Visa Types & Who Needs One
Whether you need a visa depends entirely on your nationality. Ireland has three broad categories of entrant: EU/EEA citizens (free movement, no visa), UK citizens (Common Travel Area, no visa), and everyone else (visa or employment permit required to work).
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals
If you hold a passport from an EU or EEA member state, or Switzerland, you have the right to live and work in Ireland without any permit or visa. You don't need to register with immigration, but you do need a PPS number to work, access healthcare, and use public services.
UK nationals
The Common Travel Area (CTA) means UK citizens can move to Ireland freely, work without a permit, and access most public services. This arrangement predates EU membership and survived Brexit. UK nationals do not need to register with immigration but should get a PPS number and will want to understand the differences in driving licence rules and National Insurance equivalents.
Non-EU nationals
If you're from outside the EU/EEA/UK (including USA, Canada, India, Australia, Brazil, China), you need either a work permit or a visa to live and work in Ireland. The main routes:
If you have an Irish-born grandparent, you may qualify for Irish citizenship by descent — no visa, no permit, no waiting period. This is one of the most straightforward pathways to an Irish passport. Apply via the Foreign Births Register at dfa.ie.
For a full breakdown of your specific visa options based on nationality and purpose, use Landcraft's free Visa Guide tool.
6-Month Countdown Timeline
Most of the work happens before you land. Here's the sequence that avoids the most common mistakes — particularly around accommodation (start sooner than you think) and IRP registration (non-EU nationals have a hard 90-day deadline).
Cost Breakdown
Ireland is an expensive country, particularly Dublin. Budget honestly from the start — the most common financial shock for new arrivals is underestimating rent. See our full Ireland cost of living guide for detailed numbers. Here's a working summary:
| Category | Dublin | Cork / Galway |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (rent/month) | €1,900–€2,500 | €1,200–€1,700 |
| 2-bed apartment (rent/month) | €2,600–€3,500 | €1,600–€2,200 |
| Groceries (single, /month) | €280–€420 | €260–€380 |
| Public transport (monthly) | €80–€140 | €50–€90 |
| Utilities (electricity + gas) | €120–€180 | €110–€160 |
| Broadband | €40–€70 | €35–€60 |
| Private health insurance | €75–€130 | €75–€130 |
| GP visit (without Medical Card) | €50–€70 | €50–€70 |
| Total (single, monthly) | €2,800–€3,700 | €2,000–€2,800 |
Income up to €42,000 is taxed at 20%. Income above €42,000 is taxed at 40%. Add Universal Social Charge (USC, 0.5%–8%) and PRSI (4%). On a €65,000 salary, effective total deduction is ~33–36%, leaving roughly €42,000–€44,000 net per year.
Finding Housing
Housing is the hardest part of moving to Ireland. Dublin has a well-documented rental shortage — demand consistently exceeds supply in desirable areas, and good apartments receive multiple applications within hours of listing. Starting early is not optional.
Where to search
- Daft.ie — the dominant rental platform in Ireland. Set up email alerts for your search criteria immediately.
- MyHome.ie — second-largest platform, sometimes has listings not on Daft.
- Rent.ie — smaller but worth monitoring for certain city areas.
- Facebook Groups — "Dublin Expats", "Renting in Dublin", nationality-specific groups (useful for private listings not on main platforms).
Practical tips that actually work
- Apply immediately when you see a suitable listing — popular properties are gone within 24–48 hours. Don't wait to view before expressing interest.
- Have your documents ready: photo ID, reference letters from previous landlords, proof of employment / job offer letter, 3 months of bank statements.
- Book serviced apartments or AirBnb for the first 2–4 weeks to give yourself a stable base for in-person viewings. Viewing from abroad puts you at a significant disadvantage.
- Budget for a deposit (typically 1 month's rent) and first month upfront at signing.
- Verify the landlord is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) at rtb.ie. You have legal rights as a tenant in Ireland — use them.
Dublin neighbourhoods at a glance
| Area | Character | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin 2 / D4 | City centre, Georgian, professional | Luas, DART, all buses |
| Ranelagh / Rathmines (D6) | Upmarket, village feel, popular with expats | Luas, multiple bus routes |
| Clontarf / Raheny (D3/D5) | Coastal, family-friendly, quieter | DART line, bus |
| Smithfield / Stoneybatter (D7) | Up-and-coming, younger crowd, good value | Luas Red, bus |
| Sandyford / Dundrum (D16/D14) | Suburban, tech hub, family-oriented | Luas Green, bus |
Get your personalised Ireland relocation checklist
17 tasks, in the right order, specific to your visa type and origin country. Free.
PPS Number & Government Registration
The Personal Public Service (PPS) number is your gateway to everything official in Ireland. You need it to work, open most bank accounts, register with Revenue, access healthcare, apply for benefits, and enrol children in school. Getting it should be your top priority in the first two weeks.
How to get a PPS number
- Book an appointment at your local Intreo Centre (gov.ie/en/service/12e6de-get-a-pps-number/). Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices.
- Bring: valid passport (or national ID card for EU), proof of Irish address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or letter from employer), and the reason you need a PPS number (employment letter is the most common).
