Information only — this matter needs a solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice or take on cases. This page is a general guide.
To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. For self-complete documents, see our legal templates.
Irish legal advice for American citizens relocating to Ireland — visas, property, citizenship, tax, and starting a business. Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. No trip to a Dublin office required.
If you’re an American planning to move to Ireland — whether for work, retirement, ancestry, a quieter life, or to reunite with Irish family — the legal side can feel overwhelming. Immigration rules, property law, tax residency, and (if relevant) Irish citizenship by descent all interact in ways your US attorney can’t advise on. This page is a plain-English checklist from an Irish solicitor’s perspective.
Your 8-Step Legal Checklist
1. Confirm your right to live in Ireland
Most Americans need a visa or immigration permission to live in Ireland long-term: Irish citizenship by descent, Stamp 0 (retirement), Critical Skills Employment Permit, Stamp 1G (graduate), or spouse/partner visa. See our visa guide.
2. Check if you qualify for Irish citizenship
If you have an Irish-born grandparent (or in some cases, great-grandparent) you may be entitled to Irish — and therefore EU — citizenship through Foreign Births Registration. Learn more.
3. Sort your Irish tax residency early
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income by the IRS for life. Ireland taxes residents on Irish income and after three years on worldwide income. The Ireland-US double tax treaty prevents double taxation — but you file in both countries. Tax guidance.
4. Buying property in Ireland as a US citizen
You don’t need Irish residency to buy Irish property. You do need an Irish solicitor. Stamp duty 1% up to €1m, 2% from €1m to €1.5m, 6% above €1.5m. Irish mortgages for non-residents require 30%+ deposit. Property guide.
5. Starting a business or working remotely
Ireland’s 12.5% corporate tax attracts entrepreneurs. Business setup guide.
6. Make a valid Irish will
If you own Irish property or live in Ireland, you should have an Irish will.
7. Get ahead of HSE, PPS, and banking paperwork
PPS number, local bank account, GP registration — mostly admin, but timing matters.
8. Protect yourself contractually
Irish leases, remote-work agreements, shareholder agreements, cross-border contractor agreements.
Why Americans Choose Online Legal Services
- Prices. No billable hours.
- Fully online. No Dublin office visit required.
- Irish-qualified solicitors. Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
- US-Ireland context. Our guides are written with readers in NY, CA, TX, MA and IL in mind.
Next Step
Read our guide to a 15-minute video consultation with a solicitor of your choice. We’ll confirm which route fits your situation. Join the Waiting List
Ready to start? Services built specifically for Americans in Ireland
- Americans in Ireland Welcome Pack — not currently available: Irish Will, Advance Healthcare Directive, EPA, cohabitation opinion, beneficiary review and 45-min solicitor call.
- Irish Will for US Citizens with Dual-Country Assets — not currently available: drafted under the Succession Act 1965 and coordinated with your US estate plan (401(k), IRA, US real estate).
- US-Ireland Tax & Residency Consultation — not currently available: 60-minute private call covering residency, the US-IE Double Tax Treaty, Roth conversions and FATCA.
- Stamp 0 Retirement Visa Application Review — not currently available: solicitor review of your Stamp 0 pack before submission.
- Irish Property Purchase Pack for US Buyers — not currently available: full conveyancing plus non-resident PPSN, AML funds-of-source pack and Irish bank-account opening guide.
- Couples Americans in Ireland Welcome Pack — not currently available: two mirrored Welcome Packs for couples moving together, saves roughly 20% vs. two individual files.
- Business Welcome Pack for US Founders — not currently available: turnkey Irish LTD setup — CRO Form A1 incorporation, Revenue tax registration, PPSN workaround for non-resident directors, and custom shareholder agreement.
Related services
- Irish Citizenship for Americans
- Buy Property in Ireland as an American
- Tax & Legal Advice for Americans Moving to Ireland
- Conveyancing Ireland (not currently available)
Not currently available — we are working to appoint a new solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice, so the solicitor service described on this page cannot be ordered here; the page is kept as general information. To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory, or join our no-fee waiting list to be told when solicitor services are available again.