Ireland at a glance
| Entry | 90 days · Not Schengen |
|---|---|
| Retiree route | Stamp 0 · About EUR 50,000/yr per person |
| SSA office | Dublin · Federal Benefits Unit |
| Time zone | UTC+0 · Currency: euro |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 2,500–3,200 a month. Housing is tight and expensive. |
| Money · language · time | Euro (EUR) · English and Irish · UTC+0 (summer UTC+1) |
Entering Ireland
Ireland is in the EU but not in Schengen. U.S. citizens don't need a visa. The border officer decides how long you can stay, usually up to 90 days. Days in Ireland don't count toward Schengen's 90/180, and the EU Entry/Exit System doesn't apply at Irish borders.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- Stamp 0 (retired, independent means): apply from the U.S. before you move. Ireland has used an income benchmark of EUR 50,000 a year per person, plus savings to cover a major emergency and private health insurance. No work allowed. Couples should confirm how the income test applies to them with Irish Immigration Service Delivery.
- Spouses of Irish citizens apply for Stamp 4.
- Irish ancestry: if a parent or grandparent was born in Ireland, you may qualify for Irish citizenship through the Foreign Births Register, which removes the visa question entirely.
VA care and benefits in Ireland
No VA medical facility. FMP reimbursement. VA doesn't list an FMP toll-free number for Ireland. The Social Security Federal Benefits Unit is at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin (it also serves several other countries). Ireland is on VA's international direct deposit list.
Vets in Ireland are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Stamp 0 holders must keep private health insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life). The public system has long waits. Good hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Where veterans live
- Dublin: Embassy, airport, highest rents.
- Cork: Second city, harbor towns nearby.
- Galway: West coast, arts and music.
- Limerick / Shannon: Lower cost, U.S. preclearance at Shannon Airport.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 2,500–3,200 a month. Housing is tight and expensive. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
No restrictions on foreign ownership.
Watch out for
State Department advisory: Level 1, exercise normal precautions. A severe rental shortage, high costs, and Stamp 0 renewals that depend on keeping your income and insurance in place.
Veteran organizations
None confirmed in Ireland. The American Legion's Department of France covers posts across Europe. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Is Ireland part of Schengen?
No. Ireland is in the EU but runs its own border. Time in Ireland doesn't use up your Schengen 90 days.
How much income do I need to retire in Ireland?
Ireland has used EUR 50,000 a year per person for Stamp 0, plus emergency savings and private health insurance. Confirm current figures with Irish Immigration before applying.
Can I get my VA payments into an Irish bank?
Yes. Ireland is on VA's international direct deposit list.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
