Ireland
Last updated: March 2026 · MobilitySQR Country Guide
Ireland is a dynamic EU member state with an exceptional business environment, strong English proficiency, and vibrant startup/tech ecosystem. It hosts EMEA headquarters for Google, Meta, Apple, and numerous multinational financial services and pharma companies. The country combines modern infrastructure with rich cultural heritage, friendly communities, and outdoor recreation. EU membership provides freedom of movement; however, Ireland operates the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK rather than full Schengen. Expat communities are thriving, particularly in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
Key public holidays: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), St. Brigid’s Day (Feb 1), St. Patrick’s Day (Mar 17), Easter Monday, May Bank Holiday, June Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, October Bank Holiday, Christmas Day (Dec 25), St. Stephen’s Day (Dec 26).
At-a-glance view of key requirements by assignment type.
| Requirement | BT | ST | MT | LT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa required (non-EU) | Depends* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Employment permit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Residence registration (IRP) | No | If >90 days | Yes (IRP) | Yes (IRP) |
| Tax registration (PPS) | If >183 days | Likely | Yes | Yes |
| Social security (PRSI) | No | Depends | Yes | Yes |
| Local health insurance | Travel insurance | Recommended | Yes (HSE/Private) | Yes (recommended) |
| Local bank account | No | Optional | Recommended | Yes |
| GNIB/IRP registration | No | If >90 days | Yes (IRP card) | Yes (IRP card) |
* EU/EEA/Swiss nationals have freedom of movement. Visa-waiver nationals (US, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days but cannot work without a permit.
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals have freedom of movement and can live and work in Ireland without a visa or work permit. However, they must register with Revenue (for tax/PPS) and, if staying longer than 3 months, apply for an IRP (Irish Residence Permit) card at their local immigration office.
Nationals from visa-waiver countries (US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, Singapore, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days under Ireland’s Common Travel Area arrangements. This covers meetings, conferences, training, and site visits but not gainful employment. Others must obtain a short-stay visa (C-category).
A national visa (D-category) must be obtained before entry at the Irish embassy/consulate. For employment, applicants must have a job offer and the employer must secure an Employment Permit beforehand. The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is available for skilled workers earning above the salary threshold (€32,000 base salary, or €64,000 for shortage occupations, 2024 rates). Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visas are available. Processing takes 4–12 weeks. Upon arrival, applicants must complete Garda registration within 7 days and apply for an IRP card.
Long-term assignees follow the same visa → Employment Permit → IRP process. After 5 years, holders can apply for Long-Term Residence status. Family reunification is straightforward: spouses and children of non-EEA workers can join if accommodation and financial support are demonstrated. Spouses receive Dependent Stamps (Stamp 3 or 4); a separate permit is needed for spousal work rights.
Ireland uses a progressive tax system. Standard rate 20% on income up to €42,000 (2024); 40% above. Universal Social Charge (USC): additional 0.5–8% on gross income (not payable below €13,000). PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance): employees pay 4% of gross earnings for social security. Combined marginal rate can reach ~52%. Tax credits reduce final liability; standard personal credit is €1,775 per annum.
Non-resident employees assigned to Ireland can elect for SARP, providing 30% tax relief on foreign-sourced employment income for up to 8 years. Eligibility: non-resident for tax purposes for the prior 5 years and earning €75,000+. Requires Revenue approval before arrival. This is a significant benefit for inbound assignees.
Tax residency triggered by 183+ days in a tax year, or 280+ days over consecutive years. Ireland has a DTA network with 70+ countries preventing double taxation. Corporate tax: 12.5% (one of Europe’s lowest), attracting multinationals. VAT: 23% standard rate; reduced rates (13.5%, 9%, 4.8%) apply to food, children’s items, books.
Ireland operates a mixed public/private healthcare system. The HSE (Health Service Executive) provides free or subsidized public care to eligible residents; however, waiting times for non-emergency procedures can be lengthy. Most expats opt for private health insurance (VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health) to access faster treatment and choice of providers. Premiums: €100–400/month for comprehensive plans. GP visits without insurance: €50–80 per consultation.
Dental and optical care are entirely private in Ireland. Dentist visits cost €60–150; procedures €100–800+. Private therapists/psychologists charge €60–150/session. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) often provide free sessions through employers. Prescriptions are capped at €120/month per person under the Drug Payment Scheme.
Standard working week: 39–40 hours. Statutory minimum paid leave: 20 days per year (plus 9 public holidays). Maternity leave: 26 weeks statutory paid. Paternity leave: 2 weeks paid. Parental leave: 5 weeks (unpaid, each parent, until child is 12). Flexible work: employees with 12+ months service have a right to request remote/flexible arrangements. Works Councils / WRC handles disputes over unfair dismissal, discrimination, and wage disputes — free, informal process.
