In This Section
Countries in EU, EEA & single market
Countries in the EU and EEA are part of a single market that allows free movement for their citizens. Switzerland has an agreement that extends the single market to include it, though it is not part of the EEA.
In general, citizens of countries in the single market do not need a visa or other special permission to come to or stay in Ireland.
European Union (EU)
There are 27 countries in the European Union.
Citizens of some overseas territories, possessions and other regions governed by countries in the European Union do not qualify for free movement within the single market.
European Economic Area (EEA) & Switzerland
The EEA is composed of all EU member states as well as the following:
The EEA extends the single market to all 31 member states and allows nationals of participating countries to travel freely between them. Switzerland is not part of the EEA, but has an agreement that extends the single market to include it.
European States not in the single market
The following are not in the single market. Nationals of these states may need permission to come to, enter or stay in Ireland.