In the 2000s, significant economic growth was observed in many European countries. One of such countries, where travelers and emigrants rushed, became Ireland. We suggest you to plunge into the life of Ireland, its traditions, culture. After all, this country is a real holiday! She has her own mythology, secrets, legends. Many connoisseurs of privacy try not only to get here, but also to settle here. Let's look at the pros and cons of living in Ireland. Is it easy to survive in this country? Take a look at life in Ireland through the eyes of a Russian person.
"Emerald Island"
The Republic of Ireland is located on an island off the coast of England and Wales. In his eastern capital, Dublin, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett were born. Over the lush landscape with green hills of Ireland the failures of the "emerald island." This poetic name is fully consistent with this place. Green views delight anyone. Beautiful natural landscapes are complemented by rocky shores, gray boulders, colorful carpets. Ancient places and castles are visible everywhere on the island. The spirit of freedom reigns here. Each castle, path, swamp, mill have their own secret. Lonely rocks, wild expanses of counties, rebellious waves of the ocean conquer the view. Ancient cathedrals, charming cities preserved the spirit of medieval Ireland. The standard of living in it is very high. A very interesting and beautiful capital of the country is Dublin.
The influx of migrants in Ireland
Over the past 15 years, the flow of immigrants to this country has grown significantly. Migration processes greatly affect life in Ireland. In the 19th century, the Irish themselves went to America, where a huge and influential diaspora formed. Among all European countries, most of all people left from Ireland. For many years this island was closed to immigrants. But in the 2000s, an increase in migrants began to be observed. Some compatriots are returning to their homeland. Country development requires a lot of labor. Today, 500 thousand people of foreign origin are registered on the island. Among them are Russians.
Ireland needs highly qualified professionals. Some employers make invitations to employees, which gives a temporary residence permit. After five years of living here, you can get a permit for permanent residence here, and only then citizenship. If a woman carries and gives birth to a child in Ireland, then after birth he automatically becomes a citizen.
Ireland is a multinational country (200 nationalities). Most of all come from England, Latvia and Poland. Recently, many citizens have moved from Slovakia and Ukraine. Many people are frightened by paperwork, bureaucracy during registration of status, fear of an unusual climate and endless rains. Further you will learn more about the pros and cons of living in Ireland.
The backstage of society
Ireland has a European standard of living. Sometimes these figures are even higher. It has excellent living conditions, the environment. People here are healthier and happier. A little let down wages. The per capita income per month is $ 2, 000. 60% of the able-bodied population lives on the island. The unemployment rate is gradually falling. The Irish are proud of their country, which is developing economically.
It should be noted the pace and rhythm of staying here. Life in Ireland is calm, measured, relaxed. There are no throwings, stresses are excluded. Minimum work, in the evening - a restaurant or pub. Frequent meetings are made with friends and relatives, at which events, news, plans are discussed. Everyone is interested in football, rugby, curling.
Ireland has a cool and windy climate, cloudy and rainy days. This is an area with high humidity. All natural objects here are transferred to private ownership. For sunbathing, fishing, hunting, special places are allocated. Rural landscapes with unusually green grass are simply mesmerizing.
Students wishing to open their own business, unemployed are entitled to social benefits. The amount of unemployment benefits is about 200 euros per week. The Irish lead an active political and civil life. They have a gullible, friendly, welcoming character. Some lead a secluded life. Beer pubs are very popular here. Business people go to restaurants. Punctuality, this people is no different. The British, they are a little beware. Insults and violence against migrants are not observed.
Russians in Ireland
Only recently, most Russians have the opportunity to see all the delights of the "emerald island." In 2015, there were about 4, 000 Russians there. They belong to the layer of the Russian middle class. Many more Russians come here for low-skilled work. Together with travelers from Russia, 300, 000 people arrive in Ireland in a year. The economic crisis in Russia has recently slowed down the attendance of this country.
