Why work in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

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Ireland

Ireland is a country of 5.5 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 80.2% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).

Unemployment is low, although it has gone up slightly – from 4.5% in 2022 to 4.7% in 2025. That is below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment is also lower than in the EU as a whole: 11.8% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% – but it has risen from 10.1% in 2022.

As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a work permit or a residence permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Irish citizens. British citizens can also live and work in Ireland without any permission under the Common Travel Area. The official languages are Irish and English, so if you speak English well, you can start applying without learning a new language first.

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Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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