How to Move to Ireland from Ukraine: Visas, Support and Tips

Since 2022, Ireland has become home to many people from Ukraine, most of them arriving under temporary protection. This guide covers both groups: those displaced by the war, and Ukrainians planning a move for work or study. Because government arrangements for Ukrainian arrivals have been updated several times, treat anything here as a starting point and check the official sources before acting.

Visa Status and Entry Rules

Ukrainian citizens have historically been able to travel to Ireland for short visits without a visa, but that is not the same as the right to work or stay. People fleeing the war have generally been able to register for Temporary Protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive, which, while it applies, offers access to work, accommodation support and certain services. The arrangements, their duration and the supports attached to them are decided by the Irish government and the EU, and they have been changed and extended over time. Always confirm the current position on gov.ie and irishimmigration.ie.

Your Main Routes to Living in Ireland

If you qualify, temporary protection is usually the first route to consider. It typically involves registering with the Department of Justice and receiving a certificate that sets out your rights. It is not permanent residence, so many people also explore longer-term routes.

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.

A job offer in a skilled occupation could open the way to a work permit route in the longer term. Ukrainian IT, engineering and healthcare professionals are among those who sometimes move to this track.

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.

Timeline and Costs

Registration for temporary protection has generally been quick compared with other routes, but accommodation allocation can take longer and depends on availability. An employment permit route takes months and requires a job offer first. Costs for temporary protection registration have been low or nil, but permit fees, flights, deposits and long-term housing are your responsibility. If you are working, you also need a bank account and PPS number.

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

Ukrainian higher education is respected, but you will need to document it. Translate transcripts and diplomas into English by a certified translator where requested. For regulated professions such as medicine, nursing and teaching, contact the relevant Irish body early. Some bodies have published special guidance for displaced professionals, but this changes, so check directly. QQI can give an academic comparison for non-regulated roles.

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

Housing is the largest practical challenge, whether you are in state-provided accommodation or private rental. If you are moving into private rent, expect competition and high deposits. Local community groups, libraries and Ukrainian cultural associations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and many smaller towns can help with English classes, school placements and job leads.

Irish people have generally been welcoming. Learning basic English quickly helps, and free or low-cost language classes are often available through local education and training boards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming that every support available to others applies to you. Entitlements depend on your registration status and can change.
• Not registering a PPS number. You need it for work, benefits and many services. See our PPS guide.
• Paying anyone for a place on a government accommodation list. Official support is not sold.
• Letting documents lapse. Keep copies of your certificate, passport and any letters from the Department.
• Ignoring deadlines to renew or update your status.

Frequently Asked Questions