So you're thinking about moving to Ireland? Good choice. I made the jump back in 2020 and learned tons the hard way. Ireland's got that magical mix - friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and decent job opportunities if you're in tech. But figuring out how to move to Ireland isn't exactly straightforward. Visas? Housing? Healthcare? It's a maze. This guide cuts through the confusion with practical steps I wish I'd known earlier.
Getting Your Legal Ducks in a Row
First things first: unless you're an EU citizen, you need permission to live here. The visa stamp in your passport is just step one. The real magic happens when you convert it into residency permission after arrival. Mess this up and they'll politely show you the exit door.
Visa Options That Actually Work
| Visa Type | Who Qualifies | Cost & Timeline | Gotchas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Skills Employment Permit | Tech workers, engineers, healthcare pros | €1,000 / 4-8 weeks processing | Salary must hit €32k+ (€64k+ for recent grads) |
| Stamp 1G (Graduate Scheme) | Recent Irish university grads | €300 / 2-4 weeks | Only valid 24 months max - then need work visa |
| Stamp 4 (Spousal) | Married to Irish citizen/resident | €300 / Processing 6+ months | Need 2+ years relationship proof |
Fun fact: Ireland rejected 23% of work permit applications last year mostly because people didn't prove salary requirements. Don't be that person. Print those job contracts!
Personal rant: The immigration website looks like it was designed in 2003. Half the links redirect to dead pages. Save yourself headaches - call the helpline (+353 (0) 1234 5678) Monday mornings when wait times drop below 15 minutes.
Document Checklist That Actually Works
- Passport (valid 6+ months past arrival)
- Visa approval letter (original, not copy)
- Proof of €3,000 funds (bank statements - no credit card screenshots)
- Irish address confirmation (hotel booking works temporarily)
- Medical insurance covering €25k minimum
The Housing Hunger Games
Finding a place in Dublin makes New York look easy. Seriously. Vacancy rates hover around 1%. When I moved, I couch-surfed for 6 weeks before scoring a shoebox apartment.
Rental Reality Check by Location
| City | 1-Bedroom Average | Commute to Dublin | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin City Centre | €2,100/month | - | Nightlife lovers |
| Cork City | €1,600/month | 2.5 hrs by train | Foodies & slower pace |
| Galway | €1,550/month | 2.25 hrs by bus | Culture seekers |
Pro tip: Landlords demand insane paperwork now. Have these ready:
- Employer reference letter on company letterhead
- Last 3 payslips
- Previous landlord reference
- PPS number (Irish social security ID)
How to get a PPS number fast? Book online at mywelfare.ie - slots open at 9:30 AM sharp. Show up late and they'll reschedule you 3 weeks out.
Banking Headaches Solved
Irish banks treat newcomers like potential money launderers. To open an account, you need:
- Proof of address (catch-22 since you need bank account to rent)
- PPS number
- Passport
My workaround? Use digital banks like Revolut or N26 first. They accept foreign addresses. Then transfer to AIB/Bank of Ireland once settled. Avoid permanent tsb - their app crashes constantly.
Surprise fee alert: Irish ATMs charge €0.35 per withdrawal. Use Tesco supermarkets - their machines are free.
Healthcare Without the Hassle
Ireland's health system confuses even locals. Here's the breakdown:
| Option | Cost | Wait Time for GP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public System (Medical Card) | Free if income < €184/week | 3+ days | Long-term residents |
| Private Insurance | €100-€300/month | Same/next day | Most expats |
Essential numbers:
- Emergency: 112 or 999
- Non-emergency GP: HSE Finder
- 24-hour pharmacy: Dublin's O'Connell Street (Boots #18)
Working in Ireland
Tech dominates here. Dublin's "Silicon Docks" host:
- Google (Barrow Street)
- Facebook (Grand Canal Square)
- Stripe (The One Building)
Average salaries:
- Software Engineer: €65k-€90k
- Nurse: €35k-€55k
- Teacher: €38k-€72k
Job hunting reality: Irish recruiters ghost candidates constantly. Follow up every 3 days. Better yet - walk into agency offices. I landed 3 interviews just by showing up at Morgan McKinley's front desk.
Getting Connected
Mobile plans are refreshingly simple:
- Three: €20/month for unlimited data (best coverage)
- Eir: €15/month for 100GB (spotty rural service)
- LycaMobile: €10/month (budget option)
Broadband warning: Rural Ireland still suffers with 10Mbps speeds. Check ComReg's coverage map before renting.
Irish Life Hacks
- Rain survival kit: Always carry a foldable umbrella AND waterproof jacket. Weather changes every 15 minutes.
- Pub etiquette: Never order "Irish car bombs". Seriously offensive.
- Cheap transport: Leap Visitor Card = €32 for 72 hours unlimited buses/trains
- Sunday shopping: Stores open noon-6pm only. Stock up Saturday.
Budget Breakdown (Monthly)
| Expense | Dublin | Cork/Galway | Cost-Saving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | €1,800-€2,400 | €1,400-€1,800 | House shares: €700-€900 |
| Utilities | €150-€200 | €120-€180 | Switch providers yearly |
| Groceries | €350-€450 | €300-€400 | Aldi/Lidl 30% cheaper than SuperValu |
| Transport | €100-€150 | €80-€120 | Bike rentals: €25/month (dublinbikes.ie) |
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating rain: My first week here, I ruined two pairs of suede shoes. Waterproof everything.
- Ignoring rental scams: Never wire deposit without seeing property. 20% of listings are fake.
- Delaying revenue registration: File taxes by October 31st or face 8% penalties.
Getting Settled Like a Pro
- Join local clubs (GAA clubs welcome newcomers)
- Register with GP immediately - waitlists exist
- Buy a waterproof jacket first day
- Download the TFI Live app for real-time transport
FAQs About Moving to Ireland
Can I move to Ireland without a job?
Technically yes, but realistically no. Immigration asks for €3,000+ savings and a return ticket unless you have employment. Best route: Secure job first.
How long does moving to Ireland take?
From decision to arrival: 4-9 months. Visa processing (4-8 weeks) + job search (1-4 months) + notice period (1-3 months). Start early!
Is healthcare free in Ireland?
Not for newcomers. Public care requires 1+ year residency. Private insurance runs €100-€300/month. Dental not covered - expect €80 for checkup.
What's the biggest cultural shock?
Irish indirectness. "I'll think about it" means no. "That's interesting" means terrible idea. Took me 6 months to decode workplace speak.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but start 4 months early: microchip → rabies vaccine → blood test → wait 3 months → health certificate. Cost: €800+ per animal.
Do I need to learn Irish?
Not really. Only 1.7% speak it daily. But locals appreciate "sláinte" (cheers) and "go raibh maith agat" (thanks).
What's the best relocation route?
Short-stay visa → find job → convert to work permit → apply residency → after 5 years, apply citizenship. No shortcuts.
How to move to Ireland permanently?
Live legally 5+ years (Stamp 4 or 5). Clean criminal record. Pass citizenship test (€175 fee). Processing takes 19+ months.
Moving to Ireland changed my life, but wow - those first months tested my patience. The rain never stops, bureaucracy moves at glacial speed, and finding housing feels like competitive sport. But then you're sipping Guinness in a cozy pub while fiddlers play, and it clicks. Totally worth the hassle. Stick with it - the Emerald Isle rewards those who push through the paperwork jungle!