British citizens don't need a visa to move to Ireland under the Common Travel Area, but it doesn’t grant full EU rights. While that make moving to Ireland simpler than most other countries, this article explains the limits, challenges and residency requirements after Brexit.
For many British citizens, Ireland remains one of the most appealing destinations for relocation. Shared language, close cultural ties and geographical proximity make it feel familiar, while Ireland’s growing economy, vibrant cities and relaxed lifestyle continue to attract people seeking a new start.
Despite Brexit, British citizens still enjoy a uniquely open relationship with Ireland under the Common Travel Area (CTA), a long-standing arrangement that predates the European Union.
However, that doesn’t mean there are no challenges. From proving your right to live and work, to understanding the limitations for non-British family members, there are important details to get right before making the move.
The information in this article is provided for general guidance only. It should not be taken as legal or immigration advice. Before making decisions about your move to Ireland, you should consult with an immigration specialist or the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for personalised advice.
The Common Travel Area gives British and Irish citizens the right to move freely between Ireland and the UK. It allows residence, employment, study, access to healthcare and even limited voting rights without needing a visa or residency permit.
This arrangement was formally reaffirmed by both governments in 2019, ensuring it remained intact after Brexit. For British citizens, this means:
In effect, Ireland remains the only EU country where British citizens still have something close to free movement rights.
No visa is required for British citizens to live or work in Ireland. You can arrive with your UK passport and remain indefinitely under CTA rights. There are no stay limits, it isn’t a 90-day rule like in the Schengen Area.
However, “no visa” doesn’t mean “no paperwork”. You’ll need to show your British passport when:
While you don’t need immigration permission, many Irish systems now require formal proof of identity and address because the UK is treated as a “third country” under EU law.
It’s common to have to explain your CTA rights to officials unfamiliar with the distinction.
There’s no limit on how long you can stay in Ireland. However, to be recognised as ordinarily resident which is necessary for tax, healthcare and social benefits, you must usually have lived in Ireland for at least a year or show clear intent to remain.
That intent can be demonstrated through:
Once you’re considered ordinarily resident, you’ll be eligible for Irish public healthcare, social benefits and local services in the same way as an Irish citizen.
One of the main post-Brexit challenges for British people moving to Ireland involves family members who are not British or Irish citizens.
Before Brexit, non-EEA family members often benefited from EU free movement rules. Now, those family members are subject to standard Irish immigration control. This means:
If your family situation involves non-British or non-Irish nationals, professional immigration advice is strongly recommended before relocating.
Under CTA rights, you’re free to work in Ireland without a work permit or sponsorship. There are no salary thresholds or job restrictions. Employers will still carry out right-to-work checks, and your British passport will serve as proof.
For education, you don’t need a student visa, but tuition fees may differ. Some universities still align British students with EU fee structures, while others apply non-EU rates. Always confirm this directly with the institution before enrolling.
British citizens living in Ireland can access Irish public healthcare once they’re considered ordinarily resident. This may require registration with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and proof of residence such as an address, employment or tax registration.
You can also continue to use your UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for temporary stays, but long-term residents should transfer into the Irish system.
Even though the Common Travel Area protects your rights, British citizens still face new forms of friction:
In most cases, these challenges are bureaucratic rather than legal — but they can slow down your move if you don’t prepare in advance.
While the Common Travel Area gives British citizens extensive rights in Ireland, it is not the same as EU freedom of movement and does not grant full equality with Irish citizens in every circumstance.
The CTA does not:
In short, the Common Travel Area protects your right to move, live and work in Ireland, but it does not automatically make you equivalent to an Irish or EU national in every area of law or policy.
No, British citizens don’t need a visa or residence permit to live or work in Ireland. The Common Travel Area guarantees free movement between the two countries.
Yes. There’s no time limit on how long you can stay, but you must establish ordinary residence to access healthcare and social benefits.
Non-EEA partners must apply for permission under Irish immigration rules. They’re no longer automatically covered by your rights as a British citizen.
Yes. You can work, start a business or study without a visa or work permit. Employers will ask for your British passport to confirm your right to work.
The Common Travel Area still protects your core rights, but you may face more paperwork when dealing with banks, employers or landlords unfamiliar with the rules.
