Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Ireland Expat Forum

Moving to Ireland to live with Irish Fiance in Dublin

New Topic Newest First
aprilsteffan1
  4/23/2014 16:16 EST

Hello,

I met m fiance in Chicago, IL where I currently live and work. I am moving over to live with him in June and we will be married in 2015.

I will need to find a job in my field of Financial Services in Dublin. M biggest worry is not getting a job in the allotted 3 month time period. If we have to, we will just marry early so I can remain in Ireland, but that is not the ideal choice.

Does anyone have advice on finding a position in Ireland in Finance? I have extensive experience with high net worth clients and trading on the NYSE.

Also, when I go through immigration at the airport do I tell them I am moving there permanently to live with my fiance?

Thank you! Any advice is welcomed as I ama bit freaked! :-)

sab1022
  4/24/2014 06:08 EST

Hi, I am an American expat living in Ireland with my Irish husband, so have a bit of experience with your situation. Ok so here's what I think. I don't think you need to tell immigration anything as you can just come in on a tourist visa for 3months for starters. THEN at least you are here freely/legally for 3 months, and can think about what you need to do next in terms of staying here long-term. I was here on a student visa then after that ended (with my graduation). My husband (fiance at the time), and I were told that in order for me to stay here with him he would need to write a letter stating that we had intentions of marriage, and that he would provide financial stability for me and that I would not be a 'burden on the state.' I think I also had to prove that I had a substantial enough income (savings account in the States etc.) Then I was able to stay here legally. Now, that meant that I couldn't legally work, but I found a way around this by starting my own company and appointing two Irish Directors. Then I was legal to contract out my services at the time (which was teaching ESL). Eventually we married and I got my Stamp 4 (allows me to work legally here). And eventually my Irish citizenship...but you have to be married for 3 years first before applying for citizenship. While you are here, I'm assuming you will be looking for work. You may find a company that will apply for a work visa for you (as you sound highly marketable to me!) Thus, you probably wouldn't have to go the other route. You are lucky that you are going to live in Dublin, I live in Limerick and have found it EXTREMELY difficult to get steady work even though I have a Masters Degree, but I'm in a different industry too. Good luck with everything, the pace of life is slower here (compared to US metropolitan areas) and can be frustrating at the best of times ('old fashioned' plumbing, poor infrastructure, high taxes), but it is an experience and the people are friendly. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Dkk12
  4/24/2014 10:02 EST

The previous post is correct as to what to say upon arrival - you are visiting your fiance. You have 90 days under the tourist visa to make the future decision.

As for work, I would recommend that you attempt to get hired in the U.S. to work in Ireland. Your field is an international one and as such, U.S. employers are present in Dublin. I was employed prior to my move and that truly helped as the EU standards support EU residents over foreign applicants. But given your specialisation, you might have the necessary edge. If you have the time, I would start networking now to see if you can get a lead/offer for work in Ireland while still in the U.S. Chicago-based financial institutions are represented here, as are other U.S. firms.

Mostly, relax. It is a big decision and it will work out. The Irish way is much slower paced and it will be frustrating at times. Recognise what you can control and that which you cannot. The experience has been fantastic for me, notwithstanding the odd bump. Good luck.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Ireland GuideLiving in Ireland Guide

The passion that expats in Ireland have for their adoptive land is often truly amazing. Many get absolutely absorbed in the culture, the people and everything else that Ireland has to offer.

Ireland Forum Ireland Forum
Join our Ireland forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ireland.

Contribute to Ireland Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ireland.

Best Places to Live in Ireland Best Places to Live in Ireland

If you're considering a move to Ireland, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ireland in 2023.

Healthcare in IrelandHealthcare in Ireland

Expats in Ireland face very specific timelines and rules when it comes to getting healthcare in Ireland. It's important to understand how this will impact your journey and your individual health before you decide to move to Ireland.

Cost of Living in IrelandCost of Living in Ireland

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ireland.

Moving to IrelandMoving to Ireland Guide

Expats moving to Ireland have a wide variety of options in terms of great places to live. People moving to Ireland for work, to retire or for any other reason can realize the life they imagine if they do enough research before taking the plunge.

Real Estate in IrelandReal Estate in Ireland

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ireland.

Pros Cons of Living in IrelandPros & Cons of Living in Ireland

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ireland.

Retiring in IrelandRetiring in Ireland

Advice for people retiring in Ireland.

10 Tips for Living in Ireland10 Tips for Living in Ireland

If you've recently arrived in Ireland, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ireland.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Ireland Network Contribute
Help others in Ireland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ireland.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal