Ireland gives you open work permission (Stamp 4) after 21 months with a €40,904 salary. The UK requires 5 years for settlement (ILR) with a £38,700 salary. Ireland is cheaper, faster to PR, and your spouse can work immediately.
---
| Ireland (CSEP) | UK (Skilled Worker) | |
|---|---|---|
| Min salary | €40,904/yr (~£35,000) | £38,700/yr |
| Processing | 5-8 weeks | 3-8 weeks |
| Duration | 2 years | Up to 5 years |
| PR/Settlement | 21 months (Stamp 4) | 5 years (ILR) |
| Spouse work | Yes (Stamp 1G) | Yes |
| Application cost | €1,000 | £719–£1,518 + NHS surcharge |
| NHS/health cost | Free (PRSI) | £1,035/year surcharge |
| Language test | None | None for visa, B1 for ILR |
---
Choose Ireland If...
You want open work permission fast. Stamp 4 at 21 months means you're no longer tied to your employer less than 2 years in. No NHS surcharge (Ireland's PRSI contributions cover healthcare). Lower total costs.
Ireland's tech sector is booming — Dublin hosts European HQs for Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and Salesforce. Cork and Galway are growing alternatives.
Choose UK If...
You want access to a larger job market with more employer options. The UK Skilled Worker visa doesn't require a recognized sponsor list check (Ireland's CSEP requires the occupation to be on the Critical Skills list). The UK also has more established pathways for healthcare workers.
However, the UK's total cost is significantly higher: visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) + higher cost of living in London.
---
Should You Choose Ireland or UK?
✅ Ireland best if: You're in tech/engineering, want fast open work permission, and prefer lower costs.
✅ UK best if: Your occupation isn't on Ireland's Critical Skills list, you want London-specific opportunities, or you're in healthcare.
---