English-speaking EU country with work permits for skilled jobs and healthcare assistants, and a 1–2 year stay-back after study.
Why Nepalis go: English is the language, the economy is strong, and Critical Skills permit holders can bring family and get long-term residence after 2 years.
The catch: Housing is very expensive and hard to find. Salary thresholds rose in March 2026 and will keep rising to 2030.
Most common route: Student (Stamp 2) → Graduate stay-back (Stamp 1G) → Critical Skills or General Employment Permit.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
For in-demand jobs (IT, engineering, healthcare, finance). After 2 years you can get Stamp 4 — near-permanent residence.
Who it's for: Degree holders offered a listed job paying at least €40,904, or any eligible job paying €68,911+ (from 1 March 2026).
Cost: Permit €1,000 (often paid by employer) + visa fee.
Time: A few weeks to a few months.
Stay: 2 years, then Stamp 4.
Family: Yes — spouses can work.
Leads to permanent residence: Yes, Stamp 4 then long-term residence/citizenship.
General Employment Permit (incl. healthcare assistants)
For other jobs not on the ineligible list. Healthcare assistants, home support and horticulture workers have a lower salary threshold.
Who it's for: Workers with a job offer of at least €36,605 a year, or €32,691 for HCAs, home support, horticulture and meat processing (2026).
Cost: €500–1,000 depending on length.
Time: A few weeks to a few months.
Stay: Up to 2 years, renewable.
Family: After meeting income and time rules.
Leads to permanent residence: Possible after 5 years.
Study visa (Stamp 2) and graduate stay-back (Stamp 1G)
Study a degree, work 20 hours a week in term (40 in holidays), then stay 1–2 years to look for work.
Who it's for: Students with an offer on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.
Cost: Visa €60 + registration €300 on arrival.
Time: About 4–8 weeks.
Stay: Course length + 1 year (bachelor's) or 2 years (master's) stay-back.
Family: Generally no for students.
Leads to permanent residence: Through a work permit after graduation.
Scams to avoid
Irish work permits are free to receive from employers — agents charging lakhs for 'Ireland HCA jobs' are risky.