Moving to Ireland? Here’s Everything You Need to Know (2024)

How can you move to Ireland? Is it easy or hard? What about getting a job or finding a home? These are the kind of questions all expats, both aspiring and current, ask themselves before any transition abroad.

Our InterNations relocation guide to Ireland aims to take the stress out of moving abroad by laying out everything you need to know. We go through all of the benefits of moving to Ireland, such as the universal healthcare, which covers non-residents even on the day they arrive so long as they provide proof of their intent to live in the country.

We also talk about some of the important things to know before moving to Ireland, such as the competitive housing market found throughout the country. So, once you are done reading, you will know what you need to move to the Emerald Isle. Unlike some European countries, Ireland is easy for foreigners to immigrate to, and the culture is extremely welcoming.

Apart from a welcoming new home, Ireland is also sight for sore eyes. It’s enigmatic nickname “Emerald Isle” stems from William Drennan’s poem “When Erin first rose”. Here he refers to Ireland as Emerald Isle due to its lush green countryside.

Why move to Ireland? By the time you finish reading our guide, you might be asking yourself: why not?

All You Need to Know about Relocating Your Household Goods and Pets

Need to know about the process of moving to Ireland? Then you have come to the right place. Our Ireland guide ensures you are prepared for your journey. Whether you need to know about shipping and storing your household goods or what it is like to moving to Ireland with pets, we cover it all.

In general, moving to Ireland is fairly easy. There are no specific vaccinations required to immigrate to the country other than the standard shots you receive as a child. Expats may be surprised to learn that a rabies vaccine is recommended—even for humans. Likewise, rabies shots requirements for pets vary slightly depending on what country it is being imported from.

Even without a pet, international moves can be stressful. You have to make sure that you have all of the correct forms and have taken all the necessary steps. If not, you may find yourself arguing with a customs officer to retrieve your goods, or even worse, find yourself (or your pet) denied an entry visa. If you don’t understand how international immigration law applies to you, do not hesitate to contact our visa experts. We created our Visa Advisory Service to help you s쳮d with your visa application.

Our relocation guide ensures that you are fully prepared. As expats ourselves, we have the entire process mapped out. That is why we have created this guide, so that you are better equiped to start a new life abroad.

Read our complete guide on relocating to Ireland

The Guide to Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements

If you are moving to Ireland from outside the EU, you will need to know how to get an Irish work visa or permit. EU nationals do not need a visa in order to work in Ireland, but they will need to prove their financial stability after three months of living in the country.

If you are planning to move to Ireland, read this guide in order to learn all the details about the Irish visa application process. Whether you are an inter-company transfer, self-employed, or searching for an opportunity with an Irish employer, we go over the important information you need. Our guide walks you through Ireland’s visa requirements as well as the different visa types you can apply for and the visa costs. A simple six-month work permit will cost around 500 EUR (560 USD); a two-year permit is 1,000 EUR (1110 USD).

If you work in lab, as an engineer, in IT or in the healthcare sector, this might be your lucky day. Expats who work in these professions are especially sought after because these jobs are currently facing shortages in Ireland. Find out how to apply for a “Critical Skills Employment Permit” in this section.

Keep in mind that those interested in permanent residency in Ireland will need to live and work in the country for a minimum of five years. Once this happens, even non-EU nationals will be permitted to stay in Ireland regardless of whether or not they have a job in the country.

Everything You Need to Know about Finding a New Home

Finding accommodation in Ireland can be one of the more stressful aspects of moving to the country. Because the island nation is small and has a large population, it is to be expected that housing is limited. Expats should expect to take one month to find the perfect home.

With a competitive housing market comes a fairly high average rent. Throughout Ireland, it is hard to find a place for less than 1,000 EUR (1,080 USD) per month. Especially in the capital, Dublin. Expats who are interested in saving money should look for different types of houses out in the countryside or, if in the city, away from public transport stops.

Do you want to know how to buy a house in Ireland as a foreigner? Our guide includes a step-by-step process of how to search for housing in Ireland and then make an offer on your dream Irish home. Like renting, average house prices are also high, but expats interested in living in Ireland long-term may find it more cost efficient in the long run.

If you are moving to Ireland, read on to learn all you need about how to rent a house in Ireland and even how to set-up and pay for utilities. InterNationsGO! cannot do anything about the high demand of houses in the country, we can help relieve your stress by keeping you informed.

Read our complete guide on housing in Ireland

Health Insurance and the Healthcare System of Ireland Explained

What do you need to know about the healthcare system and health insurance in Ireland? If you are moving to the country for the first time, then everything.

The healthcare system in Ireland is universal, but this does not mean it is free for everyone. Expats have the same access to public health insurance in Ireland as nationals do, and they are eligible for the public health scheme immediately upon landing in the country. Note that the public system is only fully free for Medical Card holders. Why? Find out in our section on the Health and Healthcare in the Emerald Isle.

In addition to this, we also give insight on the differences between public and private insurance, how to find a doctor, and the benefits of giving birth in Ireland. Read on to learn more and ensure you and your family are fully prepared to stay safe and healthy in your new Irish home.