Moving to Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you ready to explore the lush green countryside nestled along the Cliffs of Moher? What about sipping delectable Guinness beverages in charming pubs? Well, get ready because there’s never been a better time to be an American moving to Ireland.
Welcome to your first-hand guide of things to know before moving to Ireland, the pros and cons of this transition, and other important details to consider. There’s a lot that goes into making such a big change. Today, we want to ensure you’re prepared and ready to go.
With the right understanding and preparation, you can freely immerse yourself in the day-to-day delights of the Emerald Isle. Many American expats have fallen in love with this wonderful country and are proud to call it home.
Why Moving to Ireland Can Be Magical
The happy-go-lucky approach of the Irish has consistently received high praise.
With a population of 4.8 million, Ireland holds enviable scores on the OECD Better Life Index. Moving to Ireland from US (not to be confused with moving to Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom) means having access to high-quality living and work-life balance.
Ireland, nestled along continental Europe’s northwest, sits to the west of Great Britain and stands as a member of the European Union. Its capital, Dublin, home to 1.5 million residents, boasts cozy pubs alongside lush gardens. The capital is also where you’ll find iconic cultural sights like the Dublin Castle and Guinness Storehouse.
Along the Irish countryside, villages like Westport, Belleck, and Boyle offer small boutiques, historic architecture, and much more.
A Pleasant Country to Call Home
On 2024’s Global Peace Index (GPI), Ireland ranks #2 on the list of Most Peaceful Countries. This classification as one of the world’s most affluent and developed nations is impressive. As you’re moving to Ireland from US, look forward to a boost in quality of life, while immersing yourself in national parks, stunning castles, and historic landmarks.
A Safe Place to Put Down Roots
Whether you choose Dublin, Galway, or one of the Irish villages to call home, the country’s high GPI standing also accounts for safety. The Emerald Isle has a far lower homicide rate than America and people appreciate the country’s serene, day-to-day ambiance.
High Praise From Expats
Who better to seek advice from than people who’ve already finished moving to Ireland? Typically, US expats choose Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, or Waterford as their new hometowns.
These communities are home to not just rich arts and cultural scenes. They also boast diverse transportation options and have better infrastructure for international residents to integrate themselves into. While Cork and Dublin come with higher price tags, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford are more affordable.
In this guide, we’ll review more details that’ll be of value for Americans moving to Ireland. This includes visa acquisition, time zone differences, and much more! Let’s continue on this exciting journey of things to know before moving to Ireland.
The Essentials That Americans Moving to Ireland Need to Prepare For
Are you ready to begin your beautiful and exciting new life on the Emerald Isle? Before you book your one-way flight and pack your bags, let’s get all your ducks in a row!
Immigration, Visas, and Residence Permits
As an American moving to Ireland, you’ll need your standard passports, along with a visa. There are several visa options. However, the single-entry D-visa may be most applicable.
This visa allows you to settle in the country, work, and study there for more than 90 days. Yet, you’ll be mandated to show Irish immigration officials your intent to travel, along with funds for the migration and settlement process. However, getting Irish citizenship is another process.
Moving to Ireland as an American is not a quick process. It’s critical to make sure you have all your bases covered ahead of time. Along with a D-visa application, you may also need to fill out forms for both an Irish Residence Permit and a General Employment Permit.
With an Irish Residence Permit, you’ll have a registration certificate that documents you can legally remain in Ireland for more than 90 days. A General Employment Permit, on the other hand, allows you to seek standard work in Ireland. Though if you want to start a business or work remotely, you might have to go through the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP).
Ireland offers a series of visa options that you should carefully review.
The one that best suits your needs will depend on a variety of factors. Are you a student? Do you have family in Ireland who can help support you? All of this will matter as you’re making your transition to this country.
- Working holiday visa – allows up to 12 months of work and travel
- Student visa – allows persons who’ve paid tuition at a nationally acknowledged school or university to remain in the country while studying
- Work visa – allows skilled workers to find employment
- Retirement visa – allows non-job seekers to reside in the country, provided they can show at least 50,000 euros of annual income
Transporting Belongings
As an island, Ireland can only receive items via sea freight or air freight. Air freight will get your personal belongings to Ireland via cargo plane within one to two days. However, if you’re moving to Ireland on a budget, this mode of transportation can be quite expensive.
Sea freight, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective alternative. Though you may be waiting 18 to 25 days before your items arrive. Whether you choose to move your belongings via air or sea, upon arriving in Ireland, they’ll go through customs.
Here, an Irish officer will review what you’re bringing into the country and may ask you certain questions. To be sure everything runs smoothly, you’ll want to create an inventory of everything you’re transporting. Make sure to check the list of prohibited items to avoid running into trouble with customs.
Vaccinations
The Emerald Isle doesn’t currently have any vaccine requirements for entering the country. Nevertheless, before moving to Ireland from USA, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor for a final round of checkups.
Day-to-Day Lifestyle Changes to Expect When Moving to Ireland From USA
Getting your personal belongings transported and residency paperwork taken care of is a lot. Of course, this only marks the start of moving to Ireland from US. Next, you’ll need to adapt to cost of living differences, potential job changes, and much more.
Don’t worry, though! We’ll explore the ins and outs, making sure you have the necessary information to smoothly settle in the Emerald Isle.
Time Zone Difference
Any American moving to Ireland should realize that both nations span multiple time zones. Typically, you’ll find the Emerald Isle’s center is seven hours behind the center of the United States. Depending on what period you wake up, go to work, and partake in other activities, the time zone difference can be a major adjustment.
