Gerry McGrath 
While both jurisdictions share the island of Ireland, their immigration systems are distinct—one governed by the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, and the other by the United Kingdom. The Common Travel Area The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a longstanding arrangement allowing free movement of Irish and UK citizens across both jurisdictions. This … Read more
Did you know that Ireland gives residency for people wishing to do voluntary work for eligible organisations for up to 24 months? A non-governmental, not-for-profit, voluntary or charitable body or sports body must invite you and act as your sponsor. Volunteering can be in the fields of arts, heritage, culture, religious and faith-based support activities … Read more
An attempt to shake the requirement that a person not be absent from the State for more than 70 days (extendable to 100 days in exceptional circumstances) has fallen at the first hurdle. In a decision 25th July 2025, Ms. Justice Siobhán Phelan refused Bulent Hicsonmez’s application for leave to proceed with judicial review. … Read more
If you are a naturalised Irish citizen but are living outside Ireland, you should complete a Declaration of Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship each year and file it with the Department of Justice. It is a simple form which must be signed in the presence of a notary or other qualified person. It is filed … Read more
A recent Irish referral to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has provided further clarity regarding the rights of EU citizens and their family members to free movement (C-488/21 Voican v Chief Appeals Officer). The case involved Mr. Voican, a dependent parent of an EU citizen working in Ireland. Mr. Voican applied for Disability Allowance … Read more
You do not have to be resident in Ireland to purchase property here. Purchasing property will not confer any right of residency of course. As a non-resident purchaser, you will need to obtain an Irish tax number (PPS no.) so that the deed of purchase can be stamped. Without stamping, you will never be able … Read more
. 9 of the Immigration Act 2004 requires ‘non-nationals’ to notify ISD of a change in their address. This must be given in advance to their local immigration officer and if changing areas, within 48 hours of arrival to the new immigration officer. Failure to do so can result in a conviction and hefty fine. … Read more
On the 20th December, the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, announced significant changes to the jobs eligible for an employment permit as well as increasing salary thresholds. Among the main changes to the employment permits system are 11 new occupations listed on the highly skilled occupations list which are as follows: Furthermore, … Read more
Reactivation applies when an employee who had a valid employment permit falls out of the employment permit system through no fault of their own or where they have been badly treated by their employer. In these cases, reactivation provides a pathway for re-employment where the individual has found another job offer for which they have … Read more
The role of a conveyancing solicitor acting on behalf of the purchaser is crucial in ensuring a smooth and legally sound transaction. The following outlines the basic steps in this process: 1. Engagement and Instruction: The first step is for the purchaser to engage a conveyancing solicitor. Once engaged, the solicitor will gather information about the … Read more
