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Working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Ireland: 2025/2026 Guide

For many overseas-trained healthcare professionals — including nurses, social care graduates, and therapy professionals — working as a Healthcare Assistant can be a practical and strategic first step into the Irish healthcare system.

This guide explains who is eligible, what qualifications are accepted, and what immigration requirements apply, particularly for non-EU applicants.

What Is a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland

Healthcare Assistants support nurses and clinical teams by providing direct patient care, including:

• Assisting with personal care (washing, dressing, mobility)

• Supporting activities of daily living

• Monitoring patient wellbeing

• Maintaining hygiene and safety standards

• Providing emotional and practical support

HCAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care settings, and home-care services.

Other common terms used in Ireland for Healthcare Assistants include:

  • Care Assistant

  • Carer

  • Healthcare Support Worker

  • Nursing Assistant

  • Patient Care Assistant

  • Home Care Worker

  • Attendant


Eligibility Criteria for Healthcare Assistant Roles

To be eligible for an HCA role in Ireland, applicants must meet at least ONE of the following criteria at the time of application:


QQI Level 5 Health Skills Qualification

You hold a relevant Health Skills qualification at QQI Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Relevant level 5 healthcare qualifications include : Healthcare support, Nursing studies, Community care, Health service skills, or Community Healthcare services.


Relevant Healthcare Qualification (QQI Level 5 or Higher)

You hold a relevant healthcare qualification at QQI Level 5 or above on the NFQ.

*Important clarification:

A relevant healthcare qualification is one that includes applied patient care modules and/or clinical placements. This may include (but is not limited to):

• Nursing qualifications

• Social Care Work

• Therapy professions (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy support roles)

• Other patient-facing healthcare degrees


This means that many overseas healthcare degrees may be considered relevant, even if they are not yet recognized for professional registration in Ireland.


Currently Undertaking a QQI Level 5 Health Skills Qualification

You are currently enrolled in a relevant QQI Level 5 Health Skills program and commit to completing it within 2 years of starting the role.


Experience-Based Route

You have been working as a Healthcare Assistant, Care Assistant, Attendant, or similar role for at least 2 years, and you commit to completing a QQI Level 5 Health Skills qualification within 2 years of appointment


Note for Non-EU applicants: The Department of Enterprise generally prefers candidates who already hold a relevant healthcare degree or qualification to ensure work permit approval.


Immigration & Work Permit Requirements (Non-EU Applicants)

If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you will require a General Employment Permit to work as a Healthcare Assistant in Ireland.

Key requirements include:

• A job offer from an Irish employer

• A role that meets the minimum salary threshold (currently around €30,000 per year- as of 2025). The minimum threshold will increase.

• An employer willing to support the employment permit application


The General Employment Permit acts as your work sponsorship and allows you to live and work legally in Ireland.

Note:

Before an employer can sponsor your permit, they must prove they couldn't find an Irish or EU citizen for the role. This involves:

• Advertising the job on job boards for at least 28 days.

• Advertising in a local or national newspaper (or a second online platform) for 28 days.

• Only after this 28-day period can the Work Permit application be submitted.





 
 
 

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