Close to 600,000 expats make Ireland their home away from home. Perfectly positioned between North America and mainland Europe, Ireland promises easy transportation connections. It鈥檚 also a leading destination for technology, tourism, history, and culture. It鈥檚 not just a great place to work 鈥� it鈥檚 also a great place to live. In one study, Ireland ranked 23rd out of 65 countries in terms of friendliness.
Nearly half of all survey expats gave Ireland full marks for being a welcoming destination. Additionally, seven out of ten expats say they feel at home in Ireland. It’s no surprise that moving to Ireland is on many wish lists. Here are some practical considerations to help you plan.
Moving to Ireland? Get Covered Before You Go
Compare international health insurance plans that provide reliable coverage and access to care while living in Ireland.
Ireland is part of the EU. As such, moving to Ireland is easy for EU residents who don’t require a visa.
Additionally, Ireland and the UK share a common travel area agreement. This means that British citizens can travel to Ireland for any reason, without any time restrictions.
Americans do not need a visa to visit Ireland for tourism purposes. However, visas are required for long-term stays.
Americans who hope to stay in Ireland long term must apply to the Department of Justice and Equality for 鈥減ermission to remain.鈥� Once approved, these expats will have an endorsement stamp on their passports.
When working in Ireland, Americans and other foreigners require an offer of employment. Traditionally, employers handle all work visa details.
The issues all work permits, which are usually valid for two years.
Work permits are only issued for jobs that pay more than 30,000 Euros. This is an important consideration for backpackers who are hoping to pick up entry-level positions.
Irish Language and Culture
Approximately 2% of Ireland鈥檚 population speaks Irish Gaelic daily. The greatest concentration of Gaelic speakers is along the west coast of Ireland, in areas known as the Gaeltachts.
However, between 25% and 30% of the Irish population understands some Gaelic. Thus, while speaking the language is far from essential in Ireland, taking language lessons is a wonderful way to learn about Ireland鈥檚 culture.
It will also help to break the ice and connect with your new neighbors. Plus, it鈥檚 handy for understanding public signage!
In Gaelic, English, or any language, Ireland鈥檚 pubs are the country鈥檚 de facto community centers. They are much more than destinations for drinks and dinners.
However, for people who keep a sober lifestyle or simply prefer a quieter form of socialization, pubs are not always the best environment.
Expat groups, many of which are active on social media, are a good place to start for recommendations on pubs and gatherings that might better align with your sensibilities.
Finding a Job in Ireland
Your odds of finding a job in Ireland have increased in the past few years. As the country鈥檚 economy has grown, particularly in the high-tech and pharmaceutical sectors, applicants with international experience are in demand.
However, to obtain a work visa, you must first have a job offer. You can鈥檛 simply move to Ireland and take your chances, though you can enter the country as a tourist to have meet-and-greet style visits.
The Cost of Living in Ireland
Your impression of the cost of living in Ireland will greatly depend on whether or not you live in Dublin. In short, the cost of living in Ireland is not cheap, and Dublin is often downright expensive.
A look at the city鈥檚 gas prices and rental market gives some insight into why Ireland is sometimes called 鈥淭he Rip-off Republic鈥�.
Automotive fuel is very expensive. As of 2017, Ireland was the fourth most expensive place in the world to fill up a car.
For everyday items, you can expect to pay about 10 Euros for a mid-range bottle of wine, 3 Euros for a takeaway coffee, and 5 Euros for a pint of beer.
A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant starts at about 40 Euros, but in Dublin rings in at 60 Euros 鈥� or more. Local produce and food products are generally affordable.
Additionally, cultural activities, including music, festivals, museums, and historical events, represent good value. And expats moving to Ireland who are locally independent will find greater value in small communities.
Renting in Ireland
Tenants in Ireland usually only need to give one month鈥檚 notice before moving. That鈥檚 great flexibility when you鈥檙e already living somewhere, but if you鈥檙e searching for a new place to rent, it鈥檚 frustrating.
Lining up a place to live in Ireland a few months before moving to Ireland isn鈥檛 always possible. Connecting in advance with a real estate agent or the local expat community will help you navigate the rental scene.
Once you have a potential rental property on your radar, don鈥檛 be surprised if you鈥檙e not asked to sign a contract. In many places, especially rural ones, things are pretty casual in this regard.
As well, it鈥檚 not unusual to negotiate a little bit with your landlord in a friendly way. You may be able to reduce the listing price or include other amenities.
Most rental properties in Ireland come furnished. In most cases, you can expect high-quality furniture and a thoroughly stocked kitchen.
However, it doesn鈥檛 hurt to ask for some extra detailed photos. If you鈥檙e moving from overseas, you’ll want to know exactly what鈥檚 included before you start packing.
Rent for a one-bedroom flat can cost less than 400 Euros in some small communities, between 600 and 800 Euros in larger towns, and easily over 1400 Euros in Dublin鈥檚 city center.
Renting in Dublin is so pricey and so competitive that many expats and digital nomads look to nearby areas. Blackrock, Donnybrook, Drumcondra, and Dundrum are more affordable alternatives.
Homeownership in Ireland
Expats and even non-residents can purchase homes in Ireland. International citizens can also apply for a mortgage. However, most banks will make you jump through extra hoops during the application process.
For instance, some banks only approve loans if you鈥檙e getting paid in the same currency (Euros) that would be used to pay for the mortgage.
Thankfully, you don鈥檛 have to go through this process alone. While you鈥檙e free to shop around for a mortgage directly with the banks of your choosing, using the services of a mortgage broker will save time and frustration.
Given that many banks limit the kinds of mortgages they offer expats, a mortgage broker can help you navigate what, at times, feels like a complicated system.
It will probably come as no surprise to learn that you鈥檒l have to provide ample paperwork. You must demonstrate that you can afford your mortgage, even if your circumstances or the interest rates change.
And given that you鈥檙e not an Irish national, you may have to provide credit history from your previous country of residence so local banks can properly assess how much of a risk you are.
Healthcare in Ireland
Ireland offers high-quality, universal healthcare. Additionally, the government provides Medical Cards to those with lower incomes.
The holders of these cards are entitled to receive nearly all medical services free of charge. Furthermore, all participants in public healthcare are eligible to enroll in the Drug Payment Scheme.
Everyone is eligible to participate in this program, which caps monthly spending so prescription drugs never exceed 144 Euros.
The Irish healthcare system is based on the relationship with general practitioners. They are your first point of contact for all non-emergency medical needs and handle referrals to specialists.
You will want to research the healthcare system, as there are many pros and cons to using the public system. Reviewing private health insurance may be the way to go!
The good news about opening up a bank account in Ireland is that it鈥檚 easy for expats. All you need is photo identification and proof of address.
Even if your address is in another country, you can still open an account. However, some banks may require two proofs of address in this circumstance. In either case, your proof of address documents must be no more than 6 months old.
The bad news is that nearly all banks require you to open your new account in person. Some services allow you to send your documents in advance through a notary, but completing the final paperwork is nearly always done in person.
Therefore, if you鈥檙e visiting Ireland before you move for job interviews or house hunting, take the time to set up your bank account in advance.
Enjoy Your New Life in Ireland With Confidence
Compare international health insurance plans that provide reliable coverage and access to care while living in Ireland.
Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning Canadian travel writer with over ten years of experience. Her work has appeared in major publications, and she draws on living in France, Ireland, England, and Malawi to bring global insight to her stories.
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