UK nationals living in Ireland will not face any changes after Brexit, as they are protected by the Common Travel Area. They will still have the freedom to travel, live, work and access education, healthcare, and social services. They do not need any documentation under the Withdrawal Agreement to continue their lives in Ireland.
Non-EEA family members and dependents of UK nationals will have separate arrangements, and they can exercise EU Treaty Rights under the EU Free Movement Directive to hold a valid Irish Resident Permit. They will have the same residence rights in Ireland as the UK national and can continue to live, work, or study in Ireland. However, they will need to exchange their current valid Irish Resident Permit card for a new one, which can be done through an online renewal system administered by the Immigration Service of the Department of Justice.
Non-EEA family members of UK nationals living in Ireland will be required to confirm that they have been exercising EU Treaty Rights to reside in the State on or before Brexit and continue to do so. They will also have until New Year’s Eve to apply for a new Irish Residence Permit card, and the Department of Justice will continue to process applications received before the end of the transition period.
For UK nationals who wish to live in Ireland after Brexit, there will be no changes as they will still be protected by the Common Travel Area. However, a new scheme will be introduced for UK nationals who come to Ireland after Brexit and want to bring their non-EEA family members.