Moving to Ireland in 2026
The complete guide for expats. Everything from your first week to your first year, with links to every resource you need.
Ireland attracts tens of thousands of new residents every year — from EU nationals exercising freedom of movement to non-EU professionals relocating for work in tech, pharma, finance, and healthcare. The country's English-speaking environment, strong economy, and position as an EU member make it one of the most accessible destinations for international relocation.
Moving to Ireland involves navigating a specific set of bureaucratic steps in the right order. Skip one and the rest becomes harder. This page maps the full picture and links to detailed guides for each topic.
Before you arrive
The preparation you do before landing in Ireland determines how smooth your first weeks will be.
- Check your visa requirements. EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement. UK citizens have rights under the Common Travel Area. Non-EU citizens need an Employment Permit or eligible visa before arriving. Do not arrive without confirming your entitlement to live and work. See the Visa & PPS guide.
- Arrange temporary accommodation. The Irish rental market is competitive. Book short-term accommodation (Airbnb, a serviced apartment, or extended-stay hotel) for your first 4–8 weeks while you search for a permanent rental.
- Research where to live. Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Waterford, or a commuter town? Use the Where to Live guide and our Commuter Finder to compare on rent, commute, and schools.
- If you have children: Start your school search and crèche registration immediately. Irish school waiting lists fill months in advance. See the School System guide and Childcare guide.
Your first week: the four essentials
Four tasks unlock everything else. Do them in this order:
- Apply for your PPS number. Your Personal Public Service number is required for employment, healthcare, tax, and most government services. Apply through your local Intreo Centre. Bring your passport, proof of address (even a temporary address works initially), and evidence of your reason for being in Ireland (offer letter or employment contract). See the PPS, IRP, Revenue & Banking guide.
- Register with Revenue (MyAccount). Set up your Revenue MyAccount online to register for tax, submit tax returns, and claim tax credits. You need your PPS number.
- Open a bank account. Irish bank accounts require a PPS number and proof of address. Open a Revolut or N26 digital account immediately as a bridge — these require only ID. Use it until you have an address and PPS number for a traditional bank. See the Bank Account guide.
- Register your IRP card (non-EU citizens). Non-EU nationals must register their immigration permission at their local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. Your IRP card proves your right to be in Ireland.
Key topics for new arrivals
Cost of Living 2026
Rent, groceries, transport, childcare, and utilities. Honest numbers for planning your budget.
HousingFinding Accommodation
How the Irish rental market works, what to say at viewings, and what landlords can ask for.
HousingRental Law 2026
RPZs, deposits, notice periods, and tenant rights under Irish law.
HealthHealth Insurance
Public vs private healthcare, VHI vs Laya vs Irish Life, and how to choose a plan.
HealthRegistering with a GP
Finding a GP in Ireland, costs, medical card eligibility, and walk-in clinics.
FamiliesIrish School System
How schools work, enrolment timelines, Educate Together, and how to choose.
FamiliesChildcare Costs 2026
Crèche fees, ECCE free preschool, NCS subsidies, and Dublin waiting lists.
PracticalDriving Licence Ireland
EU, UK, and non-EU licence exchange rules, the Irish driving test process, and insurance costs.
Choosing a city
Ireland has six distinct cities, each with a different cost profile, employment base, and character. Your employer's location is often the starting point, but it is worth knowing your options.
Dublin
Largest city, highest rents, best transport, most competitive schools
Cork
25–35% cheaper than Dublin, strong tech and pharma sector, compact city
Galway
West coast lifestyle, medical devices sector, strong cultural identity
Limerick
Tech and pharma hub, very affordable rents, UL campus, Shannon airport nearby
Kilkenny
Medieval character, lowest city rents in Leinster, rail access to Dublin
Waterford
Ireland's oldest city, Viking Triangle, SETU campus, pharma and medtech employment
Not sure where to settle? Use our Commuter Finder to compare towns across Ireland on rent, commute time, and school availability.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need to do first when I move to Ireland?
- Get your PPS number — it unlocks everything else. Apply at your local Intreo Centre with your passport, proof of address, and reason for being in Ireland. Once you have a PPS number, register with Revenue, open a bank account, and (if non-EU) register your IRP immigration card.
- Is it easy to find a job in Ireland as an expat?
- Ireland has a strong job market, particularly in technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and healthcare. Unemployment was 4.4% in early 2026. EU/EEA citizens can work without restriction. Non-EU citizens need an Employment Permit, which is typically sponsored by the employer.
- How hard is it to find a rental property in Ireland?
- The Irish rental market is highly competitive, particularly in Dublin. Properties receive multiple applications within hours of listing. You need to move quickly, have your documents ready (ID, payslips, references), and apply to multiple properties simultaneously. Read our Finding Accommodation guide before you start searching.
- Do I need private health insurance in Ireland?
- You are entitled to public healthcare in Ireland, but public waiting lists for non-emergency care can be long. Private health insurance gives you faster access to consultants and private hospital beds. Many employers include it as a benefit. Without it, you will rely on the public system.