Living in Ireland: Setup Guide for Expats
Ireland offers several residency pathways for non-EU citizens, including work permits, family reunification, and investment options. This guide covers the administrative sequence for setting up banking, healthcare, and legal residency.
What to Expect
What to know about bureaucracy:
Irish bureaucracy operates through multiple agencies with different responsibilities. Immigration matters go through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), tax and employment through Revenue, and healthcare through the HSE. Most processes can be started online, but appointments and in-person visits are often required. Documentation requirements are generally straightforward, though wait times for appointments vary.
What to consider about language:
English is the primary working language throughout Ireland. Irish (Gaelic) is an official language and appears on signage, but all government services, banks, and businesses operate in English. This removes a significant barrier compared to other European destinations, though Irish accents and local terminology may take adjustment.
What to know about timing:
Full setup—from visa application to established banking and healthcare—typically takes several months. Work permit processing times vary by type and employer. After arrival, obtaining a PPS number, registering with Revenue, and opening a bank account generally takes two to four weeks depending on documentation and appointment availability.
What to prepare beforehand:
Before beginning the process, most applicants need: proof of employment or job offer (for work permits), proof of address in Ireland, passport photos, and documentation of qualifications if relevant. Specific requirements vary by permit type. Some documents may need to be certified or notarized.
How Life Setup Works in Ireland
Most processes in Ireland depend on your legal status and official documentation. The following sequence shows how each step unlocks the next. Understanding these dependencies helps avoid delays.
Visa/Immigration Permission
Your legal status determines access to employment, banking, and healthcare. Non-EU citizens need valid immigration permission to live and work in Ireland.
IRP Card (Immigration Registration)
The Irish Residence Permit card confirms your permission to remain in Ireland. Required for non-EU citizens staying longer than 90 days.
PPS Number (Personal Public Service)
The PPS number is your unique identifier for tax, social welfare, and public services. Required for employment, healthcare, and many official processes.
Bank Account
An Irish bank account enables salary deposits, direct debits, and local payments. Most employers require an Irish bank account for salary.
Healthcare Registration
Access to public healthcare requires registration with a GP and potentially the HSE. A medical card or GP visit card provides free or subsidized care based on income.
Common Workarounds
Some setup steps depend on others being completed first. In practice, people often use temporary or partial solutions to move forward.
A common challenge: you need proof of address to open a bank account and get a PPS number, but many landlords want to see proof of income or employment. Some banks require a PPS number, but you need proof of address to get one. A common approach: Short-term rentals, Airbnb, or staying with contacts can provide initial proof of address. Some banks (including digital banks like Revolut and N26) have more flexible requirements for new arrivals. Employer letters confirming employment can help with both banking and accommodation.
Note: This sequence applies to most non-EU citizens. EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Ireland without a visa, though registration and PPS number are still required for services.
What You Need to Set Up
These are the core areas to research and plan for. Each links to a detailed guide with Ireland-specific information.
Visas & Residency
Ireland offers several work permit types including the Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit. Family reunification and investment pathways also exist.
Key question: What visa or permit pathway applies to my situation?
View GuideBanking
Irish banks typically require proof of identity and address. The process has become more streamlined, but some banks have waiting lists for new accounts. Digital banking options are available.
Key question: How do I open a bank account, and what do I need first?
View GuideHealthcare
Ireland has a mixed public-private healthcare system. Public care through the HSE is available to residents, but wait times can be long. Many people use private health insurance.
Key question: How do I access healthcare, and do I need private insurance?
View GuideCost of Living
Dublin is significantly more expensive than other Irish cities, particularly for housing. Costs vary considerably between the capital and regional areas.
Key question: What financial planning do I need for relocation and ongoing life?
View GuidePopular Cities in Ireland
Where you live in Ireland affects your cost of living, job market access, and lifestyle. Dublin dominates the economy but comes with higher costs.
Dublin
Capital city with the largest job market, highest costs, and most developed expat infrastructure
View GuideCork
Second largest city with growing tech sector and lower costs than Dublin
View GuideGalway
Smaller city on the west coast known for culture and quality of life
View GuideLimerick
Third largest city with good value, regenerating center, and strong regional employers
View GuideWhere to Start Based on Your Stage
Your next step depends on where you are in the process.
If you're still researching whether to move
Start with cost of living to understand whether your budget aligns with life in Ireland, particularly Dublin. Review visa options to confirm you have a viable pathway.
If you've decided to move but haven't started the process
Visas and work permits should be your first research area. Most non-EU citizens need employer sponsorship, so job search and immigration often happen together.
If you have a visa/permit and are preparing to arrive
Gather required documents, arrange initial accommodation, and research bank account options. Consider opening a Revolut or N26 account before departure for immediate banking access.
If you've arrived and need to complete setup
Priority order: register for IRP card if required, get PPS number appointment, then open bank account. Healthcare registration can happen in parallel.
If you're established but have specific questions
Browse the detailed guides below for specific topics, or explore city-specific information for local considerations.
Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions
These are common mistakes and misunderstandings that can cause delays or complications when setting up life in Ireland.
Pitfall: Underestimating Dublin housing costs and competition
Dublin's rental market is extremely competitive with high demand and limited supply. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Dublin often exceeds 2,000 EUR per month. Viewings can have dozens of applicants, and landlords often prioritize employed renters with Irish references.
Pitfall: Arriving without accommodation arranged
Finding permanent housing from abroad is difficult. Many people spend longer than expected in temporary accommodation. Budget for several weeks of Airbnb or similar while searching for permanent housing.
Pitfall: Not booking PPS appointment in advance
PPS number appointments can have wait times of several weeks in busy areas. You can book appointments from outside Ireland once you have a confirmed address. Booking early prevents delays in starting work or accessing services.
Misconception: Assuming healthcare is fully free
Public healthcare exists but involves charges. GP visits typically cost 50-60 EUR without a medical card. A&E visits have charges unless referred. Many residents use private health insurance for faster access and to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Misconception: Thinking work permits are easy to obtain
Most work permits require employer sponsorship and the job must meet minimum salary thresholds. The Critical Skills permit has an eligible occupations list. General Employment Permits require labor market needs testing. Not all jobs qualify.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Requirements, costs, and processes change frequently. Always verify current information with official Irish government sources (citizensinformation.ie, irishimmigration.ie) or qualified professionals before making decisions. This is not legal, tax, or immigration advice.