Safe Home Ireland
Free information and housing help for Irish-born emigrants abroad who are planning to move home.
Last checked July 2026
What it is
Helps older Irish-born emigrants living in rented accommodation abroad apply for social housing in their home area when they return.
Who can get it
- You are Irish-born, currently living in rented accommodation abroad, and aged 57 or over
- You are capable of independent living, and unable to provide housing for yourself from your own means
- Established in 2000 and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- This is registration and nomination support, not direct housing provision. Safe Home Ireland does not build or manage housing itself and has no direct role in which property you're allocated, that's the local council. It is not a fast-track process.
- The free information service covers housing, banking, healthcare, social welfare, your PPS number and driving.
- Outreach includes home visits abroad (mainly the UK, occasionally the US) before you return, one-to-one support once you're back, and information clinics run with partner agencies abroad.
- Confirm exact eligibility with Safe Home directly on +353 98 36036 or info@safehomeireland.com.
How to apply
Applications go through Safe Home Ireland. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 15 July 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Related guides
- Returning to Ireland guide
- Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project
- Transfer of Residence relief (your car)
- Transfer of Residence relief (your belongings)
- Split-Year Treatment
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