Today, the asset allocation of Chinese investors is no longer confined to the mainland. Driven by the "going global" trend, Chinese investors have begun to look overseas, and obtaining foreign residency has become an investment trend for the middle and upper classes. With its many advantages, Ireland has become a dark horse in European investment immigration, not only becoming the most popular project for Chinese citizens, but its passport has also become the golden identity card most coveted by people in the UK and the US. According to Ireland's existing investment immigration act, applicants can obtain a residence card for up to 5 years and enjoy generous national welfare benefits; furthermore, as long as the residency requirements are met, they can apply for naturalization, obtain an Irish passport, and become EU citizens.
Ireland is a high-welfare country, with various social welfare expenditures accounting for about one-quarter of government fiscal spending annually. It ranks 11th in the world, surpassing countries like the UK and France in per capita terms.
Educational Benefits
Ireland is one of the most highly educated countries in the world (over 60% of the population has received higher education)! Going to school in Ireland is a particularly happy experience, as you enjoy an education system that ranks first in Europe. It not only features small-class teaching and individualized instruction, but the costs for children in Ireland are as follows: Primary school: Free! Junior high school: Free!! High school: Free!!!
In terms of higher education, Trinity College Dublin, located in Dublin, was founded in 1592 by order of Queen Elizabeth I of England and is on par with Oxford and Cambridge universities in the UK. The library at Trinity College is one of the largest in Europe, housing 4.25 million books, many of which are considered national treasures of Ireland.
Work Benefits
● Vocational Skills Training. Once you become unemployed, you can register with the local Department of Social Protection (Intreo). The department will provide you with employment opportunities based on your personal situation and also offer various vocational skills training services.
● Jobseeker's Benefit. When you lose your job, if you have previously paid social insurance, you will be eligible to apply for Jobseeker's Benefit. The amount received includes not only the personal portion but also a portion for qualified adult dependents. If you have not found a job after the benefit period expires, you can continue to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance. While receiving the allowance, you may still have the right to engage in certain types of work.
● Jobseeker's Allowance. When you lose your job, if you have not previously paid social insurance, you can apply for Jobseeker's Allowance. The amount received includes not only the personal portion but also a portion for qualified adult dependents. For a family of three, the maximum allowance can reach 342.6 Euros. If your normal working hours are reduced, you can receive Jobseeker's Allowance for the days you are not working.
● Occupational Injury Benefit. If you are unable to work due to an accident at work or a disease caused by your occupation, you can apply for Occupational Injury Benefit. This benefit is usually paid from the 4th day of illness or incapacity. It can be paid for up to 26 weeks from the date of the accident or the onset of the disease. If you are still unable to work after 26 weeks, you may be entitled to Illness Benefit.
Medical Benefits
In Ireland, all residents can enjoy national medical services. For long-term treatment requiring medication, you can apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card. The maximum monthly cost is 144 Euros. The DPS card is based on the family unit, meaning the entire family's monthly medication burden will not exceed 144 Euros. You can apply for this benefit at any time, and the DPS card can be used to purchase medication and medical equipment.
Irish children can enjoy free medical benefits from age 0 to 6 (future policies will expand this to age 0-12). For example, for dental treatment, primary school students can seek help from a dentist through the child medical service or after regular school visits, and can go to an orthodontic clinic for further treatment if necessary. This will be handled by the chief dentist at the medical center, and orthodontic treatment is free.
Child and Maternal Benefits
● Maternity Benefit. After immigrating to Ireland, if you become pregnant, you can enjoy a 26-week allowance.
● Free Maternity Care. Public maternity hospital care in Ireland is free for all pregnant residents.
● Dental Services. The Irish government provides dental services for children under 6, primary school students, and medical card holders.
● Immunization. Children and young people in Ireland can enjoy a series of free immunization services.
● Child Health and Development Checks. Nine-month-old infants can enjoy comprehensive child health and development checks funded by the government.
● Child Benefit. The Irish government provides a monthly benefit of at least €140 per child for children of EU citizens under the age of 16 or 18.
Pension Benefits
● Pensions. Ireland has three pension schemes, which not only cover employees but also allow individuals to set up their own pension accounts, ensuring the interests of all citizens to the greatest extent and allowing people to have no worries in their old age.
● Elderly Care. The Irish government provides a series of services for the elderly living in Ireland, including inpatient care, nursing home care, step-down and rehabilitation care, day services, recovery, community services, home care, and home help. At the same time, the Irish government will provide certain subsidies for private nursing home expenses.
● Living Alone Allowance. An allowance paid weekly to seniors over 66.
Immigrating to Ireland not only has no residency requirements and no language or academic requirements, but an Irish passport also allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, allowing you to take a trip whenever you want. More importantly, you can enjoy the many benefits mentioned above. The Irish Investment Immigration policy has been highly sought after by the market since its introduction due to its unique advantages. In January 2017, the investment amount was restored to the minimum requirement of 2012. However, this could not stop investors' enthusiasm for Ireland. Influenced by the closure of the Hungarian immigration program, more people realized that immigration should be done early. There are currently multiple ways to invest and immigrate to Ireland, and those interested should make a choice as soon as possible.
Current Irish Investment Immigration Methods
Enterprise Investment: Invest 1 million Euros in a local Irish enterprise for more than three years
Fund: Invest 1 million Euros to purchase a government-designated fund. (The government has not yet announced the designated funds)
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT): Invest 2 million Euros in a real estate fund
Endowment: Donate 500,000 Euros. (If five investors donate to one project together, the donation amount can be reduced to 400,000 Euros)
For more information about Irish investment immigration, please consult Worldway Immigration Group: 400-138-2929.