Can I Live and Work in Ireland or Northern Ireland?

Whether you are an Irish citizen, British citizen, EU citizen or another nationality, the rules for living and working in Ireland and Northern Ireland depend on your citizenship and when you moved.

This guide explains who can live, work and study in either jurisdiction and what changed after Brexit.

Can Irish and British Citizens Live and Work Across the Border?

Yes. Irish and British citizens have rights under the Common Travel Area (CTA), which allows them to:

• Live in either Ireland or Northern Ireland
• Work without needing a visa or work permit
• Study in either jurisdiction
• Access certain public services
• Travel freely between Ireland and the UK

You do not need to apply for immigration permission to exercise these rights.

What Is the Common Travel Area?

The Common Travel Area is a long-standing arrangement between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

It allows Irish and British citizens to move freely between both countries and live, work and study there without requiring visas or immigration permission.

Important: These rights apply only to Irish and British citizens.

Can EU Citizens Live and Work in Northern Ireland?

The answer depends on when you moved.

If You Moved to Northern Ireland Before 1 January 2021

You may be able to keep your rights to live and work in Northern Ireland through:

• The UK EU Settlement Scheme
• UK’s Frontier Worker Permit Scheme (if you live in one country and work in the other)

If you have not already checked your status, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible.

If You Moved to Northern Ireland On or After 1 January 2021

Following Brexit, EU citizens no longer have automatic free movement rights into the UK.

In most cases, you will need:

• A visa, or
• A work permit

before you can live or work in Northern Ireland. The requirements depend on your personal circumstances, employment status and reason for moving.

See Gov.UK for more information.

Can EU Citizens Still Travel Across the Border?

Yes. The border between Ireland and Northern Ireland remains open for travel.

However, the right to cross the border is different from the right to live or work in Northern Ireland.

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need immigration permission if you plan to settle, work or study there.

What If I Am Unsure About My Immigration Status?

Immigration rules can be complex, especially if:

• You moved before Brexit
• You work on both sides of the border
• You have family members with different citizenships
• You are unsure whether you qualify for a visa or permit

If you are uncertain about your rights, seek immigration advice from a qualified adviser or support organisation. You can find a list of support organisations by clicking here.

Page last checked: 19 June 2024

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.