Welcome to Ireland
Moving to a new country is exciting and challenging. This guide covers everything you need to do in your first weeks and months in Ireland.
Before You Arrive
Arrange Temporary Accommodation
- Book for at least 2-4 weeks
- Airbnb, hotels, or serviced apartments
- Central location helps with initial setup
Bring Essential Documents
- Passport and visa/permit
- Employment contract
- Qualification certificates
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Reference letters from previous landlords
Research Your Area
- Understand commute to workplace
- Identify essential services nearby
- Join local expat groups online
First Week in Ireland
1. Register with Immigration
If required (non-EEA citizens):
- Book appointment at Immigration Office
- Dublin: Burgh Quay (online booking essential)
- Outside Dublin: Local Garda station
- Receive IRP (Irish Residence Permit) card
2. Get a PPS Number
Personal Public Service number is essential for:
- Employment (payroll)
- Tax
- Social welfare
- Healthcare
How to apply:
- Book appointment at local Intreo Centre
- Bring passport, proof of address, employment letter
- Receive PPS by post (1-2 weeks)
3. Open a Bank Account
Required documents vary by bank:
- Passport
- Proof of address (Irish or foreign)
- PPS number (helpful but not always required initially)
- Employment letter
Major banks:
- AIB
- Bank of Ireland
- Ulster Bank
- Permanent TSB
Digital banks (easier setup):
- Revolut (Irish IBAN available)
- N26
4. Get a Phone Number
Options:
- Pay-as-you-go SIM (quick, easy)
- Bill pay contract (requires address)
Major providers:
- Vodafone
- Three
- Eir
- 48
First Month
Find Permanent Accommodation
Rental market:
- Competitive, especially in Dublin
- Use Daft.ie, Rent.ie, MyHome.ie
- Prepare documents: employment letter, references, ID
Expect to provide:
- Deposit (usually 1 month's rent)
- First month's rent in advance
- References
Average rents (2024):
- Dublin city centre: €2,000-2,500/month (1-bed)
- Dublin suburbs: €1,500-2,000/month
- Cork/Galway: €1,200-1,800/month
- Other cities: €800-1,500/month
Register with a GP
Healthcare access requires GP registration:
- Find local GPs at hse.ie
- Some GPs have closed lists—may need to try several
- Registration is usually free
Medical card eligibility:
- Income-dependent
- Provides free GP and hospital care
- Apply at mywelfare.ie
Set Up Utilities
If renting unfurnished/taking over utilities:
- Electricity: Electric Ireland, Energia, SSE Airtricity
- Gas: Bord Gáis, Energia
- Broadband: Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone, Sky
Settling In
Transportation
Public transport:
- Leap Card for discounted fares
- Dublin: Bus, Luas (tram), DART (rail)
- Other cities: Bus networks
Driving:
- Foreign licence valid for 12 months
- Exchange or Irish test required after
- Car insurance expensive for newcomers
Understanding Tax
PAYE system:
- Tax deducted at source by employer
- Register with Revenue (revenue.ie)
- Get tax credits assigned correctly
Important forms:
- Tax Credit Certificate
- P60 (annual tax summary)
- P45 (when leaving employer)
Social Life
Meeting people:
- Meetup.com groups
- Sports clubs (GAA, rugby, soccer)
- Expat communities
- Workplace social events
- Local community centres
Irish culture:
- Pubs are social centres
- GAA (Gaelic games) is widely followed
- Rugby very popular
- Music sessions in pubs
Family Considerations
Schools
- Apply early (waitlists common)
- Types: public, private, Gaelscoil (Irish medium)
- Admissions through individual schools
- Free public education to 18
Childcare
- Expensive (€800-1,500/month full-time)
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme
- National Childcare Scheme subsidies
Family Healthcare
- Register all family members with GP
- GP visit cards for children
- Vaccinations through GP or HSE
Cultural Adjustment
Expect:
- Weather discussion (it rains!)
- Indirect communication style
- "Grand" means fine/okay
- Relaxed attitude to punctuality
- Strong tea culture
Tips:
- Embrace the weather—always have a jacket
- Join in social activities
- Be patient with bureaucracy
- Ask for help—Irish people are generally friendly
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency services: 999 or 112
- Gardaí (Police) non-emergency: Local station
- HSE health info: 1850 24 1850
- Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie
Recruitroo Settling Support
We provide settling-in guidance:
- Accommodation resources
- Banking setup tips
- Local area information
- Ongoing support as you settle
Ireland will soon feel like home. We're here to help make the transition smooth.