How to Move to Ireland from New Zealand: Visas and Costs

New Zealanders have long been drawn to Ireland by shared culture, language and a well-trodden working holiday route. If you are a Kiwi planning a move, you have more options than many other nationalities, including a year-long working holiday and the usual employment permit routes. This guide covers each and what to do on arrival.

Visa Status and Entry Rules

New Zealand citizens are generally able to visit Ireland for short stays without a visa. That does not by itself give you the right to work or to stay long term. For longer stays you need the right permission, and you must register with immigration if you stay beyond 90 days. Check the Irish Immigration Service website for the current position before you travel.

Your Main Routes to Living in Ireland

Ireland has a Working Holiday Authorisation arrangement with New Zealand, among a limited list of countries. It is typically aimed at young adults within a set age range, allows work and travel for up to a year, and has requirements such as proof of funds and health insurance. Age limits, duration and conditions can change, so check the official scheme details and apply through the correct channel, not through third parties who charge extra.

For most non-EU nationals the strongest work route is the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which needs a job offer on the eligible occupations list at or above the salary threshold that applies at the time. Roles that do not qualify usually fall under the General Employment Permit, which has its own salary floor and, for many roles, a Labour Market Needs Test. Both need a job offer first, and the employer normally applies.

The General Employment Permit covers a wider list of jobs but comes with a minimum salary and, in most cases, a requirement that the employer first advertises the role locally. Some occupations are ineligible, so check the current lists before you plan around it.

Studying in Ireland is the other common route. A student with a place on a recognised full-time course receives Stamp 2 permission, which allows limited part-time work during term and more in holiday periods, within limits that are updated from time to time. Graduates may be eligible for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G), which gives a period to look for work, and can then move to an employment permit. Fees for non-EU students are far higher than for EU students, so price the whole course and your living costs before applying.

Family routes exist too. The spouse or partner of certain permit holders may be able to join them and work, and family members of Irish or EU citizens have separate rights. Immigration Stamp 4 is commonly associated with family reunification and long-term residence, but the rules depend on the sponsor's status, so apply only after checking current guidance.

Some New Zealanders also have UK or Irish ancestry, which can open citizenship or other routes. Irish citizenship by descent through a parent or grandparent born in Ireland may be available, and the process involves registration in the Foreign Births Register. If you suspect you qualify, check with the Department of Foreign Affairs because citizenship would allow you to live and work in Ireland without a permit.

Timeline and Costs

A Working Holiday Authorisation is usually quicker than an employment permit, but you should still apply well before travel. Employment permit routes commonly take three to five months from job offer to starting work. Costs include scheme or permit fees, the Irish Residence Permit fee of about 300 euro if you stay beyond 90 days and are required to register, flights from New Zealand, health insurance, deposit and first month's rent. New Zealand dollar conversion to euro can make Dublin costs feel steep.

All fees and processing times change, so treat every figure here as approximate and confirm the current position at irishimmigration.ie and enterprise.gov.ie before you commit money.

Recognition of Qualifications

New Zealand qualifications are widely recognised and understood by Irish employers, particularly in healthcare, engineering, education and finance. Regulated professions need Irish registration, for example with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, the Medical Council or the Teaching Council. QQI can provide a comparison for general academic qualifications. Bring certified copies of your degrees, transcripts and references.

Your First Steps After Landing

Whatever your route, the first fortnight in Ireland follows a similar order. Get a PPS number first, because employers, banks and the Revenue system all ask for it. Our guide to the PPS number in Ireland explains the application through MyWelfare.ie and what proof of address you need. Then work through opening a bank account in Ireland, which can be slow for new arrivals without Irish payslips or utility bills, so start with the banks and digital providers that accept passport and tenancy documents.

Housing is the hardest part for almost everyone. Read renting in Ireland before you pay any deposit, never transfer money for a property you have not seen or had verified, and budget for short-term accommodation while you search. On healthcare, Irish public care is not automatically free for new arrivals. You may be asked to pay for GP visits, and many people take out private health insurance early. Check your eligibility for a medical card or GP visit card on the HSE website.

Cost of Living, Community and Culture

Dublin has the largest Kiwi community, and you will find social groups, sports clubs and rugby teams that welcome New Zealanders. Cork, Galway and smaller towns also appeal to those after a slower pace. Rent is high compared with New Zealand, so working holiday makers often share. Seasonal and hospitality jobs are easier to find in summer.

Irish and Kiwi humour overlap, with plenty of teasing and understatement. The time difference makes home calls awkward, so plan a regular schedule. Travel around Europe is easy and cheap from Irish airports, which is part of the appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Arriving without checking whether the Working Holiday Authorisation must be obtained before travel.
• Underestimating the funds and insurance needed for the scheme.
• Assuming a short-stay entry allows you to work.
• Not budgeting for rent and deposit. See our renting guide.
• Failing to register with immigration when required for a stay of more than 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions