Ireland Will Pay You to Live on Its Islands – 2025 Jobs, Grants & Relocation Guide

Imagine living in a peaceful village overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, breathing in the salty breeze, walking green coastal cliffs — and getting paid to do it.

Sounds like a dream?

Well, welcome to Ireland’s Island Rejuvenation Program, where you can earn up to €84,000 in grants just for relocating to one of Ireland’s 30+ offshore islands.

Yes, Ireland will actually pay you to live on its islands in 2025, and this isn’t a clickbait headline. It’s a real government initiative designed to revitalize remote communities — and it’s attracting applicants from around the world.

🇮🇪 What Is Ireland’s Island Living Grant?

In 2023, the Irish government launched the Our Living Islands policy to combat depopulation across its 30 inhabited offshore islands. The goal? Bring life, business, and community back to these stunning but aging island towns.

By 2025, the program expanded — and now offers financial assistance for:

• Buying a home on any eligible Irish island

• Renovating properties to modern standards

• Moving your family or remote business

• Supporting cultural or tourism-based ventures

💰 Grant amount: Up to €84,000 (~$90,000 USD) in combined support (renovation + relocation + other incentives)

📍 Eligible Islands Under the Program

☘️ Many of these islands have only 100–300 residents, meaning newcomers are truly welcomed as part of the community.

🧳 Who Can Apply for the Irish Island Relocation Grant?

The program is open to foreigners — with a few requirements:

Here’s where this gets exciting: many newcomers work remotely or bring their skills to small businesses.

✅ Jobs You Can Do While Living on the Islands:

• Remote tech jobs (programming, design, digital marketing)

• Freelance writing, editing, content creation

• Online teaching or tutoring

• Tourism businesses – guided tours, rentals, eco-tourism

• Local services – hospitality, farming, maintenance

• Crafts or cottage industries – wool, cheese, pottery

💻 Arranmore Island even built a high-speed fiber internet hub, making it popular among digital nomads.

🏠 Cost of Living on Irish Islands

✅ Total living cost: €800–€1,500/month (much lower than Dublin)

🛠️ How the Grant Works – Payment Breakdown

You can receive up to:

• €60,000 to renovate a vacant home

• €30,000 for upgrades (insulation, plumbing, wiring)

• Additional €20,000 if the property is deemed structurally unsound

• Some counties also offer business startup grants if you create local employment

📋 How to Apply – Step-by-Step

1. Search Eligible Properties
   Use sites like Daft.ie and MyHome.ie to find homes on the listed islands.

2. Confirm Eligibility with Local Council
   Each county council oversees its island’s grant applications.

3. Apply Through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
   Submit your plan for renovation, proof of ownership, and relocation intent.

4. Move In and Renovate
   Grants are typically paid out in stages after progress reports.

5. Integrate into the Community
   Join local events, register your business if applicable, and live full-time.

🛂 Can Non-Europeans Apply?

Yes — but you must first obtain legal residency. Here are some visa options:

❗ You cannot apply from abroad without the right to live in Ireland. Residency first, grant second.

🌅 What Is Life Really Like on the Islands?

Life is slower, simpler — and much more connected to nature.

You’ll experience:

• Morning ferry rides

• Gaelic-speaking neighbors

• No traffic, no malls

• Fresh seafood, organic gardens

• Traditional music and storytelling

• Walks on empty beaches and mountain trails

“It’s not just a relocation — it’s a resurrection of lifestyle,” said one American expat on Inishturk.

💬 Real Story: Pakistani Couple Moves to Mayo Island

“We moved from Karachi to Clare Island in 2024. We bought a stone cottage for €35,000 and used the renovation grant. My wife now sells handmade soaps to tourists online, and I do remote accounting. The community welcomed us with open arms.”
– Ali & Zoya Khan

⚠️ Challenges to Consider

• Harsh winters and strong winds

• Limited healthcare (clinics only)

• Ferry schedules (can be canceled)

• Fewer entertainment options

• Need for DIY skills or contractors for renovations

But for many, these are small trade-offs for peace, safety, and simplicity.

Ireland Will Pay You to Move to Its Islands

If you want to escape city noise, own a home for cheap, raise a family safely, or just reset your life — this might be your best opportunity.

The Ireland Island Grant is real. The houses are affordable. The people are welcoming. And yes — you get paid to live in paradise.

✅ What To Do Next:

1. Browse properties on Daft.ie

2. Join Facebook groups like “Move to an Irish Island”

3. Check gov.ie for updates

4. Prepare your visa documents

5. Write a relocation + renovation plan

💬 Got questions about moving to Ireland or applying for the island grant?
Drop them below — or share this with someone who dreams of leaving city life behind.