Moving to Live In Europe Without a Work Permit
Ireland as a Case Study
The purpose of this article is to enlighten anyone planning to move from his/her country to Europe, in this case, Ireland. Either you’re moving to study, work, join your spouse or family in Ireland, you must read this article carefully before making your decision.
At some point in your life, you might feel a change of environment would make your life better, or secure a better future for yourself and family, or for whatever obvious reasons you may have. In your decision making, you must do a concrete research and dig for valid information about the place you’re moving to. Most times, as the case of Ireland, you may not find valid or enough information on their corporate websites for immigrants.
You certainly need other sources of information such as Expat forums or groups, reviews from immigrants sharing their experience. Build some connections that would feed you with the vital information that’s needed. It is very crucial that your sources of information are from immigrants, not the citizens/natives of that country. The reason is, most citizens have no clue what immigrants are faced with and do not understand immigration situations.
It is an agreeable fact that moving from one place to the other, even within a country, city, or town comes with some challenges. One would always expect some changes that might take time to adjust to. This is one of the reasons you must be ready. Ask yourself, “What is the worst-case scenario if I move to this new place?” Are you prepared to take the risk? What are your exit plans? If you have the resources, it’d be smart to visit the place and do a survey first.
Ireland
Ireland (Republic of Ireland), from my perspective, is a peaceful country to live in. The Irish are friendly people and full of surprises. They have a very fantastic culture, rich history, healthy food, beautiful music, and interesting places to visit especially in Dublin and a few other cities like Galway and Cork.
Ireland is a brilliant place to raise a family. Crime is minimal. Some areas are more secured to live in with your family than others. They’re improving in their healthcare and education system.
Ireland is not a cheap place to live in. Rent is a huge money-sucking channel, transportation alike. The cost of living is very high especially in Dublin and its suburbs. There doesn’t seem to be an improvement with the housing crisis — probably less houses for the vast and increasing population could be the cause. And the duration it takes to finish house projects. Landlords are truly lords with their properties.
Ireland has a ridiculously high tax system. Either you’re an employee or an employer, you feel the effect. The good thing is, for low-income earners and the unemployed seeking-employment (the Irish/EU), they benefit from a social welfare scheme.
Immigrants from Non-EU/EEA Countries
This is the primary purpose of this article. Moving to Ireland as a national from a non-European country or non-EEA country, you need to read the whole of this article. If you’re moving from or planning to move from an EU/EEA-country (or Switzerland) and you’re a citizen, this article may be of no benefit to you.
Moving to Study in Ireland
Education is a good channel to travel and live anywhere in the world (except Antarctica and some war zones). You’re required to apply for Study Visa in your country and of course, have received an offer from the institution you’ve applied to. At your entering to Ireland or before 3-months as you stay in Ireland, you must apply for a residence permit which would issue you a GNIB/Residency card with a Stamp-2. This is required for you to study and live legally in Ireland and allows you to work part-time 20 hours per week during the school term and 40 hours per week during holidays.
After graduation and you wish to remain in Ireland, to work and live, you’re required to get a Stamp-1G. This would enable you to work for 2-years, a job with pay not less than 30,000 Euro annually. What happens next after the 2-years? Read more here…
Moving to Join your Spouse/Family in Ireland
This is a tricky one and where I’d share my story. If your spouse holds a Critical Work Permit, Stamp-4, or a Stamp-2 and you’re going to join him/her with an intention to seek employment or to continue your career, you might need to abort that plan. It would be a very terrible experience for you. But if you plan to join your spouse with no plan of pursuing your career and his/her income can sustain both of you, then proceed with the plan.
However, if you’re already in Ireland, like me, and are battling with your career because of Stamp issues, know you’re not alone. I came to Ireland (to join my spouse with our boy) with the hope that I would get a work permit as I thought having over 8-years worth of experience in IT and Management (in short, critical skills) would be an advantage.
After applying for several jobs and realized all the employers would not continue with my applications, I applied to run a full-time graduate program (Masters) with different universities in Dublin. I was given several admission offers with an extortionate fee that I could not afford. Fees for International students is like three-times the normal fee for Irish/EU/EEA applicants. I couldn’t get any help with this.
We tried getting help from Social Welfare and other organizations but we were denied any help stating we’re not entitled to any support, not even child benefit. No medical card. My spouse was on a full-time study and we were relying on scholarship stipend which was originally designed for her alone.
Like a dream (my worst nightmare), a year passed. I was still struggling to find a way out of the situation. I talked with several people about my situation. It made me look like a fool before them. I couldn’t find anyone experiencing a similar situation. It increased my frustration and I was really getting depressed. I am stuck in hell, functioning as house-boy, cooking and taking care of our boy. We rented a room in a shared house, living with the landlady who sub-let the room to us. She was giving us attitude and making us uncomfortable.
The worse happened, my wife broke the news of being pregnant with our second child. We were forced to start looking for an apartment or house in remote areas of Ireland, where we can afford to rent a place for the seemingly large family. She had to be traveling about 4-hours to and fro on the bus for her study every weekday. We survived it. We welcomed a new member of the family, my second boy with so much joy.
Second-year started climbing with my predicament. I got an offer to start a free training on IT Support which earned me some IT certifications to open me for employment. Even though I knew what I needed was a Stamp-4. It was better than sitting down at home doing nothing. It at least gave my career profile a boost. There were other issues during these times I was going for the training. Issues like; where to keep the boys while we go for our full-time studies but I do not think it’s relevant to share the detail here. I am surprised that I shared these many details already. Maybe because I love writing and sharing stories — my new hobby.
Of course, I know you have some questions. Send your inquiry to godfreyjeremiah2015@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to respond. You can visit my website to view my offers.
In a nutshell, DO NOT COME TO IRELAND without a WORK PERMIT! Especially if you’re coming to join your spouse who is not Irish or not from EU/EEA country.
For more information on immigration, I’d recommend you use these websites:
