Ireland

[Paul Rochford]

Hello
My husband and I are increasingly alarmed with the current issues in the US. We are newly retired and would like to know more about the retirement visa in Ireland. I believe we meet the financial requiremnts but was hoping for some further input from someone in the ‘know’. I would greatly appreciate feedback.

[Ilv Comp]

Hi Paul,

Really sorry for the delay getting back to you. We totally missed your comment. I’ve asked Ted Baumann for an answer to your question, he is our in-house visa expert. See below his response:

“Stamp 0 is meant for non-EEA (i.e. non-EU/EEA/Swiss) individuals who want to retire in Ireland on a “person of independent means” basis. For a couple, you’d apply jointly (or each individually, but the financial criteria take both of you into account) as retirees with independent means. If you want to qualify here’s what the authorities will expect:

* Stable, verifiable income: you need to show an annual income of at least €50,000 per person, so a couple would typically need around €100,000 combined per year from pensions, savings, or other reliable sources.
* Sufficient savings / lump sum: Beyond the income, you must have access to a lump sum (e.g. savings, liquid assets) large enough to cover major expenses — sometimes guided to be roughly equivalent to the cost of a dwelling in Ireland (to ensure you can handle major contingencies).
* Private medical insurance: You must have comprehensive private medical insurance covering hospitalization/illness etc., because Stamp 0 holders are not entitled to public health services or state benefits.
* Self-sufficiency condition: You cannot rely on state benefits or publicly funded services. The whole idea is that you are financially independent and won’t be a burden on the state.
* No employment or business activity: Under Stamp 0, you are not allowed to work or run a business in Ireland.
Financial evidence must be supported — typically: bank statements, pension/savings documentation, convertible into Euros, showing stable income and savings. Having savings/investments isn’t enough; they need to be liquid or accessible (not speculative) and documented in a way acceptable to Irish authorities (with an Irish accountant certifying foreign docs if needed).
Time spent under Stamp 0 does not count for reckonable residence when applying for citizenship or long-term settlement.
Stamp 0 is a temporary — not permanent — residence permission. If your long-term goal is permanent residency or citizenship, you need a different route.”

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