Cost of Living
A single person residing in Ireland should budget 2,958 euros ($3,311) every month. This increases to 5,175 euros ($5,792) for a standard family of four. Monthly rent dues can cost anywhere between 1,394 euros ($1,560) to 2,443 euros ($2,734).
As you’re moving to Ireland as an American, you’ll want to budget accordingly. Doing so means preparing for inflation, unforeseen expenses, and other things along these lines. This will make your transition to the Emerald Isle considerably less stressful, even after settling in.
Employment Opportunities
If possible, when you’re moving to Ireland from USA, you should try having a job lined up or otherwise maintain an established form of employment. This can spare you from having to drain any savings accounts while settling into your new home.
Many job opportunities in Ireland exist in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Waterford, and Limerick. These cities are not only popular among expats. They also boast top-tier employers across the telecommunications, Information Technology (IT), science, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Healthcare
Available healthcare coverage is pretty high on the list of things to know before moving to Ireland. This island nation has both public and private healthcare resources. Unfortunately, the former is known for its considerably long wait times.
Retirees and students who are moving to Ireland will have to show evidence of private coverage while applying for a visa. Though after settling in the country, they may have the option of relying on public healthcare.
Because of the issues associated with public healthcare in Ireland, a staggering 47% of the country chooses to pay for private insurance plans. Any resident of Ireland, along with individuals granted permission to live or work in the country for one year, can access public coverage.
As you’re moving to Ireland from US, ask yourself if private healthcare insurance is within your budget. If you have children or a new baby on the way, public coverage may not be the best option for your family.
Education
Among European countries, Ireland holds a #3 ranking for its access and quality of education. Americans moving to Ireland should know the nation offers public colleges, private colleges, seven universities, and 14 Institutes of Technology.
With undergraduate, post-graduate, and third-level degrees available, it’s not hard to see why the Emerald Isle’s education system is doing well.
Moving to Ireland From US: Pros and Cons
Any American moving to Ireland should have a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks.
Is it worth it? That will boil down to what you’re looking to get out of this move. Before you pack your bags, let’s have a look at the pros and cons of moving to Ireland.
Pros
- Rich in culture, nightlife, and natural scenery, Ireland offers endless opportunities for sightseeing and adventures. From the hustle and bustle of the big cities to the quaint, quiet charm of small villages, it’s impossible to get bored in this country.
- Easy access to transportation is another bonus. Moving to Ireland as an American means having access to double-decker buses, trains, ferries, and of course, self-driving. The country likewise offers access to rideshare apps, such as Uber, FreeNow, Bolt, and taxis. In the big cities like Dublin, it’s also rather common for people to walk to and from various destinations.
- If you are someone who enjoys traveling the world, the Emerald Isle is an amazing home base. There are many scenic places to visit throughout the country. Ireland is also only a short flight away from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Spain, Italy, and other European nations.
Cons
- Despite the many benefits of an American moving to Ireland, it’s important to be aware of the not-so-great aspects. With a cost of living that’s on the higher end, people looking to transition on a budget may struggle to keep up with everyday expenses. Mortgages, vehicle insurance, and gas to fuel your car are each known for being on the pricier side.
- Moving to Ireland from USA means adapting to a very rainy climate, too. As an island on the Atlantic, Ireland is known for its windy and rainy temperatures throughout the year. For people who enjoy warmer, drier climates, the Irish weather can be a major pitfall.
- In large cities, internet and cellular services are readily available, but the same isn’t always true for the smaller villages. Americans moving to Ireland, depending on their phone provider, may struggle to get a signal in the countryside. This can be a problem along other parts of the island unless you’re connected to wifi.
Is Moving to Ireland as an American a Good Idea?
Ireland’s panoramic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and high standard of living have attracted thousands of American expats over the years.
Whatever you decide, moving to Ireland (or any other country, for that matter) is a huge decision. It’s important to make sure you have a plan for meeting the necessary entry requirements and finding work. You’ll also want to figure out which city to live in, the form(s) of public transportation to rely upon, and much more.
Should you decide to move ahead with this transition, this comprehensive guide of things to know before moving to Ireland is an excellent resource. On the other hand, if moving to Ireland from US isn’t for you, that’s OK as well. Do you have a different country in mind? If so, feel free to explore our other comprehensive moving guides. In these manuals, you’ll discover the best countries for Americans to move to, the costs of living abroad, and other worthwhile information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for Irish citizenship?
To become Irish citizen, you need to meet the requirements of residence, language and deliver the required documentations. Then you may be eligible for the rights of Irish citizens as an American. Immigration service in Ireland may be a crucial part of your research when planning to apply for an Irish citizenship.
Can a US citizen work in Ireland?
Yes, as a US citizen, you can work in Ireland with a valid employment permit. There are several types of employment permits available for you to apply for, including cultural employment permit or critical skills employment permit. You may need to check the official website of Ireland to see the employment permits available and then it may be possible for you to visit an Irish embassy. Immigration process may change for every individual depending on immigration permission needed to move to Ireland. It is better to check Irish visas beforehand and learn the process from immigration authorities as a non Irish citizen.
Is it cheaper to live in Ireland or the US?
The cost of living in Ireland is generally higher than in the US. Housing costs, taxes or the price of goods are some of the reasons of the higher cost of living expenses.
