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The short answer
It can, if you are not domiciled in Ireland. Revenue's manual says non-domiciled individuals are taxed on foreign investment and property income, such as Nigerian rent or interest, only on the amounts received in Ireland. It never covers pay for work done in Ireland, which is fully taxed, and Revenue says that under the remittance basis no deductions are allowed against the foreign income you bring in.
What the remittance basis is
Ireland normally taxes residents on their worldwide income. Revenue's tax residence page says that if you are resident and domiciled in Ireland, you are chargeable on worldwide income. The remittance basis is the exception for people who are resident but not domiciled: their foreign income is taxed only to the extent it is brought into Ireland.
Revenue's Tax and Duty Manual Part 05-01-21 (reviewed May 2026) sets out the scope. For individuals not domiciled in the State, income from foreign securities and possessions, which covers things like Nigerian rent, interest and dividends, is taxed on "actual sums received in the State". Foreign capital gains of non-domiciled individuals are treated the same way. UK income has been included since 1 January 2008.
The limit that matters most: Irish work
The same manual says that since 1 January 2006, employment income from a non-Irish source that is attributable to duties performed in Ireland is charged under Schedule E, and the remittance basis does not apply to it. So:
- Your salary from an Irish employer for work in Ireland is taxed in full through PAYE, whatever your domicile.
- Pay from a Nigerian employer for work you do while sitting in Ireland is also taxed in Ireland, not on the remittance basis. See remote work for a Nigerian employer while living in Ireland.
- The remittance basis is about investment and property income and gains from outside Ireland.
Does it apply to you? Domicile, not nationality
The test is domicile, a legal concept that is different from both residence and citizenship. Many Nigerians who move to Ireland for work or study keep the intention to return home, and that is relevant to domicile; others settle permanently, which can change it. The manual does not treat nationality as the test, and it does not say what happens to someone who becomes Irish-domiciled, so if you have naturalised or plan to stay for good, take advice before relying on the remittance basis. This is information, not tax advice.
What it costs you
Revenue's foreign rental income guidance states that under the remittance basis you pay tax on all money or value received in the State for the year and cannot claim any deductions. That cuts both ways:
| Arising basis (normal) | Remittance basis | |
|---|---|---|
| What is taxed | All net Nigerian rent for the year | Only what you bring into Ireland |
| Expenses and Nigerian tax | Deducted (foreign tax as a deduction, no treaty) | No deductions |
| Suits | People who bring most of the rent to Ireland | People who leave most foreign income abroad |
Worked example
Example only, using an assumed 40% Irish marginal rate. Amaka is resident in Ireland but not domiciled. Her Lagos flat earns €6,000 of rent in a year; expenses are €500 and Nigerian withholding tax €600, so net rent after both is €4,900.
- Arising basis: €4,900 taxable, Irish tax €1,960.
- Remittance basis, she brings in €2,000: €2,000 taxable with no deductions, Irish tax €800. The rest stays in Nigeria.
- Remittance basis, she brings in €5,400 (the rent left after Nigerian tax): €5,400 taxable, Irish tax €2,160, which is more than under the arising basis.
So the remittance basis helps only if a large share of the foreign income stays outside Ireland. For the arising-basis calculation in full, see Nigerian tax paid on rent and declaring Nigerian rental income on Form 11.
What to check first
- Are you resident in Ireland this year (183 days, or 280 over two years)?
- Are you domiciled outside Ireland? This depends on your facts and intentions; take advice if unsure.
- How much of your Nigerian income do you actually bring into Ireland, and in what form?
- Keep separate records of foreign income received abroad and money transferred to Ireland, so the remitted figure is clear.
- Remember gains: selling Nigerian land and bringing the proceeds in can be a remittance; see Irish CGT on selling land in Nigeria.
Where Pryme fits
Keeping Nigerian rent in naira in Nigeria, separate from the money you use in Ireland, makes the remitted amount easier to evidence. A Pryme account holds naira and euro side by side (multicurrency); whether a particular conversion or transfer counts as a remittance is a question for your adviser.
Questions people ask
Can Nigerians in Ireland use the remittance basis?
Yes, if they are resident but not domiciled in Ireland. It applies to foreign investment and property income and gains, not to pay for work in Ireland.
Does the remittance basis cover my Irish salary?
No. Revenue's manual says employment income for duties performed in Ireland is taxed under Schedule E and the remittance basis does not apply.
Can I deduct expenses on the remittance basis?
No. Revenue says you are taxed on money received in the State with no deductions.
Does becoming an Irish citizen end the remittance basis?
The test is domicile, not nationality. Revenue's manual does not address naturalisation directly; take advice.
Sources
- Revenue Tax and Duty Manual Part 05-01-21: remittance basis (reviewed May 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Revenue: Calculate your taxable foreign rental income · accessed Oct 2026
- Revenue: Tax residence · accessed Oct 2026
- Revenue: Resident for tax purposes · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.