must have enough PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) contributions.

For employees (Class A, E, H)

You can meet the requirement in any one of the following ways:

• At least 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before your maternity leave starts, or
• At least 39 weeks of PRSI paid since you first started work, and at least 39 weeks paid or credited in the Relevant Tax Year or the year after, or
• At least 26 weeks of PRSI paid in the Relevant Tax Year and at least 26 weeks paid in the year before the Relevant Tax Year.

If you were previously self-employed, your Class S PRSI contributions may also help you qualify.

For self-employed people (Class S)

If you are self-employed, you must have 52 weeks of Class S PRSI paid. You can meet this requirement in one of three tax years:

• 52 weeks paid in the Relevant Tax Year or
• 52 weeks paid in the year before the Relevant Tax Year or
• 52 weeks paid in the year after the Relevant Tax Year

Class S PRSI contributions only count once you have fully paid your income tax and PRSI for that year. If you previously worked as an employee, you may qualify under the employee PRSI rules instead.

If you previously worked in another country

If you worked in the UK or in a country covered by EU social insurance regulations, you can combine your insurance contributions from that country with your Irish PRSI record as long as:

• You have paid at least one full-rate PRSI contribution in Ireland,
• Your most recent PRSI contribution was paid in Ireland,
• You are currently in insurable employment in Ireland.

This can help you qualify if you do not have enough Irish PRSI contributions on their own.

Stillbirths, miscarriages, and premature births

If you have a stillbirth or miscarriage after 23 weeks of pregnancy (or if the baby weighs at least 400g), you are entitled to your full maternity leave and Maternity Benefit. You must submit medical confirmation of the expected due date and the date of the loss.

If your baby is born prematurely, and your leave has not yet started, your maternity leave can be extended to include the period between the actual birth and the original expected due date. These extra weeks are also covered by Maternity Benefit, as long as you qualify for the payment.

Paternity leave and benefits

Paternity leave gives new parents two weeks off work, and it applies to both employed and self-employed people. You can take this leave any time within the first six months after the birth of your child. Paternity leave is also available in cases of adoption.

It is available to the relevant parent, which can be:

• the father of the child,
• the partner (spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant) of the child’s mother, or
• the parent of a donor-conceived child.

Your employer is not required to pay you during paternity leave. However, you may qualify for Paternity Benefit, which provides two weeks of payment if you meet the PRSI contribution requirements. The benefit is available to both employees and self-employed workers.

Parental leave

Parental leave gives parents the right to take unpaid time off work to care for their children. Each parent can take up to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave for each eligible child, and this leave must be taken before the child’s 12th birthday.

To qualify:

• You must be a relevant parent (a parent, adoptive parent, acting as a parent to the child).
• You need to have worked for your employer for at least one year before becoming entitled to the full 26 weeks. If your child is close to the age limit and you have worked between 3 and 12 months, you may take a reduced “pro-rata” amount of parental leave.
• You must give at least 6 weeks’ notice to your employer.

Parent’s leave and benefit

Parental leave is different from parent’s leave, which is a separate state entitlement. Parent’s leave gives each parent 9 weeks of leave (in the first 2 years after birth or adoption) and may be taken as individual weeks or all together.

While you are on parent’s leave, you may qualify for Parent’s Benefit, if you meet the required PRSI contribution conditions. Parent’s Benefit is available to both employees and self-employed parents.

To apply, you must:

• inform your employer of your parent’s leave dates at least 6 weeks in advance
• apply for Parent’s Benefit at least 4 weeks before the leave begins (6 weeks if you are self-employed)

You can apply for Parent's Benefit online at . 

Adoption

Adoptive parents are entitled to 24 weeks so paid and additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave.