IS IRELAND RECRUITING NURSES, DOCTORS, CARERS?
Yes, Ireland has been actively recruiting healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and carers, in response to workforce shortages. This is especially relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population.
Nurses and Midwives
Ireland has various initiatives to attract international nurses, including streamlined visa processes and incentives for relocation.
Doctors
There is a demand for general practitioners and specialists, with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and private healthcare institutions often seeking qualified physicians.
Carers and Support Staff
The demand for healthcare assistants and home carers is rising due to an increased need for elderly care and support services.
If you’re considering a move to Ireland for work in healthcare, it’s advisable to check the specific requirements for registration and practice in your profession.
DO WE QUALIFY TO APPLY IF OUR COUNTRY IS ON WHO REDLIST?
People from countries who where put on WHO REDLIST should also keep checking the website as the list is due for review in 2026. You should have your paperwork ready and prepared. Agencies they shed light on the countries currently under recruitment. Check if your country is on the REDLIST at the end of this document.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING TO IRELAND AS A REGISTERED NURSE?
Relocating to Ireland as a nurse requires registering with the
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), securing a job offer, obtaining a work permit (General Employment Permit or Critical Skills), and passing an English language test (IELTS or OET). Non-EU nurses must undergo a qualification recognition process and often a six-week adaptation placement.
Key Steps for Relocating to Ireland as a Nurse:
- NMBI Registration (Overseas Applicants):
- Initiate the application process through the MyNMBI portal.
- Submit certified documents, including transcripts, qualification certificates, and registration confirmation from your home country.
- Complete the Decision Letter process, which may result in a requirement to complete a compensation measure (adaptation and assessment).
- English Language Proficiency:
- Evidence of language skills is mandatory. Acceptable tests include IELTS (academic) or OET.
- Job Offer & Work Permit:
- Obtain a job offer from an Irish healthcare facility (HSE or private).
- The employer will facilitate the work permit, typically a Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit, through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
- Adaptation and Assessment:
- This is a six-week supervised placement in an Irish healthcare setting to ensure your skills meet Irish standards.
- Visa Application:
- If you are a non-EEA national, apply for an entry visa after your employment permit is approved.
- Post-Arrival Tasks:
- Register with the Irish immigration authorities (GNIB/Registration Office).
- Apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) number.
ALSO READ: Caregiving Jobs in the Gulf Region: A Practical Guide to UAE and Saudi Arabia Opportunities in 2026
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING TO IRELAND AS A DOCTOR?
Relocating to Ireland as a doctor requires
registering with the Irish Medical Council (IMC), securing a job offer, obtaining a work permit (or Atypical working scheme), and getting a visa for non-EEA doctors. Key steps include Primary Source Verification (EPIC) of qualifications, meeting English language requirements (IELTS/OET), and potentially passing the Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES).
Key Stages in the Process:
- IMC Registration: Before working, you must register with the Medical Council of Ireland. This involves submitting documents, often verified through ECFMG/EPIC. Non-EU doctors must have their internship verified and provide certificates of good standing.
- English Proficiency: If you are a non-native speaker, you must provide IELTS (overall 7.0, 6.5 in each module) or OET (grade B in each module).
- Job Offer and Permit: You need a job offer from the HSE (Health Service Executive) or a private hospital. Non-EEA doctors usually require a Critical Skills Employment Permit or an Atypical Working Scheme authorization for short-term/locum work.
- Visa Application: After obtaining a permit, you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland if your nationality requires one.
- Arrival and Immigration: Upon arrival, you must register with the immigration authorities to get a residence permit (IRP).
Important Notes:
- Verification: All documents not in English require official translation.
- Timeframes: The process, including document verification and registration, can take several months.
- Supervision: You might be required to work under supervision initially.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING TO IRELAND AS A REGISTERED CARER?
Relocating to Ireland as a registered carer requires
securing a job offer from an Irish employer, obtaining a General Employment Permit, and applying for a long-stay ‘D’ visa. Applicants typically need QQI Level 5 certification (or equivalent) in healthcare support, with minimum earnings of €27,000–€30,000 per year. The process involves extensive documentation, including qualifications, police clearance, and subsequent registration with immigration authorities (GNIB/IRP) upon arrival.
Key Steps in the Relocation Process
- Secure Employment: Obtain a job offer from an Irish employer, which is required to apply for a work permit.
- Verify Qualifications: Ensure qualifications, such as a QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support or equivalent, meet Irish standards.
- Apply for Work Permit: The employer applies for a General Employment Permit (typically costing €1,000) through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
- Apply for Visa: Submit a long-stay ‘D’ visa application online via the Immigration Service Delivery system.
- Registration (Arrival): Register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), obtain a Personal Public Service (PPS) number for tax/benefits, and open a bank account.
Requirements and Considerations
- Documentation: Valid Passport, job contract, qualifications, police clearance, TB Test and valid drivers license.
- Salary Threshold: Minimum annual remuneration for care workers is generally €27,000 – €30,000 based on a 39-hour week.
- Language: International English Language Tests (IELTS). Fluency in English is essential for communicating with patients.
- Relocation Support: Some employers or agencies may offer support with flights, accommodation, and navigating the registration process
WHO ARE THE RECRUITING AGENCIES FOR IRELAND?
THE LIST OF RECRUITING AGENTS
Top recruiting agencies for nurses, doctors, and carers in Ireland include
KCR (Kate Cowhig), CCM Recruitment, MMA Healthcare Recruitment, and Cpl Healthcare, offering permanent and temporary roles in the HSE and private sectors. These agencies specialize in international recruitment, assisting with NMBI registration, visas, and relocation.
Top Healthcare Recruitment Agencies in Ireland
- KCR (Kate Cowhig): Specializes in permanent roles for nurses and healthcare professionals, working with the HSE.
- Cpl Healthcare: Provides temporary and permanent staffing for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
- CCM Recruitment: Focuses on international and domestic nursing and healthcare jobs.
- MMA Healthcare Recruitment: Focuses on recruiting nurses, doctors, and carers, with global reach and extensive experience in international placement.
- OSP Recruitment: Irish agency focusing on nursing and specialized care positions.
- Hollilander Ltd.: Specializes in overseas nurse and healthcare worker recruitment, particularly for nursing homes.
- IIHCR: Provides end-to-end recruitment, including visa and documentation assistance.
- Link Plus: Offers comprehensive support for international nurses, including RCSI exam preparation and relocation.
- Karo: Connects nurses and carers to shifts in the Irish healthcare sector.
- Xpress Health: Specializes in connecting healthcare professionals with flexible, immediate opportunities.
Services Offered by Agencies
- International Recruitment: Many agencies specialize in bringing nurses from outside the EU, handling visa applications and Irish registration (NMBI).
- Relocation Support: Assistance with accommodation, airport pickup, and settling into Ireland.
- Permanent & Temporary Positions: Opportunities in the Health Service Executive (HSE), private hospitals, and nursing homes.
- Interview Preparation: Support for candidates to prepare for interviews with Irish employers.
Key Considerations
- Registration: Nurses must typically be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
- Fees: Reputable agencies often do not charge candidates for placement services.
- Locations: Many agencies have offices in Ireland (Dublin, Galway, Bray) as well as international offices in India, the Philippines, and the UK
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE ON WHO REDLIST
The REDLIST is the Code of Practice for International Recruitmentstates that some developing countries should not be targeted when actively recruiting health or care professionals.
This country list below is based upon the World Health Organisation Health (WHO) Workforce Support and Safeguard List, 2023 and will be updated alongside scheduled progress reports on WHO Global Code implementation and reported to the World Health Assembly every three years (the next review is due in 2026), or more frequently if required.
The list doesn’t prevent individual health and social care personnel from independently applying to health and social care employers for employment in the UK, of their own accord and without being targeted by a third party, such as a recruitment agency or employer (known as a direct application).
Red List Countries
| Afghanistan | Angola | Bangladesh | Benin | Burkina Faso |
| Burundi | Cameroon | Central African Republic | Chad | Comoros |
| Congo | Congo, Democratic Republic of | Côte d’Ivoire | Djibouti | Equatorial Guinea |
| Eritrea | Ethiopia | Gabon | Gambia, The | Ghana |
| Guinea | Guinea-Bissau | Haiti | Kiribati | Laos |
| Lesotho | Liberia | Madagascar | Malawi | Mali |
| Mauritania | Micronesia, Federated States of | Mozambique | Niger | Nigeria |
| Pakistan | Papua New Guinea | Rwanda | Samoa | Senegal |
| Sierra Leone | Solomon Islands | Somalia | South Sudan | Sudan |
| Timor-Leste | Togo | Tuvalu | Tanzania, United Republic of | Uganda |
| Vanuatu | Yemen, Republic of | Zambia |