Working Remotely

Remote Work in Ireland

Ireland has embraced remote work post-pandemic, with excellent infrastructure and over 240 digital hubs across the country. However, visa rules complicate things for non-EU nationals.

Visa Considerations

No Digital Nomad Visa: Ireland does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa program.

Employment Permit holders (CSEP, GEP):

• Must work for sponsoring Irish employer
• Remote work for that employer generally acceptable
• Cannot freelance or work for other companies

Stamp 0 (Independent Means):

• Can work remotely for non-Irish employers
• Cannot work for Irish employers or access Irish labour market
• Requires €50,000+ annual income from abroad
• Not a true "digital nomad" visa but closest option

EU/EEA Citizens: Can work remotely for any employer, freelance, or run a business.

Tourist Visa (Short Stay C):

• Up to 90 days
• Technically shouldn't work, but enforcement is minimal for remote workers
• Not a legal long-term solution

Remote Work Infrastructure

Internet Quality:

• Urban areas: 100-500 Mbps fibre widely available
• Rural: Improving with National Broadband Plan
• Average speed: 100+ Mbps in cities
• Cost: €40-60/month for high-speed

Digital Hubs (ConnectedHubs.ie):

• 240+ hubs across Ireland
• Hot desks: €10-20/day
• Monthly: €150-300
• Facilities: WiFi, meeting rooms, coffee
• Great for escaping small apartments

Coworking Spaces (Dublin):

Tax Implications

Tax residency: If in Ireland 183+ days per year, you become tax resident and owe Irish tax on worldwide income.

For remote workers:

• Working remotely for foreign employer while living in Ireland = Irish tax liability
• Double taxation treaties may provide relief
• PAYE (Pay As You Earn) may need to be arranged

Key tax rates:

• 20% up to €44,000
• 40% above €44,000
• Plus USC (0.5-4%) and PRSI (4.35%)

Best Locations for Remote Workers

Dublin:

• Best job market if you need hybrid
• Most coworking options
• Highest costs
• International airport access

Cork:

• Growing tech scene
• 30-40% cheaper than Dublin
• Good quality of life

Galway:

• Creative, artistic community
• University town energy
• Wild Atlantic Way access

Rural Ireland:

• Connected Hubs make remote work viable
• Dramatically lower costs
• Car essential
• Slower pace of life

Remote Work and Commuting

Many Irish companies now offer hybrid models:

• 2-3 days in office typical
• Right to request remote work (Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018)
• Some roles fully remote

When job hunting, clarify remote work policy early in process.