In today’s digital world, remote work is becoming more common, allowing people to work for companies across borders.
Ireland, known for its strong tech industry, English-speaking environment, and welcoming culture, is home to many international companies and startups.
But if you are a non-EU citizen looking to work remotely for an Irish company, one important question comes up: Can you get visa sponsorship for a remote job in Ireland?
In this blog post, we’ll explain how visa sponsorship works in Ireland, what options are available for remote workers, and how you can legally work with or from Ireland as a non-EU professional.
1. What Is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship means that a company or organization in Ireland agrees to support your visa application. The employer helps with the legal process of bringing you to Ireland for work.
This usually includes offering you a job, meeting salary and skill requirements, and applying for a work permit on your behalf.
If you’re working remotely from your home country for an Irish company, you may not need a visa at all.
But if you want to move to Ireland and work remotely, then you must apply for a work visa and get sponsored by your employer.
2. Remote Work and Irish Immigration Rules
Ireland does not currently offer a digital nomad visa, which some other countries have introduced. This means there’s no specific visa for people who want to live in Ireland while working for a foreign company.
However, there are a few possible pathways for non-EU workers who want to work remotely in Ireland:
Employment Permit (Work Visa):
If you have a job offer from an Irish company and they are willing to sponsor you, you can apply for an Employment Permit. There are two main types:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit – For high-demand, high-skill jobs like software development, IT, engineering, and healthcare.
- General Employment Permit – For other roles, but more restrictions apply.
If the job is remote but based in Ireland and meets the salary and skill requirements, visa sponsorship is possible.
Start-up or Self-Employment Options:
Ireland has a Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) and an Immigrant Investor Programme, but these are for high-net-worth individuals or those starting a new business—not ideal for typical remote workers or freelancers.
3. Can Irish Companies Sponsor Remote Jobs?
Yes, but with some challenges.
Many Irish companies, especially in tech, are remote-friendly. If they want you to move to Ireland and work remotely, they must be registered with the Department of Enterprise and be approved to sponsor employment permits. They must also show that:
- You have the skills needed for the job.
- The job meets the minimum salary requirements (usually €30,000–€64,000 depending on the role).
- The job isn’t on the list of ineligible occupations.
If the company is willing to sponsor you, and your role qualifies, you may be able to work remotely while living in Ireland.
4. Where to Find Remote Jobs in Ireland with Sponsorship
If you’re looking for remote jobs in Ireland that offer visa sponsorship, here are some useful platforms:
- IrishJobs.ie – Search for remote jobs and filter by company.
- JobsIreland.ie – The official government portal.
- Indeed Ireland – Use search terms like “visa sponsorship” or “remote.”
- LinkedIn – Many tech and startup companies post job offers here.
- Remote.co or We Work Remotely – Use filters for European or Irish employers.
Look for companies in the tech, finance, marketing, and customer support sectors—they are more likely to support remote and international hiring.
5. Tips to Improve Your Chances
Here are some tips to help you get a remote job in Ireland with visa sponsorship:
- Develop in-demand skills: Software development, UX/UI design, data analysis, and digital marketing are highly sought after.
- Tailor your resume: Use a professional, Irish-style CV and cover letter.
- Be upfront: Tell employers that you need visa sponsorship but are open to relocation or remote work.
- Network online: Join Irish LinkedIn groups or virtual tech meetups.
- Focus on companies that have sponsored before: Many large tech companies in Dublin (like Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and HubSpot) have a history of sponsoring international workers.
Conclusion
Remote work offers more flexibility than ever before, and Ireland is home to many companies open to global talent.
While Ireland doesn’t yet have a digital nomad visa, you can work remotely from Ireland if you get the right job and your employer sponsors your visa.
If you’re working from abroad, you don’t need a visa to work for an Irish company.
But if you dream of living in Ireland while working remotely, your best path is through visa sponsorship from an Irish employer under the Employment Permit system.
With the right skills, determination, and a bit of research, you can take the next step in your career—remotely from Ireland!