🇮🇪 Get Hired in Ireland: Health Care Assistant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in 2025
Are you a compassionate individual looking to build a career in healthcare abroad? If so, Ireland may be your next destination. The demand for health care assistants in Ireland continues to rise — and the good news is, many employers now offer visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates.
Whether you’re from Africa, Asia, or Eastern Europe, this could be your pathway to a secure job, stable income, and long-term settlement in a high-demand industry.
Why Ireland Needs Health Care Assistants
Ireland’s population is aging, and with that comes a growing need for support workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. The Irish government has recognized this critical need, and as part of its broader workforce strategy, health care assistants (HCAs) are now eligible for Critical Skills and General Employment Permits under visa sponsorship schemes.
This development opens the door for international workers with relevant experience and training to apply and relocate legally.
What Does a Health Care Assistant Do?
Health care assistants provide essential support to nurses and doctors by caring for patients’ day-to-day needs. Common responsibilities include:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and hygiene
- Helping patients with mobility or feeding
- Supporting medical staff with documentation
- Providing companionship and emotional care
These roles are vital in ensuring the smooth operation of hospitals, nursing homes, and home care facilities.
Salary and Benefits
The average salary for a full-time health care assistant in Ireland ranges from €27,000 to €35,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Sponsored jobs often come with additional benefits, including:
- Full-time permanent contracts
- Training and induction programs
- Paid annual leave
- Opportunities for career progression
- PR (Permanent Residency) pathways after five years of legal residence
Recommended: Irish Visa Sponsorship Opportunities: Top 10 Highly Demanded Career Fields for Foreigners in Ireland
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for visa-sponsored HCA roles in Ireland, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- At least one year of verifiable experience in a healthcare or eldercare setting
- A QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Support or equivalent (some employers offer to assist with obtaining this)
- Good English communication skills
- A clean police clearance certificate
- Willingness to undergo medical screening
If you meet these requirements, you could be eligible for a General Employment Permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
For more about eligibility and work permits, visit: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/
Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship for HCAs in Ireland
Here are some organizations that have been known to hire international HCAs with visa sponsorship:
- Comfort Keepers Ireland
One of Ireland’s largest homecare providers, Comfort Keepers frequently advertises for HCA roles across multiple locations.
Website: https://www.comfortkeepers.ie - Bluebird Care
With franchises throughout the country, Bluebird Care offers a wide range of home health services and often seeks experienced HCAs from abroad.
Website: https://www.bluebirdcare.ie - HSE (Health Service Executive)
The public health system in Ireland also hires support staff and lists opportunities for visa-sponsored roles occasionally.
Website: https://www.hse.ie/eng/ - Private Nursing Homes
Dozens of private care homes are recruiting for sponsored HCA positions. Popular job boards like Indeed and Jobs.ie frequently list these vacancies.
Check listings at https://ie.indeed.com and https://www.jobs.ie
How to Apply for Health Care Assistant Jobs in Ireland with Visa Sponsorship
Here’s a step-by-step process to get started:
Step 1: Update Your CV
Make sure your CV highlights relevant healthcare experience, certifications, and your English language proficiency.
Step 2: Start Applying
Use job boards and employer websites to apply directly. Filter job postings with terms like “visa sponsorship available” or “General Employment Permit eligible.”
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
Once you’re offered a job, your employer will initiate the work permit process on your behalf.
Step 4: Apply for a Visa
After your permit is approved, you can apply for a visa through the Irish Embassy or VFS Global in your country.
Step 5: Travel and Settle in Ireland
With visa approval, you’re ready to travel. Your employer will often assist with onboarding, accommodation, and settling in.
Why Choose Ireland?
There are several reasons Ireland is an ideal destination for healthcare professionals:
- English-speaking work environment
- Strong public healthcare infrastructure
- Opportunities for long-term residency
- Friendly, multicultural society
- High quality of life and education
In addition, the Irish government continues to support foreign recruitment in healthcare, so it’s a promising option for job seekers globally.
FAQs About Health Care Assistant Jobs in Ireland with Visa Sponsorship
Q: Do I need Irish healthcare certification to apply?
A: While QQI Level 5 is preferred, many employers accept equivalent foreign credentials or offer assistance in acquiring the Irish certification.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes. Once your permit is approved and you start working, you may apply for family reunification, subject to immigration rules.
Q: Is prior nursing experience required?
A: Not necessarily. Experience in elderly care, homecare, or hospital support roles is usually sufficient.
Q: How long does the visa process take?
A: Once a job offer is secured, the General Employment Permit takes 6 to 8 weeks for approval, followed by visa processing at the embassy level.
Q: Can I apply from within Ireland?
A: No. You must be outside Ireland when the employment permit is issued unless you’re legally residing under a different eligible visa.
If you’re serious about moving to Ireland and working in healthcare, now is the time to prepare your application and connect with the right employers. Ireland’s healthcare sector is open, welcoming, and in need of compassionate professionals like you.
More Opportunities:
Leave a Reply