The mass emigration of Russians to the island began in the 2000s. People are looking for a better life, calm, confidence in the future. Ireland in those years concluded contracts with workers of various specialties. It took a lot of programmers, businessmen, and just farm workers. Wealthy people resort to obtaining an investor visa for 350, 000 euros. The country is allowed to have dual citizenship. The Irish are allowed to visit 172 countries without visas. A network of Eastern European stores has been opened in cities where goods are sold from Russia.
In Ireland there are a lot of centers of the leading IT companies in the world. They invite Russian specialists: programmers, software analysts. Many Russians work in highly specialized medical professions: biotechnicians, radiologists, and diagnosticians. It also requires surveyors, architects, financial experts, managers. Many students from Russia are given a residence permit. They will also be allowed to earn extra money. Studying in local universities requires excellent knowledge of the English language.
Almost all migrants from Russia live in Dublin. Many get a job on a construction site, small factories, meat plants. Women can be found on mushroom, berry, flower farms. This requires maids in hotels, babysitters, carers in families, cleaners in stores. Those who know English can get a waiter, cook, electrician, plumber. A "guest worker" salary here is about 2, 300 euros per month. Young people are trying to get Irish citizenship. The single Russian diaspora in Ireland has not yet been formed.
Language question
Not all people who come to Ireland are fluent in English. It is not possible to achieve a good career here, high living standards, well-paid jobs, and secured old age. But those who have overcome the barrier, learned the language and made efforts to adapt to local conditions, get good conditions. A program has been introduced in the country to support children in visiting families. To study the English language, special teachers are allocated that pull students up to the level of classmates at school. Lessons give free.
Phased citizenship
What are the possibilities of living in Ireland? The responses of emigrants indicate that in order to obtain citizenship the following should be done:
- Prepare an installed package of documents.
- Submit them to the embassy. The check will last about three months.
- To queue for additional documents for questionnaires.
- Take the survey and get a certificate that confirms the questionnaire and the submission of documents.
- About a year to wait for a decision on obtaining citizenship of Ireland.
Obtaining citizenship allows you to live on the "emerald island" without problems.
Food, transport, prices
Food prices in the country depend on which city to buy. Dublin is the most expensive city. Here are the approximate prices in euros:
- 1 liter of cow's milk - 1-1.5;
- loaf of bread - 1.5-2;
- a dozen eggs - 3;
- 1 kg of hard cheese - 10-12;
- 1 kg of chicken fillet - 10-12;
- 1 kg of potato - 0.8-1.3;
- 1 kg of apples - 3;
- 1 kg of oranges - 1.5-2;
- a bottle of beer - 2-2.5;
- 0.75 liters of wine - 9-10;
- pack of cigarettes - 8.5-9.5;
- 1 kg of bananas - 1.8-1.9;
- 1 kg of pork - 6.5-7.
You can travel around Ireland by buses, trains, planes, ferries. Most residents have their own cars. Many people go out of town on bicycles.
Pros of living in Ireland
For people who dream of obtaining citizenship of Ireland, we list the advantages of living in it:
- The country is highly developed.
- Simple truths are understood.
- Stable economy.
- Picturesque nature, mild climate, ancient sights.
- The tolerant nature of local residents, friendliness, openness, a good sense of humor of the owners.
- The presence of high-quality roads, simple signs, clear rules of the road.
- The opportunity to have a good time because of the well-developed infrastructure.
- Affordable food, clothing, essentials.
- Ability to quickly and successfully adapt visitors.
Cons of staying in the country
Here are the disadvantages of living in Ireland:
- It often rains and winds blow.
- Rental housing and transportation are expensive.
- The transport system is not well developed.
- Getting services under contracts.
- Presence of a language barrier due to Irish dialects or slang.
Duration and standard of living in Ireland
The standard of living can be judged by the salaries of workers. Here are the approximate salaries in some areas:
- Young professionals receive from 15 to 30 euros per year.
- Call-center employees are issued from 17, 000 to 20, 000 euros.
- Novice sales professionals receive 15, 000 euros.
- Engineers are paid 25-30 000 euros.
- Programmers can expect a salary of 35-50 000 euros.
Ecological situation, environment, well-developed medicine can increase the life expectancy in Ireland to 81 years.