- Your PPS number is typically issued within 5–10 working days and sent by post.
Non-EU nationals: Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
If you're a non-EU national, you must register with the Irish Immigration Service within 90 days of arrival. This gives you your IRP card — your permission to be in Ireland. Book your appointment at burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie. Appointments fill up quickly; book as soon as you arrive. Bring your passport, employment permit, proof of address, and the registration fee (currently €300).
EU nationals: no registration required, but...
EU/EEA nationals don't need to register with immigration, but you should still get your PPS number promptly. You may also want to apply for proof of residence (from your local Garda station or council) if you plan to open certain accounts or apply for services that need formal address verification.
Register with Revenue
Once you have your PPS number and have started employment, register with Revenue at myaccount.revenue.ie. This sets up your tax credits and ensures you're not overtaxed on the emergency rate (which is significantly higher). Your employer needs your PPS number and tax credit certificate.
Banking & Phone Setup
Opening an Irish bank account
You'll need an Irish current account to get paid and to set up direct debits for rent and utilities. The main options:
| Bank | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AIB | Traditional | Large branch network, online + mobile banking. Monthly fee €6. Requires PPS number and proof of address. |
| Bank of Ireland | Traditional | Widest ATM network. Monthly fee €6. Similar requirements to AIB. |
| Revolut | Digital | Can open before arrival with just a passport — useful as a bridging account. IBAN works for salary and direct debits. |
| N26 | Digital | EU banking licence, full Irish IBAN. Free basic account. Good for early days before PPS number is ready. |
| Permanent TSB | Traditional | Smaller network but competitive current account. Free Explore account available. |
Traditional Irish banks need a PPS number, which takes weeks to arrive. Open a digital bank (Revolut or N26) using your passport before you fly — it gives you an IBAN to receive your first payslip and pay rent while you wait for your AIB or Bank of Ireland account to activate.
Getting an Irish mobile number
SIM cards are available at Dublin Airport arrivals immediately after landing. The main networks are Three, Vodafone, and Eir. Budget options include 48.ie (Three network, €7.99/month for 20GB) and GoMo (Eir network, €9.99/month unlimited data). A local number is important for landlord callbacks and bank verification texts.
Broadband at home
Main providers: Vodafone, Eir, Virgin Media, Sky. Use bonkers.ie to compare plans for your address. Broadband typically requires a 12-month contract and 1–2 weeks installation time. Average cost €40–€70/month depending on speed and bundle. If you're in a serviced apartment initially, check if broadband is included before signing a fixed contract.
Healthcare (HSE, GP, Insurance)
Ireland has a two-tier healthcare system: public (HSE) and private. Most working expats use a mix — public A&E for genuine emergencies, private GP for routine care, private insurance for elective procedures and to avoid public hospital waiting lists.
Register with a GP
This should happen within your first month. A GP (General Practitioner) is your primary care doctor and the entry point for all specialist referrals in Ireland. Find GPs accepting new patients at hse.ie (Find a GP tool). GP visits cost €50–€70 without a Medical Card. Call ahead — many Dublin GPs have closed lists due to demand.
Medical Card and GP Visit Card
The Medical Card entitles you to free GP visits, prescribed medicines, and most public hospital care. It's income-tested — most working expats won't qualify. The GP Visit Card is easier to get (higher income threshold) and covers free GP visits only. Apply for both at mycheckinsurance.hse.ie.
Private health insurance
Private health insurance is not legally required, but is strongly recommended for working expats. It covers private hospital care, consultants, and some GP plans. Main providers are VHI, Laya Healthcare, and Irish Life Health. Basic plans start around €75–€90/month for an individual. Compare at hia.ie (Health Insurance Authority).
Ireland applies a Lifetime Community Rating loading to private health insurance. If you take out insurance after age 34, your premium increases by 2% per year for each year you didn't have cover after 34. Take out a policy as soon as you arrive to avoid this compounding penalty.
Schools & Childcare
If you're relocating with children, school planning needs to start well in advance. Popular schools in Dublin can have waiting lists, and the applications process is different from most countries.
Primary and secondary schools
Ireland has an excellent national education system with mostly state-funded schools (called National Schools at primary level, Secondary Schools at second level). Application to primary school is made directly to each school — there is no centralised application system. Secondary schools in some areas use centralised systems. Start researching and applying 6–12 months before you need a place.
- Find schools at education.ie (Find a School tool)
- Gaelscoileanna (Irish-language schools) are widely available and considered very good
- Private fee-paying secondary schools also exist but are limited in number
- Schools with admissions policies based on religion — legacy of church-run schools; most major cities now have several non-denominational options
Childcare
Childcare in Ireland is expensive relative to EU peers, but has improved significantly with government subsidies. The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides income-based subsidies at registered childcare providers. Register at ncs.gov.ie — you'll need your PPS number. The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme provides free 15 hours/week pre-school for children aged 2 years 8 months to 5.5 years.
Child Benefit
Ireland pays €140 per month per child in Child Benefit, regardless of income. Apply through your local Intreo Centre or online at gov.ie once you have a PPS number and your children are registered. Applications can be made within 12 months of arriving in Ireland.