Do Irish citizens need a visa to live in the UK?

No. Irish citizens have the right to live and work in the UK without a visa under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. This was not affected by Brexit. Irish citizens do not need to apply for settled status, ILR, or any visa.

Can Irish citizens vote in UK elections?

Yes. Irish citizens resident in the UK can vote in all UK elections and referendums, including general elections, local elections, and devolved parliament elections. They can also stand for election.

Do Irish citizens have access to the NHS?

Yes. Irish citizens living in the UK have full access to the NHS on the same basis as British citizens. No Immigration Health Surcharge is required.

Do I need a passport to travel between Ireland and the UK?

Legally, no. The CTA allows free movement between Ireland and the UK without passport control. In practice, airlines and some ferry operators require photo ID (which can be a passport, driving licence, or national ID). There are no routine immigration checks on the Ireland-UK border.

Moving to the UK from Ireland: Guide 2026

Irish citizens enjoy a unique position in UK immigration law. Under the Common Travel Area (CTA) — a longstanding agreement predating both EU membership and Brexit — Irish citizens have the right to live, work, study, vote, and access public services in the UK without any visa or immigration permission. This guide explains these rights and practical considerations.

The Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an agreement between the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands that predates both countries' membership of the EU. It was established in 1923 and has been maintained continuously since then.

Under the CTA, Irish citizens have the right to:

Enter and live in the UK without any immigration permission
Work without a visa or work permit
Study at any institution
Access the NHS, social security, and other public services
Vote in all elections and referendums
Stand for public office

These rights were not affected by Brexit. They are based on the CTA, not on EU law. Irish citizens in the UK have the same rights they have always had.

No Visa or Immigration Application Needed

Unlike citizens of all other countries, Irish citizens do not need to apply for any visa, settled status, or immigration permission to live in the UK. You do not need to:

Apply for a visa
Apply for the EU Settlement Scheme
Apply for ILR
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
Prove your right to work to employers (though employers may ask to see your Irish passport)

Practical Steps When Moving

National Insurance number. Apply for a National Insurance number to work and pay tax.
GP registration. Register with a GP — fully entitled to NHS care.
Bank account. Open a UK bank account. Most banks accept an Irish passport as ID.
Electoral registration. Register to vote at your local council. Irish citizens can vote in all UK elections.
Driving. Your Irish driving licence is valid in the UK. You do not need to exchange it.

Employment Rights

Irish citizens have the same employment rights as British citizens. There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do or the hours you can work. You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, statutory sick pay, maternity pay, and all other employment protections.

Path to British Citizenship

Irish citizens can apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a British citizen). You do not need ILR first — your CTA rights serve as the qualifying basis. Ireland permits dual citizenship, so you can hold both Irish and British passports.

Northern Ireland Considerations

Under the Good Friday Agreement, people born in Northern Ireland can choose to be British, Irish, or both. There are no immigration controls on the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Next Steps

If you are an Irish citizen, your move to the UK is straightforward. Focus on practical steps like getting a National Insurance number and registering with a GP. For official guidance, see the GOV.UK CTA guidance.