Remote Work in Ireland for Foreigners and Citizens
Capital
Dublin
Official Language
English, Irish
Currency
Euro
Payroll cycle
Monthly or weekly
Quick facts about Ireland
Ireland is home to a number of major tech companies, including Microsoft, Apple, and Meta. Known as a friendly country with high levels of education, Ireland is a booming talent hotspot for companies looking to recruit top talent. With significant growth in sectors such as IT, energy, environmental engineering, and medical devices, the country is quickly becoming one of the most important economies in the European Union.
Today, remote work in Ireland has evolved into a prominent and adaptable work arrangement.
The Work Life and Balance Miscellaneous Act of 2023 was signed in April of 2023 and allows workers to make reasonable requests to work from home.
With the integration of advanced technology and a growing emphasis on work-life balance, remote work has become the main choice for professionals across various industries.
In this article, we’ll explore how Ireland's unique blend of thriving tech hubs, scenic landscapes, and a strong remote working infrastructure make it an ideal destination for those seeking to strike a balance between career and lifestyle while working from the comfort of their homes.
Building a remote work hub in Ireland
Building a remote tech hub in Ireland is an exciting endeavor in 2023. Ireland's reputation as a tech-friendly nation, coupled with its strategic geographical location within the European Union, makes it an ideal choice for companies aiming to establish a remote tech hub.
With a highly educated workforce, a culture of innovation, and a supportive business environment, Ireland offers a fertile ground for tech companies looking to hire global talent while enjoying the benefits of a European presence.
An employer-of-record that specializes in hiring remote workers in Ireland can ensure that you’re building your hub compliantly.
An EOR is responsible for local HR processes, such as:
Maintaining compliance with local employment laws and other regulations
Drafting employment contracts in the correct language
Managing payroll and taxes, including withholdings and deductions payments
Administering local benefits, such as private health insurance
Ensuring that work visas and permits are in order
Registering with local the social security system in the Netherlands, foreign tax authorities, and other government institutions
Offering support and navigating sticky situations, including terminations and severance (the Netherlands has a lot more employee protection laws compared to the US)
Advantages of building a remote hub In Ireland
Establishing a remote work hub in Ireland comes with numerous advantages, making it an attractive choice for companies looking to tap into the country’s remote ecosystem.
Highly Skilled Workforce
Ireland boasts a number of world-class universities in cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick. Ireland has skilled workforce with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, making it easier to find and retain top talent in the tech industry.
Proximity to Mainland Europe
Ireland's strategic location within the European Union provides businesses with easy access to the EU market, facilitating international operations and collaborations. Ireland's time zone allows for convenient coordination with both European and U.S. markets, streamling global business operations.
Tech Ecosystem
Ireland has a thriving tech ecosystem, home to numerous multinational tech giants and a growing number of startups, including Google, Apple, Microsoft, and IBM. This environment fosters innovation and provides ample networking opportunities.
English-Speaking and Cultural Compatibility
With English as its primary language, Ireland offers ease of communication for international businesses. The Irish work culture often aligns well with remote work practices, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and strong communication skills.
Remote work for Irish citizens and permanent residents
As remote work is becoming increasingly popular and many remote work hubs are popping up in places like Dublin, understanding the laws that govern remote work in Ireland are crucial.
Laws governing remote work in Ireland
Here's a general overview of the legal framework for remote work in Ireland:
Work Life and Balance Miscellaneous Act: This initiative allows employees to make reasonable requests to work remotely. Employers are not obligated to agree to these requested terms. The act was signed into law in 2023 to encourage more flexibility in the workplace.
Data Protection: Employers in Ireland are required to ensure that data protection standards are maintained when employees work remotely under the General Data and Protection Regulation that all EU countries are part of. Employers should have policies and practices in place to protect sensitive data, and employees should also be aware of their responsibilities in this regard.
Health and Safety: Employers in Ireland have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of employees working remotely. This includes providing ergonomic equipment, conducting risk assessments, and addressing any issues related to the physical and mental well-being of remote workers.
E-working: This is a specific initiative by the Irish government for employers that have employees working from home either part-time or full-time. Employers may pay up to $3.20 EUR per day per employee without deducting taxes to help pay for the additional costs of heating and lighting that remote workers incur.
Why foreigners choose Ireland for remote work
Expats often choose to work remotely in Ireland for a range of reasons that make the country an attractive destination for remote work:
English Language
Ireland's primary language is English, making it an ideal destination for expats who are proficient in English. This language advantage simplifies both professional and daily communication.
Cultural Diversity
Ireland's openness to immigration has led to a diverse and multicultural society. Expats often find it relatively easy to integrate into Irish communities.
Safety and Stability
The country's political stability, low crime rate, and overall safety contribute to a sense of security, which is particularly important for those relocating from other countries.
Quality of Life
Ireland offers a high quality of life with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Expats often appreciate the overall lifestyle and work-life balance in the country.
Digital Nomads
There is no specific digital nomad visa in Ireland–yet. Right now, those who live outside the EU or EEA can travel and work in Ireland as a nomad without a visa.
Those who live outside these two areas have the option to apply for a short or long-stay visa. Short-stay visas are good for up to 90 days and are meant to be used as tourist visas. For those who want to stay in Ireland longer than 3 months, a long-stay visa is required.
Remote jobs & companies in Ireland
There are plenty of remote jobs available right now in Ireland on platforms like Grow, GrabJobs, and WellFound for startups and freelance positions.
Many companies also choose to use LinkedIn and social media to recruit potential candidates.
Popular remote jobs in Ireland include:
IT assistant
Social media marketing
Software developers
Design engineers
Research associate
Project managers
Customer support at call centers
Popular companies hiring in Ireland
Why companies partner with Via
As a global employer-of-record provider, Via makes hiring Irish talent and building your global team seamless and fast. Whether you need to hire remote workers or independent contractors in Ireland.Via helps you manage local HR processes for direct employment such as work visas & permits, benefits, payroll, background checks, and more. Our team of local labor lawyers and on-the-ground experts ensure that your company remains compliant while expanding abroad. As your employer-of-record/entity in Ireland, Via assumes responsibility for employment liability, so that you can focus on what matters: recruiting and managing your team. With Via’s transparent pricing, you can pay full-time employees or contractors in Ireland with no hidden set-up fees, no foreign exchange or transaction fees, and no minimums–start with 1 employee and scale up at your own pace.
