Overview
Ireland, especially Dublin, is one of Europe's most important hubs for international IT, tech and services companies – many of them run their Europe-wide, multilingual customer service from there. Hospitality and food service are also a classic entry point, especially for early-career workers and seasonal staff.
Work permit
As an EU citizen, you can live and work in Ireland without a separate work permit. If you stay longer than three months, it's recommended to register with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP, currently around €300, renewable annually). For the job itself, you'll also need a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) – comparable to a tax/social security number.
Salary & cost of living
Salary levels are comparable to, or sometimes higher than, Germany, but rental costs in Dublin in particular are considerably higher: a one-bedroom flat in the city center often costs €1,500-2,000 per month, and around €1,200-1,500 outside the center. Housing costs are therefore the biggest factor to plan for when moving to Ireland.
Language requirements
English is the national language – for many roles with German-speaking customer contact, English at "Fluent (B2-C1)" is enough, while German as the main language is often required at "Native level (C2)" or at least "Fluent".
As of 2026. Not legal or tax advice – please check current regulations with the relevant Irish authorities or a professional advisor.