Move to Ireland after Tier 5 (YMS) visa expired

[norman_norman]

Hi everyone!

My name is Norman, from Hong Kong. I am currently living in UK under Tier 5 (YMS) visa with my British wife. We would like to settle in UK but afraid that we may not meet the income requirement - 18600 (FLR (M) ). Therefore, we would need a spare plan which we may move to other EU country for settlement, such as Ireland, Malta or else.

I think everyone knows it is very stressful and sad, and lots of couples have to be separated because most can't meet the income requirement. So, they have to be back to their home countries, do SS route or move to other EU countries.

My Tier 5 (YMS) visa would be expired on October 2016, therefore I have to start researching and planning for our next step.

There are some questions, I need you guys to help me and share your experience:

1. As a Hong Kong passport holder, I am visa free to travel to Schengen area - most of the countries are 90 days visa free. If my Tier 5 (YMS) visa expired, can I move to Ireland ( or other EU countries) directly with my British wife at the same time (same flight)? Would it be counted into those visa free period?

Hong Kong passport visa free link for your reference as below:
http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/service/trav ... ccess.html

2. As you guys' experience and knowledge, which way do you think is better and easier,

a) UK: FLR (m) - meet all the crazy requirements +7x pages of application form + 1xxx pounds non-refundable application fee = can stay for 2.5 years and do it again

b) Ireland or other EU countries: Resident card - have to need the requirements within 3 months after arrival + have EU1 result within 6 months + no application fee = can stay for 5 years. (but I know it is hard to have a job in Ireland)

Actually I still have lots of questions in my head, but it may not be related to this page (Tier 5), so I would visit relative pages in this forum.

Once again thank you for your time, please provide the information or share your experience, if you are in the same situation, you would understand my feeling.

Have a nice weekend.

Norman