Safe Home Ireland: Moving Back to Ireland From Abroad

For older Irish emigrants who want to return home but face barriers around housing, finances, or isolation, Safe Home Ireland is a dedicated support programme built specifically for this journey. Here's what it offers and how to access it.

What is Safe Home Ireland?

Safe Home Ireland is a national programme that supports elderly members of the Irish diaspora — typically those who emigrated decades ago to Britain, the US, Canada, or Australia — who wish to return to live in Ireland permanently. It's funded by the Irish government's Emigrant Support Programme (administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs) and works with local agencies across Ireland to help returning emigrants find suitable, affordable housing and settle back into their communities.

Who is eligible for Safe Home Ireland support?

The programme is primarily aimed at older Irish emigrants (generally those in later life, often 66+, though each case is assessed individually) who:

Emigrated from Ireland and have lived abroad long-term
Wish to return to Ireland permanently, often to be closer to family or community
Have limited financial resources or face housing insecurity in their country of residence
May be vulnerable, isolated, or in poor health and need support reintegrating

Safe Home Ireland is not aimed at younger returning emigrants who are financially independent and job-seeking — for that group, resources like Citizens Information's "Moving Back to Ireland" guidance and the Crosscare Migrant Project are more relevant.

What kind of housing support does the programme offer?

Safe Home Ireland works with local authorities and approved housing bodies to help returning emigrants access social housing, and in some cases supports private rental arrangements. Because Ireland's rental market is extremely tight — with average national rents around €1,600–€1,800 per month and considerably higher in Dublin — the programme's housing assistance is often the deciding factor in whether a return home is realistic for someone on a fixed pension income.

How do I apply to Safe Home Ireland?

Contact Safe Home Ireland directly (based in Knock, Co. Mayo) by phone or through their website to discuss your situation
A caseworker will assess your circumstances, including your housing need, finances, and health/support requirements
The team liaises with local authorities and housing bodies in the area of Ireland you want to return to
Support continues after arrival — Safe Home Ireland and partner agencies help with settling in, registering for services, and connecting with local community supports

Applications can also be initiated by family members in Ireland on behalf of a relative abroad.

What other supports exist for returning emigrants?

Crosscare Migrant Project — advice on social welfare, tax, and legal issues for people returning to Ireland
Citizens Information — comprehensive guidance on re-establishing residency, driving licences, tax, and social welfare
Local authority housing lists — returning emigrants can apply for social housing support like any other Irish resident once habitually resident

Key resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to Safe Home Ireland?

Safe Home Ireland primarily supports older members of the Irish diaspora, often aged 66 and over, who wish to move back to Ireland permanently but face financial or housing barriers to doing so.

Does Safe Home Ireland provide free housing?

Safe Home Ireland doesn't provide housing directly but works with local authorities and approved housing bodies to help eligible returning emigrants access social housing or suitable rental accommodation.

Is Safe Home Ireland only for people returning from the UK?

No. Safe Home Ireland supports Irish emigrants returning from Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries, reflecting the global spread of Irish emigration.

How long does the Safe Home Ireland process take?

Timelines vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and housing availability in the area you want to return to, since Ireland's social housing lists can involve waiting periods. Early contact with a caseworker is recommended.

Where is Safe Home Ireland based?

The organisation is based in Knock, Co. Mayo, and operates nationally through partnerships with local authorities and community organisations across Ireland.