Galway is one of Ireland’s most vibrant and creative cities, and in 2025 and 2026 it continues to attract international job seekers who want a balance of career opportunities and quality of life. Known as the cultural capital of the west, Galway offers work in technology, medical devices, education, hospitality, and the creative industries. It also provides a lifestyle filled with music, festivals, and easy access to the Atlantic coast. For professionals arriving from abroad, Galway represents both opportunity and community, and with the support of The CV Doctor your CV and applications can be shaped to meet Irish standards and increase your chances of success.
Visa and employment permits for Galway follow the same national rules as the rest of Ireland. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is the main route for highly skilled professionals in sectors like IT, life sciences, and healthcare. The General Employment Permit also applies to a wide range of roles when employers cannot find local candidates. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment posts eligibility details at enterprise.gov.ie, and Immigration Service Delivery at irishimmigration.ie manages visa applications. On arrival, registration is carried out at the local Garda immigration office, and it is best to secure an appointment early as demand can be high.
Recruitment agencies in Galway are important for newcomers. CPL at cpl.ie has a strong presence in healthcare, technology, and multilingual roles. Morgan McKinley at morganmckinley.ie covers finance and IT. Sigmar Recruitment at sigmarrecruitment.com connects international candidates with engineering and multilingual opportunities. Hays Ireland at hays.ie also works across accountancy, construction, and teaching. For executives, Odgers Berndtson at odgersberndtson.com is a respected head hunting firm. While agencies are useful, employers in Galway expect candidates to demonstrate both technical skills and adaptability, and having a polished CV from The CV Doctor ensures you are ready.
Galway’s economy has been built on a combination of technology, medical devices, and education. Multinational companies such as Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott employ thousands in the region, and the medical technology sector remains a major source of international jobs. The technology sector is also growing, with firms specialising in software, digital services, and gaming. Start ups in artificial intelligence and green energy are increasingly visible, supported by Enterprise Ireland at enterprise-ireland.com and the Galway Technology Centre.
Education plays a big role in Galway’s profile. The University of Galway attracts international students and staff, with strong faculties in science, engineering, and the arts. The presence of the university creates demand for teaching and research positions, as well as support roles. Secondary schools also recruit international teachers, though all teachers must register with the Teaching Council at teachingcouncil.ie. Healthcare is another major sector, with Galway University Hospital serving as a teaching hospital and recruiting internationally for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Living in Galway is more affordable than Dublin, though housing demand has increased as the city grows in popularity. Rents are high compared to smaller towns but still lower than the capital. Many expats live in neighbourhoods like Salthill, Knocknacarra, or Renmore, which provide access to both the city and the coast. Some choose nearby towns such as Oranmore or Athenry for quieter living. The Residential Tenancies Board at rtb.ie provides updates on rental prices and tenancy regulations.
The cost of living in Galway is manageable, though groceries and utilities are similar in price to the rest of Ireland. The Central Statistics Office at cso.ie tracks inflation and wages, offering clear data for budgeting. Families need to plan for childcare, which is expensive but generally easier to secure than in Dublin. Schools are of good quality, and details of recognised institutions are provided by the Department of Education at education.ie. Healthcare is available through the Health Service Executive at hse.ie, and private insurance is common among professionals to reduce waiting times.
Transport in Galway is relatively simple. Bus Éireann runs local and regional services, while Irish Rail connects Galway with Dublin in about two and a half hours. Cycling is increasingly popular, though the city centre can be busy with traffic. Walking is practical for many residents, as the city is compact. Galway does not have an international airport, but Shannon Airport is just over an hour away, and Dublin Airport is connected by frequ