The Celtic Tiger era was a period of economic transformation for Ireland which started attracting lots of immigrants. Now, most digital nomads are moving to Ireland from the US to take advantage of initiatives such as the NomadEire.
Like a magnet, what the NomadEire promises to offer to digital nomads – like professional growth and sustainable living – has succeeded in drawing lots of them in their numbers.
Aside from this initiative, Ireland’s appeal extends to the blend of work and nature, high-speed internet (esp. in locations like the Island of Arranmore), and a new digital nomad hub.
As a US digital nomad, if Ireland appears to be the ideal place for you to relocate, you need to be thoroughly prepared and have all the knowledge needed. While this article is here to guide you, you must know that there is no special digital nomad visa.
However, there are options for you to explore which will be discussed in detail in this article. Other topics to be covered include visa and legal considerations for US digital nomads, cost of living and practicalities, and how to apply for the proper visa.
Visa and Legal Considerations for US Digital Nomads
Like many countries, Ireland does not have a specific ‘digital nomad visa’, however, it offers a pathway to allow remote workers to live and work in Ireland for a specific time and with an option of renewal.
The pathway option for US digital nomads is Ireland’s Stamp 4 immigration permission. This allows nomads who are non-EEA nationals to live and work in Ireland without having an employment permit.
This Stamp 4 can be gotten under the following conditions where the nomad:
- Has held a valid Critical Skills Employment Permit for 2 years
- Has held a valid employment permit for 5 years.
- Has worked as a researcher with a valid Hosting Agreement for 2 years.
Note that before Brexit, Ireland operated the 90-day rule applicable to countries within the Schengen Area. This 90-day rule allows non-EU/EEA nationals to stay in any country in Europe for at least 90 days within 180-day period.
If the individual overstays the 90-day limit, he/she could attract certain punishments such as future entry ban, deportation, and fines. Now, post-Brexit, this rule does not apply to Ireland anymore as she has lost her Schengen status.
Apart from the Stamp 4 option, the table below highlights other long-term stay options that US digital nomads can consider before moving to Ireland:
| Visa Type | Categories | |
| 1 | Short-Stay ‘C’ Tourist Visa | For short-term stays such as tourism |
| 2 | Start-Up Entrepreneur Visa | For nomads planning to start a business in Ireland |
| 3 | General Employment Permit | For nomads who secure a job with an Irish employer |
| 4 | Stamp 0 Permission | For certain types of people/work such as visiting academics (but does not lead to permanent residency) academics, retirees, or elderly dependents. |
| 5 | Critical Skills Employment Permit | For specific roles in high demand in Ireland |
| 6 | Work Holiday Visa | For citizens of countries who have work holiday visa agreements with Ireland. |
US Digital Nomads who are between 18 and 30 or 35 years old should consider the Working Holiday Visa which will allow them to live and work in Ireland for up to 12 months. Those who also have Canadian citizenship will be allowed to stay for up to 24 months.
Digital nomads who wish to transit to a long-term stay after their arrival in Ireland can utilize any of these options – a Long Stay (D) visa, Investor and Entrepreneur visa, Stamp 0 visa, or General Employment Permit.
After five years of holding any of the above visas, the nomad can then apply for Long Term Residency permission.
At this point, it is important to advise that one work closely with an experienced immigration lawyer or expert who can walk you through the options available to you and the various processes.
How to Apply for Ireland Visa as a US Digital Nomad 2025
- Go to the Irish Immigration Service Delivery website.
- Complete the online application form.
- Gather all supporting documents
- Upload them where required.
- Submit your application to the nearest Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS) Office.
- Pay the required fee.
Documents Needed to Apply for an Ireland Visa as a US Digital Nomad 2025
- Passport
- Passport photographs
- Visa application form
- Proof of employment
- Financial proof
- Accommodation details
- Education certificates (if required)
- Proof of outbound travel (if required)
- Marriage certificate (if required)
- Birth certificate (if required)
Cost of Living and Practicalities
The cost of living in Ireland is slightly – about 4% higher – than in the United States. For instance, the average cost of living when converted to USD will be $2,547 for an individual in Ireland while in the US, it costs around $2,454.
However, all these depend on the location you choose to live as the cost differs between urban and rural areas. For example, the cost of rent in a major city like Dublin is around 2,200 per month, while in cities like Donegal and Leitrim, it costs between 600-700 euros.
With this in mind, you have to do your research and compare costs for other things such as food, transportation, healthcare, petrol, takeouts, education, internet, and taxes.
As a digital nomad, knowing the internet speed in Ireland is very important. Ireland’s internet speed ranks 40th globally and 26th in Europe, and some of their internet companies such as SIRO offer speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps.
Cultural Differences Between the US and the Ireland
Just because you are a remote worker, does not mean you will not interact with the locals. Hence, you must understand the similarities the two countries share and how they differ.
Firstly, citizens of both countries speak English and maintain eye contact during a conversation. They share similar views on family life and marriage – for instance, they both legalize same-sex marriages.
On the other hand, while English is mostly spoken in both countries, Ireland has Irish as its official language alongside English. Americans are more direct communicators while the Irish people prefer to use body language and give subtle cues to convey a message.
Also, physical contact is more acceptable in Ireland and they converse with softer tones while in the US, Americans favour high volumes and prefer their space.
