Ireland continues to grow as a welcoming destination for international workers, especially in the healthcare and social services sectors. With an ageing population and increasing demand for in-home support services, home care assistant jobs in Ireland are among the most sought-after roles in 2026. Employers across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and other regional areas are expanding their teams, offering visa sponsorship to qualified foreign candidates who can provide compassionate, patient-focused care to elderly and disabled clients.
Home care assistants (also known as home health aides, support workers, or personal care assistants) play a vital role in helping people live independently in their own homes. These jobs provide rewarding opportunities to work closely with clients, support daily living activities, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With legal sponsorship, foreign workers can obtain Irish work visas and build stable careers in the health and care sector.
This article offers a complete guide on home care assistant jobs in Ireland with visa sponsorship in 2026, including job details, visa routes, eligibility requirements, application steps, salary expectations, challenges, helpful tips, FAQs and a concise summary.
Job Details
Job Country: Ireland
Job Title: Home Care Assistant / Home Health Aide
Who Can Apply?: All Nationalities
How to Apply?: Online / Direct Employer Contact
Minimum Experience: 0–2 Years (varies by employer)
Visa Sponsorship: Yes, Available
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Visa Sponsorship in Ireland
Foreign workers can be legally employed in Ireland when employers sponsor them under official immigration and work permit systems. Home care agencies and private support providers can sponsor qualified foreign candidates when they demonstrate a genuine need and show that suitable local candidates are not available.
The typical sponsorship process involves:
- A formal job offer or employment contract from an Irish employer.
- Employer submission of a work permit nomination to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
- Candidate submission of a work visa application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) or the Irish embassy/consulate in the home country.
Successful sponsorship allows the worker to reside and work legally in Ireland, with employment rights and access to social benefits.
Types of Work Visas for Home Care Assistants
Ireland offers several work permit options for foreign workers based on skills, demand and employer sponsorship:
General Employment Permit
This is a common route for roles such as home care assistants. Employers must show a labour market need and offer a job meeting minimum salary thresholds.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Intended for roles that are in high demand and essential to the Irish workforce. While home care assistant roles may sometimes fall under this route if shortages are significant, minimum salary requirements are higher.
Work to Residence Pathways
Workers with long-term employment may become eligible for longer residence status or eligibility for other immigration streams after a qualifying period.
Working Holiday Authorisation
Available to eligible young applicants from certain countries — allowing temporary work, including in care roles, without full employer sponsorship (for limited duration).
Types of Home Care Assistant Jobs in Ireland
Home care assistants support clients across a range of settings:
Personal Care Support:
Assisting with bathing, dressing, mobility and toileting.
Medication Prompting:
Reminding clients to take medication on schedule.
Meal Preparation Assistance:
Preparing meals and supporting nutritional needs.
Companionship:
Providing emotional support, engaging in activities and reducing isolation.
Household Support:
Light cleaning, laundry, errands and safe household routines.
Special Needs / Dementia Support:
Supporting clients with cognitive or physical impairments with tailored care plans.
Eligibility Criteria
While requirements vary by employer, general eligibility standards typically include:
Age:
Applicants should be at least 18 years old.
Education:
No formal education is strictly required for entry-level roles, though certifications in care or social work are advantageous.
Experience:
0–2 years of caregiving or related support work is accepted by many employers. Prior training in first aid, health support or caregiving improves prospects.
Language Skills:
Good English communication skills are essential for interacting with clients and healthcare teams.
Professional Attitude:
Compassion, patience, reliability and interpersonal skills are key.
Clean Record:
A police clearance certificate may be requested as part of visa processing.
Job Offer:
A confirmed employment offer from an Irish sponsor employer is required for visa support.
Required Documents
For work permit and visa applications, candidates should prepare:
- Valid passport with 12–18 months’ validity
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Updated CV / resume with relevant experience
- Formal job offer or signed employment contract
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical/fitness certificate (if requested)
- Evidence of caregiving qualifications or training (if available)
Advantages of Home Care Assistant Jobs in Ireland
Working as a home care assistant in Ireland offers multiple benefits:
Competitive Pay:
Care workers receive wages in line with Irish labour standards, often with weekend and holiday allowances.
Employee Protections:
Ireland’s labour law ensures regulated working hours, holiday leave, and safe work conditions.
Training & Career Growth:
Many employers provide on-the-job training and opportunities to advance into senior support roles, supervision, or specialised care.
Social Security Benefits:
Visa holders are typically entitled to health coverage and social protections under Irish systems.
Meaningful Work:
Assisting individuals to maintain independence and quality of life makes these roles rewarding.
Multicultural Workforce:
Ireland’s diverse care environment welcomes international professionals from various backgrounds.
Salary Expectations
Wages for home care assistants in Ireland vary depending on experience, location, and employer:
Hourly Wage: €13 – €18
Weekly Earnings: €520 – €720
Monthly Salary (Full-Time Equivalent): €2,000 – €2,800
Additional allowances (e.g., mileage for travel between clients, shift differentials) may increase total income.
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How to Apply for Home Care Assistant Jobs in Ireland?
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Your CV & Documents
Compile a professional CV emphasizing caregiving experience, communication skills, and any certifications.
Step 2: Search for Job Vacancies
Look for caregiving roles on Irish job portals, healthcare recruitment sites, and care agency listings.
Step 3: Submit Applications
Apply online or contact care agencies directly with your CV and a tailored cover letter.
Step 4: Attend Interviews
Interviews are often conducted online for international applicants.
Step 5: Receive Job Offer
If selected, receive a written employment contract detailing terms, wages, and visa support.
Step 6: Employer Submits Work Permit Nomination
Your employer files the necessary nomination with Irish authorities.
Step 7: Submit Your Visa Application
Apply for a work visa with the supporting documents provided by the employer.
Step 8: Visa Processing
Processing times vary but usually take several weeks.
Step 9: Travel to Ireland & Start Work
Once approved, plan your travel and begin your home care assistant role.