Employees with 12+ months service are protected from unfair dismissal. Statutory redundancy: 2 weeks’ pay per year of service (capped at 20 years). Ireland enforces GDPR for employee data protection. Employer PRSI contributions are a significant cost element; employees pay 4% of gross earnings.
Ireland is generally a safe country with low violent crime. Dublin and other major cities have some petty crime (pickpocketing, theft from cars) in city centers after dark. Violent street crime is rare. The Garda Sí ochána (police) are visible and approachable. Emergency number: 999 or 112. Ireland drives on the left; speed limits: urban 50 km/h, national roads 100 km/h, motorways 120 km/h. Drink-driving limits are strict (0.5 mg/ml). Terrorism risk is low; natural disaster risk minimal.
Housing, cost of living, education, transport, and daily life — specific to each expat hub
| Category | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 1-BR apartment (city center) | €1,500–2,200/mo |
| 3-BR apartment (suburbs) | €2,500–3,200/mo |
| Studio apartment (city center) | €1,200–1,600/mo |
| Meal at casual restaurant | €14–20 |
| Groceries (monthly, single) | €250–350 |
| Gym membership | €40–70/mo |
| Public transport (monthly Leap Card) | €130 |
| Utilities (apartment, monthly) | €120–180 |
| International school (annual) | €5,000–10,000 |
Dublin has a highly competitive rental market. Properties are often let unfurnished; deposits are 4 weeks’ rent (protected). Competition is high; many properties let within 24–48 hours. Begin searches 4–6 weeks before arrival. Platforms: Daft.ie, Property.com, Rent.ie. Most landlords require references from previous landlords or employers, plus income proof (3x rent).
Universities: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD), TU Dublin. International Schools: Castleknock Community School, Alexandra College, Wesley College, St. Andrew’s College — fees €5,000–10,000/year. Childcare: Preschool from age 2.5; fees €800–1,500/month. Government subsidies available for qualifying families. Crèches for infants (3 months+): €1,000–2,000/month.
Excellent public transport: Dublin Bus and Bus Átheanta (extensive routes), Luas light rail (Red/Green lines), DART (suburban coastal rail). Monthly Leap Card: €130 unlimited bus/tram/rail. Cycling: Dublinbikes (bike-share) €20/month; lanes improving. Driving: city center parking expensive (€20–40/day); avoid for city-only commuting. Dublin Airport (20 min from center by bus/taxi).
Dublin is vibrant with strong expat social scenes. Excellent restaurant scene; diverse cuisines; gastropubs popular. Museums (National Museum, National Gallery), theaters (Abbey, Gate), shopping (Grafton Street). Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, soccer hugely popular. Expat community: InterNations Dublin, Meetup groups. Key events: St. Patrick’s Festival (March), Bloomsday (June), Dublin Theatre Festival (Oct).
Major hospitals: St. James’s Hospital, Mater Misericordiae, Beaumont Hospital (public); Blackrock Clinic, Beacon Hospital, Hermitage Medical Clinic (private). Most expats carry VHI or Laya Healthcare (€100–200/month). GPs are in high demand — register early.
| Category | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 1-BR apartment (city center) | €1,000–1,400/mo |
| 3-BR apartment (suburbs) | €1,700–2,300/mo |
| Meal at casual restaurant | €12–18 |
| Groceries (monthly, single) | €220–300 |
| Public transport (monthly) | €60 |
| Utilities (apartment, monthly) | €100–150 |
| International school (annual) | €4,500–8,000 |
Cork’s rental market is steadier and more relaxed than Dublin. Platforms: Daft.ie, Rent.ie. Standard documentation required. Local community is welcoming to newcomers. City center is compact and walkable.
Universities: University College Cork (UCC), Munster Technological University (MTU). International Schools: Glenstal Abbey School, Ashton School, Cork International School — fees €4,500–8,000/year. Childcare costs 10–20% lower than Dublin.
Bus Éireann and GoBus operate routes; smaller network than Dublin. Easily walkable or by bike in the city center. Train connections to Dublin (2.5h) and Galway. Driving more practical for commuting to pharma parks (Pfizer, Eli Lilly) in suburbs. Cork Airport (ORK) has UK and European connections.
Cork is known for its cultural events, music, and friendly locals. The English Market is iconic. Strong food scene. Cork Jazz Festival (Oct), Cork Film Festival (Oct), numerous galleries. Proximity to beaches (Garretstown, Inchydoney) and countryside. Strong pharma/tech expat networks. Day trips to Kinsale (20 min) and West Cork coast.
| Category | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 1-BR apartment (city center) | €900–1,250/mo |
| 3-BR apartment (suburbs) | €1,500–2,000/mo |
| Meal at casual restaurant | €11–16 |
| Groceries (monthly, single) | €210–280 |
| Public transport (monthly) | €50 |
| Utilities (apartment, monthly) | €90–140 |
| International school (annual) | €3,500–6,500 |
Galway’s rental market is affordable. City center is bohemian & colorful. Strong student population (NUI Galway) creates vibrant social scene. Platforms: Daft.ie, Rent.ie. Good quality of life for cost. Proximity to Connemara & Aran Islands.
