After the presidential election in 2024, the US witnessed a mass exodus of Americans moving to Ireland from the US. Popular opinion claims that it is mostly wealthy Americans who can afford to do so while others believe that it is those trying to reconnect with their Irish origin.
Whether or not they compared the pros and cons before making such major move is yet to be known; thus far, no complaint has been heard. Ireland Immigration Lawyers believe that it is ‘Trumpism’ that is causing the migration surge of rich Americans into their country
That aside, Ireland is currently one of the most alluring country with great career prospects especially for those in the tech industry, rich culture, friendly people and green landscapes.
If you are currently residing in the US and have not decided whether or not to relocate to Ireland, this article is the push you need to make up your mind. It will explain the pros and cons of moving to Ireland from the US which will help you know which will be more favourable for you.
Pros of Moving to Ireland from the US
When speaking of the pros of moving to Ireland, major areas such as career opportunities, healthcare, the culture, education system and environmental beauty should be considered.
Career Opportunities
Ireland’s strong pool of skilled workers and how close they are to major markets in Europe attracted tech companies like Google, Apple, etc., searching for talent and fertile ground for global operations.
Also, the low corporate tax rate in Ireland, strong regulatory environment and their membership in the European Union has attracted multinational companies in the pharmaceutical industry.
The presence of these tech and pharmaceutical powerhouses has increased the demand for engineers, healthcare professionals and IT specialists. Also, because of the increasing number of tourist visits in Ireland, more casual workers are needed in the hospitality and tourism industry.
High Quality of Life and Healthcare
Since health is wealth, another pro for moving to Ireland is their robust and mixed public-private healthcare system. As Ireland is a hub for pharmaceutical industries, it means that stay in Ireland will give you access to innovative treatments and medications.
As a legal resident in Ireland, you automatically have access to essential healthcare through the Health Service Executive (HSE) and high-quality care. Ireland encourages medical research and innovation which means future of medicine over there promises better technologies and treatments.
If you wish to ditch the continuously busy lifestyle of the US for the work-life balance in Ireland, then that’s another positive reason to consider relocating. The government values that balance so much that they enacted the Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 to protect workers’ right to flexible/remote work, medical care and paid leave.
As compared to the high rate of crime in the US and the current unstable political situation, Ireland offers a safer environment with low crime rates. Their strong police force (An Garda Siochana) maintains strict law and order to protect residents.
Rich Culture and Friendly People
If you are searching for a change of scenery filled with vibrancy, interesting culture, beautiful music and traditions, then Ireland is the right choice for you.
Learning about the culture of Irish people will not be too difficult as their citizens are friendly and welcoming in nature. If you put yourself out there by attending local events, learning Irish language, making an effort to socialize with the people, you may actually become one of them.
Beautiful Landscapes and Travel Opportunities
Ireland promises various locations with stunning natural beauty that are sight for sore eyes, and with the closeness it shares with other European coutries, you can travel to most of the neighbouring countries as much as you want.
Moreso, if you get their citizenship through naturalization or other legal means, your travel plans will not delayed or limited by the need to get a visa as you will be allowed to visit 187 countries either visa-free or on arrival.
You can travel visa-free to 146 countries (but you may need an eTA for some locations) or visa on arrival for 31 countries. The Irish passport is ranked 6th in the world, and with it, you can study, live and work in other EU member states.
Education System
If you are searching for a country with strong research focus, academic excellence and innovation for yourself or your children, the Ireland is the place for you. Whatever degree or qualifications you get from their globally recognized universities and colleges will be highly respected internationally.
In the US, their pattern of education is more flexible and they allow students to choose or change what they want to study, while Ireland believes in a more structured pattern of education where students must study core subjects with additional elective subjects.
Cons of Moving to Ireland from the US
Now that you’ve seen the reason why you should move to Ireland, here are some reasons why you may need to consider staying back in the USA. The cons may not be strong enough to deter your decision but it is important you are aware so that you know what to expect.
Cost of Living
Generally, cost of housing in major cities in Ireland is more expensive than the US which means that there are locations in Ireland where rent or cost of owning a house is similar or lower than the US.
If you are buying a house in Ireland instead of renting, then you need to be aware of additional costs like stamp duty which will add 1-2% to the income purchase price.
For groceries, the cost of buying common items like cheese, milk and bread is lower in Ireland than in the US. However, prices differ based on the product you are buying and the store you are buying from.
Although transportation costs in Ireland is higher than the US, but the cost of owning and running a car is quite similar. Petrol prices are higher in Ireland but cost of taking a taxi is lower over there than in the US.
Weather
Ireland operates on temperate maritime climate which is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean hence they constantly have rainy and cloudy weather. Having to experience rain almost daily as compared to the sunny climates in the US will require a big adjustment for Americans.
Despite how frequent the rain is, it is usually not heavy and quite short-lived, hence, it will take an American a few weeks to a month to adjust.
Visa and Immigration Challenges
Obtaining any type of Ireland visa is not as easy as one may like to think. Due to the various requirements and need for thorough documentation, most people get rejected cause they do not meet the requirements.
You first need to understand the different types of visa available to you based on your purpose for going to Ireland. Then follow the right application process – online application, uploading of supporting documents (within 30 days), translated copies of your documents (if they are not in English or Ireland), and paying the application fees.
This should get your visa approved. However, if you keep getting rejected, it could be for one of the following reasons – incomplete or incorrect documentation, insufficient financial proof, previous criminal convictions, failure to meet eligibility criteria, weak academic record, unclear purpose of travel, etc.
If you can’t pinpoint where you fail to meet the requirements, then contact an experienced immigration solicitor from the Immigration Advice Service to help you out.
Other cons for moving to Ireland as an American is that you may find it difficult to adjust to the pace of life and social interactions in Ireland. Subsequently, the healthcare system despite how promising it seems can make you wait for long periods especial for non-emergency procedures.
