Moving to Ireland – Everything You Should Know As An Expat

Ireland is one of the world’s best countries for outstanding service and hospitality. It is a homeland of welcoming people, a dynamic culture, alluring beauty, and wildlife. Because of its relatively strong economy, Ireland is characterized by an advanced job industry.

If you want to relocate to this multi-advanced country, IMovingTo will handle all the difficulties associated with the moving process.

Cost of Living in Ireland

In general, Ireland is an expensive country to live in. However, you will discover that it provides a peaceful, pleasant environment where the monthly average cost of living is around $2,500.

The cost of living in Dublin, like in every major city in Ireland, is quite expensive. Rent prices range from $880 to $2,200. If you choose the green countryside outside of Dublin, you can spend up to $450.

The average meal price in Ireland is $16, although this is a significant portion, including meat, potatoes, and cooked vegetables. Furthermore, the cost of health insurance is about $1,000 per year. However, if you divide it over the year will be much more affordable compared to monthly costs in other countries.

Let’s take a look at general prices for certain products and services to understand what to expect after moving to Ireland:

Monthly Rental Cost for a 2–bedroom apartment in the city: $900
4G Wireless Broadband Internet: $35
100 minutes on a mobile phone: $20
Monthly unlimited transport pass: $160
Groceries: $500

What Are Visa Requirements in Ireland?

Whether you are from an EU/EEA nation or not will affect the application process and documentation needed to apply for an Irish visa. Most of the time, EU/EEA residents have “freedom of movement” in Ireland and can relocate without needing a visa or work permit.

Non-EU/EEA citizens need to complete the entire visa application and confirm their eligibility for all Irish visa requirements. The specific visa you are applying for will determine some of the requirements for an Irish work visa, but almost all visas will require the following standard documents:

Visa application form;
Work permit;
Valid passport;
Passport-size photo;
Contact information;
Proof that the work visa application fee is paid;
Proof of your legitimate residence in the country from which you are applying;
Confirmation of your accommodation in Ireland;
If relevant, information on prior visas;
Curriculum Vitae (CV);
Diploma of educational qualification and degree;
Proof of sufficient finances;
Proof that you will return to your country of origin;
Proof of medical insurance
Pre-paid, self-addressed envelope.

How to Relocate Your Belongings?

Moving to Ireland is generally not too difficult. You have 2 choices for transporting your belongings while moving to Ireland: by plane or by boat.

You cannot drive your goods to Ireland unless you are moving there from Northern Ireland. The easiest and most cost-effective shipping method is via boat. However, it takes the longest. Shipping your belongings by boat may be the best option. After all, it will allow you more time to look for a property because the housing market in Ireland is competitive, and it might take up to a month to find a home.

If you want your belongings to arrive sooner, think about sending them via plane. The cost of this method is more expensive. However, your goods may arrive on the same day as you or within a week.

Furthermore, Ireland is a well-developed country. Therefore, there are many stores nationwide, and ordering goods online and having them delivered is simple.

Can You Take Your Pets to Ireland?

The number of pets you can bring into Ireland is limited to 5. However, different procedures apply depending on where your pet is coming from. Your pet may enter Ireland through any airport or ferry terminal if it is coming from an EU country. They need to have an EU passport to prove their rabies vaccination. You should also provide evidence that the animal is being transported for non-commercial purposes.

The advance notice form needs to be submitted at least 1 week before the animal arrives in Ireland. The pet needs to be transported by its owner or authorized representative.

Finding a Place to Stay in Ireland

Ireland has a competitive property market, particularly in the cities. If you want to enjoy your stay in Ireland, regardless of how long you intend to stay, you need a place to reside. Dublin has a housing shortage caused by many expats drawn to the city.

For further information on the price of apartments throughout the country, you can visit Daft, Ireland’s largest real estate website. Due to the extensive transport system, for your convenience, it is advisable to select a neighborhood with potential routes to your place of employment. Irish rentals can mostly be found online.

The most well-known local accommodation search websites are the following:

Daft.ie
Rent.ie
Myhome.ie

On these websites, you can search by housing type, price, and location. Remember that the best and most affordable housing opportunities will be found farther from a city’s downtown or far from a public transportation route.

It is also possible to hire a real estate agent in Ireland, but bear in mind that you will be responsible for the cost of their services rather than the landlord.

Setting up your finances in Ireland

You must be 18 years old to open a bank account in Ireland. A valid photo ID and proof of address are required as well. Whether a resident or a non-resident, you can open a bank account in Ireland. Even though you might not have proof of address in Ireland if you are a non-resident, some banks will let you use data from your home country. For further information, it is advisable to contact the specific bank.

The Euro (€) is the currency used throughout Ireland. If you decide to send money to your country in a different currency, consider Wise’s Borderless account, which enables you to send, receive, and organize your money globally without the exorbitant fees and currency rates that big banks impose.

How Does the Healthcare System Work?

Everyone in Ireland has access to the healthcare system, regardless of whether they are an EU or EEA citizen. Contrary to other countries, using the Irish healthcare system does not require you to start contributing to the country’s national social insurance or tax systems.

The primary requirement is to demonstrate that you are an “ordinary resident,” as defined by the Irish government as someone who intends to stay in the country for at least a year. The Irish public program is accessible to citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens with just their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Ireland’s public healthcare and private health insurance differ primarily in terms of price and wait time. Even though the public healthcare system is of the highest quality, many patients complain about long wait periods. In contrast, private hospitals have shorter wait times but far higher expenses if you don’t have private insurance.

The Best Cities in Ireland to Move To

Dublin — a beautiful, culturally diverse city. Despite the high cost of living, there are many advantages to residing in Dublin, including convenient transportation, easy access to stores, and a vibrant and attractive city.
Westport — a town that combines the best of everything. Your lifestyle will be something you embrace, whether you prefer the exciting town environment and active nightlife or the relaxing beaches and wide landscapes.
Galway — offers a fairly secure atmosphere for residents. Life moves at a leisurely and slow pace. With excellent evaluations for healthcare, business freedom, and environmental quality, this is a great area to feel at home.
Cork — the second largest city in Ireland. It is anticipated that this area would experience the greatest increase due to rising private and public investment. Historically a center for heavy industry and international trade, Cork is now a well-known tech and pharmaceutical powerhouse on a global scale.

Things to Know Before Moving to Ireland

Ireland is widely known for its stunning scenery both on land and at sea. Ireland, commonly known as the Emerald Isle, boasts thriving cities next to charming bays and high cliffs.
The great diversity of entertainment and gastronomy in Ireland reflects that Irish people come from 200 different countries. You will have enough choices to last a lifetime, from the Westmeath Body & Soul Festival and the Waterford Harvest Festival to excellent restaurants worldwide.
Ireland is known as the Land of a Hundred Thousand Welcomes, so you should have no trouble adjusting once you get there. Dublin has repeatedly been named the friendliest city in Europe, and according to TripAdvisor, Ireland ranks second in the world for offering superior service and hospitality.
This strong desire of the Irish people to always stand out is particularly remarkable. Due to this aspiration, global corporations such as Google, Apple, Facebook, and IBM have chosen Ireland as their European headquarters. You probably won’t be surprised that Irish citizens have received 6 Nobel Prizes.
Because of heavy rains, even in the summer, the weather might be unpredictable as Ireland experiences rainfall almost everywhere. December and January are the wettest months, while April is the dry period. However, June is the driest month across several southern regions.

Pros & Cons of Moving to Ireland

Pros

Convenient location

Ireland is one of the finest places in the world for travelers. It has a great location as it is one of the nearest European countries to the US and Canada.

Moreover, Ireland is a beautiful starting point to explore Europe, as the United Kingdom is only 1 hour away from here. At the same time, Barcelona is less than a 2-hour flight away, and only 3 hours of travel are enough to reach Rome.

Great community of expats

Due to its geographical location as well as close historical and cultural ties to Europe, the UK, and the US, Ireland is a global hub. Since English is the official language, it is a fairly simple environment for English speakers to live, study, and work.

It is noteworthy that Ireland has about 650,000 foreign residents out of a total population of 5 million.

Dual Citizenship

As long as the other country permits the possibility of dual citizenship, Irish citizens may also claim citizenship in another country. Thus, obtaining Irish citizenship does not require losing rights in your country of origin.

Cons

Unpredictable weather

Ireland is famous for being gloomy and rainy almost the whole year. This gives the island its name, the Emerald Isle, but it is also unpredictable, so you might experience both sunny skies and a downpour of rain on the same day.

Ireland doesn’t get much snow, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cold for most of the year. Ireland might not be the best place for you if you want steady sunshine to be happy.

Housing supply shortage

Ireland’s housing crisis has recently caused house prices to rise recently and is expected to continue. Rental rates, which are already rather expensive in cities, are also impacted by the lack of supply.

Moreover, it is challenging to qualify for a mortgage loan in Ireland, and it tends to be significantly more difficult for expats. Even when they qualify, foreign residents in Ireland are frequently treated as higher-risk borrowers and given relatively low lending rates.

Final Thoughts

If an engaging environment accompanied by outstanding hospitality and continuous pursuit toward success is preferable when deciding where to relocate, Ireland is an ideal place for you.

So, if you’re looking for the best international relocation practices, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our services! IMovingTo has mapped out the entire international moving process, which means our team will ensure you won’t miss a single detail to get prepared for your new adventure.