Universities: NUI Galway (University of Galway), Atlantic Technological University (ATU). International Schools: Salesian College, Seamount College — fees €3,500–6,500/year. Childcare fees are lower than Dublin.
Very compact, walkable, and cycleable city. Bus Eireann and GoBus regional services. Train: Irish Rail connects to Dublin and Cork. Car useful for exploring Connemara and the west coast. Galway Airport is closed; use Knock Airport (1h) or Shannon Airport (1h) for connections.
Galway is Ireland’s arts capital. Traditional (trad) music in pubs is ubiquitous; this is the heart of Irish music culture. Galway International Arts Festival (July), film festivals, galleries. Food is outstanding (farm-to-table markets, seafood). Direct access to Connemara mountains, lakes, Atlantic coast, and Aran Islands. The city has a young, creative vibe and feels authentically Irish.
| Category | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 1-BR apartment (city center) | €800–1,100/mo |
| 3-BR apartment (suburbs) | €1,400–1,900/mo |
| Meal at casual restaurant | €10–15 |
| Groceries (monthly, single) | €200–270 |
| Public transport (monthly) | €40 |
| Utilities (apartment, monthly) | €85–130 |
| International school (annual) | €3,000–5,500 |
Limerick has Ireland’s most affordable rental market among major cities. Good availability with less competition than Dublin or Cork. Platforms: Daft.ie, Rent.ie. City has undergone significant regeneration, with new cultural venues and restaurants. River Shannon provides a scenic backdrop.
Universities: University of Limerick (UL), Limerick Institute of Technology. International Schools: Laurel Hill, Crescent College, Ardscoil Rís — fees €3,000–5,500/year. Smaller but growing international community. Childcare affordable.
Compact, walkable city. Bus Eéireann and Limerick City Transport. Train to Dublin (2.5h), Cork (2h). Shannon Airport (SNN) is 30 km away — major international hub with US pre-clearance. Ring Road bypasses city congestion. Driving practical; parking accessible.
Limerick is evolving rapidly. New cultural venues, riverside walks, growing dining scene. King John’s Castle and Hunt Museum are cultural highlights. Growing tech community. Close to Clare county (Cliffs of Moher, Burren, 30–60 min). Family-oriented city with excellent value for money. Ideal for those wanting smaller-city Ireland without Dublin’s cost and congestion.
Spouses/civil partners of visa-holding workers (non-EU) receive a Dependent Stamp (Stamp 3 or 4). They are NOT automatically permitted to work; a separate Employment Permit must be obtained (employer-sponsored). Some categories (Critical Skills Employment Permit) allow partner work without a permit if the sponsoring partner meets salary thresholds. EU/EEA partners of Irish nationals or EU workers have freedom of movement and full work rights.
InterNations has chapters in Dublin and Cork with monthly meetups. Professional women’s networks (Women in Tech, Women in Finance) are active. University alumni associations organize social events. Sports clubs (running, cycling, tennis, GAA) welcome newcomers and are an excellent way to integrate into Irish community life.
International moving companies (Crown, Allied, Fitzwilliam) offer door-to-door service. Costs: €3,000–8,000+ depending on volume and origin. Ireland is in the EU Single Market (intra-EU moves simplified). Non-EU moves require documentation. Shipping from North America: 2–6 weeks sea freight; from Asia: 4–8 weeks. Driving: left side of the road; Irish driving license conversion possible within 12 months. Annual NCT vehicle test required after 4 years (pass €65).
Ireland uses 230V / Type G plugs. Major utility providers: SSE Airtricity, Energia, Bord Gáis (gas/electricity), Irish Water, Eir/Virgin Media/Sky (broadband). Setup: 1–2 weeks; no deposits required. On arrival: purchase SIM card (Vodafone, Three, Eir, Virgin Mobile; €5–20 + plan), get Leap Card for transport, register with GP.
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| General Emergency | 999 or 112 |
| Garda Non-Emergency | 0818 365 000 |
| DFA (Visas) | dfa.ie |
| Irish Residence Permit (IRP) | iris.gov.ie |
| Revenue (Tax/PPS) | revenue.ie | +353 1 858 6000 |
| Employment Permits | gov.ie |
| HSE (Healthcare) | hse.ie | 1800 700 700 |
| VHI Healthcare (Private) | vhi.ie |
| Laya Healthcare (Private) | layahealthcare.ie |
| Daft.ie (Housing) | daft.ie |
| NCT Vehicle Test | ncts.ie |
| Citizens Information | citizensinformation.ie |