Indians are now the third largest non-Irish group in the country. Census 2022 counted 45,449 Indian citizens living in Ireland, and in the year before the census alone 10,593 Indian citizens arrived, a 315% increase on 2016. The draw is clear: English speaking, EU based, and full of employers in software, pharma, medicine, nursing and finance who sponsor employment permits. This guide walks through the practical steps.
| Quick facts | India to Ireland |
| Visa to enter | Yes (long stay D visa) |
| Registration after arrival | Yes, IRP within 90 days |
| Indian licence exchangeable | No |
| Double taxation agreement | Yes |
| Social security agreement | No |
| Indian citizens in Ireland (Census 2022) | 45,449 |
Do you need a visa?
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: the most common route for Indian professionals in ICT, engineering, healthcare and finance. From 1 March 2026 the minimum salary is 40,904 euro (68,911 euro for roles not on the critical skills list). No labour market needs test, and after two years you can apply for Stamp 4 and work for any employer.
- General Employment Permit: for other roles, minimum 36,605 euro from 1 March 2026, usually with a labour market needs test. Healthcare assistants and home carers have a lower threshold of 32,691 euro.
- Study: Stamp 2 with 20 hours of work a week in term time. After a Level 8 degree the Third Level Graduate Programme gives 12 months on Stamp 1G; a Level 9 or 10 gives up to 24 months. That time is often used to find a permit sponsor.
- Family: the spouse, de facto partner and children of a Critical Skills permit holder can apply to join immediately and the partner gets Stamp 1G, which allows work without a separate permit. Partners of General Employment Permit holders can apply after 12 months.
There is no Working Holiday scheme between Ireland and India.
Your driving licence
India is not on the NDLS list of recognised states, so an Indian licence cannot be exchanged. You can drive on it for up to 12 months as a visitor if you also carry an international driving permit, but as a resident you need an Irish licence. The route is: pass the driver theory test, apply for a learner permit, complete Essential Driver Training and pass the driving test. Because you already hold a full licence you need only 6 EDT lessons instead of 12 and you do not have to wait six months before sitting the test.
Tax, pensions and money
Ireland and India have a double taxation agreement, so income taxed in one country is credited in the other and you will not pay twice on the same salary, rental income or interest. You become Irish tax resident after 183 days in a calendar year. Register with Revenue through myAccount as soon as you have a PPS number so your employer does not apply emergency tax. NRI rules apply to your Indian accounts once you are non-resident in India, so convert savings accounts to NRO or NRE and tell your Indian bank.
There is no bilateral social security agreement between Ireland and India. PRSI paid in Ireland builds an Irish State Pension record but cannot be combined with EPF or NPS contributions, and vice versa.
Your Indian credit history (CIBIL) does not transfer. The Irish Central Credit Register only records Irish loans, so build a local record with a current account, a phone contract and bills in your name before applying for credit.
Healthcare
Once you are ordinarily resident (living here, or intending to, for at least a year) you can use the public system. Public hospital inpatient charges were abolished in 2023, but GP visits cost about 50 to 70 euro and waiting lists for non-urgent care are long. A medical card or GP visit card is available on income grounds. Most permit holders take private insurance from VHI, Laya or Irish Life Health, often through their employer. Take out a policy within 9 months of arriving if you are 35 or older to avoid a Lifetime Community Rating loading.
Bringing your things and your pet
There are no non-stop flights between Ireland and India at the time of writing; most people connect through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or London, roughly 12 to 15 hours in total. Household goods can enter free of duty under Transfer of Residence relief if you have lived outside the EU for 12 months and owned them for 6 months.
India is an unlisted country for pet travel, so a dog or cat needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination, then a rabies antibody blood test at least 30 days after the vaccine, followed by a three month wait before the pet can enter Ireland. Add an EU animal health certificate, tapeworm treatment for dogs, and advance notice to the Department of Agriculture.
First 30 days checklist
- Apply for a PPS number through MyWelfare.ie with your passport, permit and proof of address.
- Book your IRP registration with Immigration Service Delivery within 90 days and pay the 300 euro fee.
- Open an Irish bank account and register with Revenue myAccount to avoid emergency tax.
- Register with a GP and sort private health insurance.
- Get a Leap card and book your driver theory test if you plan to drive.
