UK citizen moving to Ireland with a Non EU spouse

 Last Reviewed June 2026

Under the Common Travel Agreement between the UK and Ireland, UK citizens do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland.

If you are a UK citizen living in Ireland, you have many of the same rights and entitlements as an Irish citizen. UK citizens can:

• Enter Ireland without a visa
• Have unlimited Travel between the UK and Ireland
• Work from day 1 without an employment permit
• Access the public healthcare system
• Vote in general elections

Most professional qualifications are recognised by the relevant regulator if they were held before 01/01/2021.

What about Non-EEA family members?

If you are a UK citizen with Non-EEA family members then you might require a visa and work permit.

Do I need preclearance?

If you are a Non-EEA family member of a UK citizen you need to apply for preclearance. This needs to be applied for before you enter Ireland.

You can apply for preclearance online. You will need to enter the following information:

• Reason for stay
• Short stay or long stay (over 3 months)
  If you are staying long term, then you should leave the exit date as blank
• Current address
• Mobile phone number
• Details of current employment if any
• Details of where you will stay when in Ireland
• 2 * Passport photos
• A non-refundable visa or preclearance application fee may apply. Some citizens may be exempt from the fees.
• You must provide evidence that you are covered by medical insurance at least 1 year from your proposed date of entry to Ireland.
• 6 months of bank statements. You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank.
• Letter of application outlining why you want to move to Ireland and for how long...

Applicants should allow sufficient processing time before travelling and should consult the latest Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) for guidance.

How do I apply for residency and a work permit?

Following arrival in Ireland, successful applicants must register their immigration permission before the expiry of the permission granted on entry

Eligible family members are generally granted permission to reside in Ireland on a Stamp 4D basis, which permits residence and employment in the State.

Immigration permissions and renewal requirements are subject to the rules in force at the time of the application and may change over time.

If you require any assistance with this, get in contact with us below.