Before You Arrive
If you're moving to Dublin from outside the EU/EEA, you'll need to secure the appropriate visa or permission before travelling. The most common routes are the Critical Skills Employment Permit (for roles in tech, pharma, and finance), the General Employment Permit, or a Stamp 4 through the Third Level Graduate Scheme if you've studied in Ireland.
EU/EEA and UK nationals can move freely but should register for residency if staying longer than 90 days. Post-Brexit, UK nationals need to apply through the Common Travel Area: no visa required, but employment restrictions apply for some professions.
Getting a PPS Number
The Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is essential. You need it to work, pay tax, access healthcare, rent property through official channels, and avail of social welfare. Apply at your local Intreo Centre (the main one is on Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1).
You'll need your passport, proof of address (a utility bill or tenancy agreement), and proof of your reason for moving (employment contract, college offer, etc.). Processing takes 5 — 10 working days but can be longer during busy periods.
Opening a Bank Account
Major Irish banks include AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, and Ulster Bank (winding down operations). Digital options like Revolut and N26 are widely used as secondary accounts. You'll need your passport, proof of address, and PPS number. Some banks let you open an account before you arrive: check AIB's 'Begin Your Journey' option or Bank of Ireland's non-resident account service.
Be prepared for paperwork. Irish banks are thorough. Expect to pay between €4 — €8 per month in account fees unless you maintain a minimum balance (typically €2,500 — €3,000).
Finding Accommodation
This is the hardest part. Dublin is in the middle of a severe housing crisis. Rental vacancies are under 1% in many areas. Start searching on Daft.ie, Rent.ie, and MyHome.ie at least 4 — 6 weeks before you arrive. Be prepared to move fast: viewings fill up within hours of being posted.
Typical costs: a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from €1,800 — €2,400 per month; a two-bedroom is €2,200 — €3,000. Outside the centre (Dublin 7, 9, 15), you might find a one-bed for €1,400 — €1,800. Budget at least €1,000 — €1,500 per month for a room in a shared house.
Deposits are typically one month's rent. You'll need references from previous landlords and sometimes a guarantor earning at least 2.5x the annual rent.
Registration with a GP
Healthcare in Ireland is a mix of public and private. Register with a General Practitioner (GP) as soon as you have an address: many GPs in Dublin are not accepting new patients. A GP visit costs €50 — €70 without a GP Visit Card. If you're on a low income, you may qualify for a Medical Card which covers most health services free of charge.
Emergency care is available at St. James's Hospital, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, and Beaumont Hospital. A&E visits without referral cost €100 (if you don't have a Medical Card).
Settling Inractical Tips
- Public transport: Get a Leap Card as soon as you arrive: it's the cheapest way to travel on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, and Go-Ahead Ireland services.
- Weather: Expect rain year-round. Invest in a good waterproof jacket and layers. Winters are mild (4 — 8°C) and summers rarely exceed 20°C.
- Mobile phone: Three, Vodafone, and Eir offer prepay plans from €15 — €30 per month with generous data allowances.
- Broadband: Virgin Media and Vodafone offer fibre broadband from €40 — €60 per month. Siro is rolling out gigabit fibre in many Dublin suburbs.
- Groceries: SuperValu, Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and Lidl/Aldi are the main players. A weekly shop for one person costs about €50 — €80.
Cost of Moving Summary
- Rental deposit: €1,800 — €2,400 (one month's rent)
- First month's rent: €1,800 — €2,400
- Bank account setup: €0 — €10
- Leap Card: €5 (card fee) + €20+ (top-up)
- GP registration: €50 — €70 (first visit)
- Groceries (weekly): €50 — €80
- Total first month (approx): €3,800 — €5,500