Ireland, a stunning island in Western Europe, is well known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and historic landmarks.
From the bustling streets of Dublin to the serene beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland is a country that embraces tradition and modernity in equal measures.
Also known as the Republic of Ireland, the country boasts a strong democracy, a highly skilled workforce, and robust work culture, making it a top choice for companies seeking international talent.
Consistently ranking among the top countries for talent competitiveness, it’s clear why employers seek to tap into Ireland’s talent pool of remote workers.
Advantages of Hiring in Ireland
Ireland, known for its highly educated population, boasts more citizens with a third-level education than any other European Union country, with 54% of Irish meeting this criterion.
Additionally, Dublin has emerged as a prime European tech hub, home to numerous multinational tech giants and a vibrant startup ecosystem. This helps foster a culture of innovation and a deep pool of remote tech talent.
Key details to know about Ireland:
- Languages: English, Irish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Capital City: Dublin
- Population: 5.1 million
- Cost of Living Rank: 6th
A Thriving Hotspot for Remote Work
In the wake of the pandemic, the Irish Government took steps to promote remote work, recognizing that it will be the future of work for a large percentage of the population.
To enable more remote and hybrid working, the government created a national strategy of initiatives focused on making it easier for the Irish to work remotely. The goal is to reduce commuting times, promote flexible working, and increase worker well-being.
Elements of this strategy include:
- Mandating that remote work should be standard for 20% of public sector roles
- Investing in a network of remote working hubs throughout the country
- Legislating for the right to request remote work
- Accelerating efforts to bring high-speed broadband to all of Ireland
These efforts are already having a positive impact, with 94% of households reporting access to the internet and fixed broadband as of 2023.
Ireland also has Europe’s highest quality of life, scoring 73.72 out of 100. This is a significant factor in retaining top talent and helping to reverse the brain drain that plagued the country in decades past.
Ireland’s healthcare system, one of the best in Europe, combines public and private services. The public system, managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE), is taxpayer-funded health insurance that provides all residents access to essential healthcare, including primary, emergency, and maternity care.
Common job sectors for remote talent in Ireland include:
- Software development and engineering
- IT support and cybersecurity
- Digital marketing
- Project management
- Finance and accounting
- Life sciences and pharmaceuticals
- Customer support
Employment Laws: Hiring Compliantly in Ireland
Employment Contracts
Written employment contracts are not required in Ireland; hiring an employee is automatically considered a contract of employment.
However, Irish law does require employers to provide employees with a written statement outlining the core terms of their employment within five days of their start date. An additional document outlining all terms, such as annual leave entitlements, must be furnished within a month of employment.
The two most common contract types are permanent contracts, which have no specified end date, and fixed-term contracts, which do have a specified duration or end date and are intended for short-term projects.
Working Hours & Pay
The standard workweek is 39 hours and cannot exceed 48 hours a week on average over four months. While there’s no strict standard, most employers follow an eight-hour workday.
Employers have no statutory obligation to pay overtime, but many do. Rates and conditions are usually outlined in employment contracts. Employees are also entitled to unpaid rest breaks.
Ireland has a national hourly minimum wage that varies based on age. As of January 1, 2024, it’s as follows:
- Aged 20 and over: EUR 12.70
- Aged 19: EUR 11.43
- Aged 18: EUR 10.16
- Under 18: EUR 8.89
Probation Periods
The probationary period in Ireland allows the employer to assess an employee’s performance and suitability for a role and can last no longer than six months. However, the probation period can be extended to 12 months for extenuating circumstances.
Right to Request Remote Work
Ireland’s Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, which went into effect in March 2024, gives employees the right to legally request remote work options. While employees may submit a request on their first day, they must work for their employer for six months before the remote work arrangement can take effect.
Employer Taxes
Employers in Ireland must contribute 11.05% to Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI). This rate covers various employee benefits, including healthcare and pensions.
Termination Process & Severance Pay
Employers in Ireland can terminate an employee’s contract for justifiable reasons, such as redundancy, misconduct, contract breach, or legal obligations.
The minimum notice period depends on the employee’s years of service:
- 0-2 years: 1 week notice
- 2-5 years: 2 weeks’ notice
- 5-10 years: 4 weeks’ notice
- 10-15 years: 6 weeks’ notice
- 15+ years: 8 weeks’ notice
Employees are entitled to two weeks of statutory redundancy pay for every year of service, plus a bonus week if terminated due to redundancy.
Paid Leave Laws in Ireland
Vacation and Holiday
Employees receive four weeks of paid time off each year. In addition, there are nine paid public holidays in Ireland, including:
- New Year’s Day
- Saint Brigid’s Day
- Saint Patrick’s Day
- Christmas
Sick Leave
Ireland introduced statutory sick pay (SSP) in 2023. As of January 1, 2024, employees qualify for at least five paid sick days annually. SSP will increase to seven days in 2025 and 10 days in 2026. Employers pay sick pay at 70% of an employee’s standard pay up to a maximum of EUR 110 a day.
The SSP scheme covers full-time and part-time employees and they must have have worked for their employer for at least 13 weeks to qualify.
Maternity Leave
All pregnant employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, which can be extended for an additional 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Pregnant employees must begin their leave at least two weeks before the due date and take at least four weeks off after delivery.
Paternity Leave
New fathers in Ireland receive two weeks of paid paternity leave. This benefit is available to employed and self-employed parents and can be taken anytime within the first six months of the child’s birth or adoption.
Parental Leave
Parents can take up to 26 weeks of parental leave to care for each eligible child before the child’s 12th birthday. If the child has a disability, this extends to their 16th birthday.
Why Digital Nomads Love Ireland
Although Ireland doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa, it offers a Working Holiday Visa for individuals aged 18-30 from 10 specific countries, including Australia, Canada, and the U.S. This visa allows visitors to live and work in Ireland for up to one year.
The country’s strong economy, particularly in the tech sector, provides ample opportunities for remote professionals to find clients and collaborate with businesses. Additionally, Ireland’s high-speed internet connectivity and modern co-working spaces cater to the needs of digital nomads.
Hire in Ireland with RemoFirst
Navigating global hiring can be complex. An Employer of Record (EOR) like RemoFirst simplifies the process by handling the legal, administrative, and compliance aspects of employing remote teams. We’ve got you covered, from onboarding and payroll to benefits and tax compliance.
RemoFirst can help you hire remote workers in more than 180 countries, including Ireland. Book a demo to learn how we can be your partner in global expansion.
