Moving to Ireland/Dublin
One of the biggest considerations can be finding accommodation and with the growing demand for professionals in Dublin, it is getting increasingly difficult to source rental accommodation in the city. At present the national average rent is €1,122 per month, however Dublin remains the most expensive with average prices now at €1,620 per month. Please note you will also have to provide a deposit of one month’s accommodation to most landlords.
It would be advisable to look for accommodation in the Greater Dublin area where the price of rent may be slightly lower. For example, in Dublin 15 the prices of rental accommodation (one-bedroom apartments/houses) range from €1,000 -1,450 per month. Daft.ie is the premier website for finding accommodation in Dublin.
It may be a good idea to review short term accommodation for the first week in order to get yourself settled while you search for an apartment/house. Hostels can be a cost effective option and can be found on Booking.com.
Please review our Top Tips below for finding
accommodation to rent in Dublin
Start early – don’t leave it to the last minute to look. Finding affordable places to live in Dublin takes time. It’s a good idea to identify potential areas you would like to live before arriving in Dublin
Be prepared – Make sure you have all the necessary documents/deposits ready in case you need them that day. We don’t recommend carrying a large amount of cash with you, but make sure you have money ready and waiting to be transferred. Many landlords will require the following – references from former landlord, proof of employment/work reference, photocopy of ID.
Be smart – just like it’s easier to find a job once you’re in a city, it’s also easier to find housing that way too. If you’re under time pressure, try to find something short-term as a base while you look for something else. Being settled will give you greater flexibility and take some of the pressure off.
Be sensible – the city centre is in high demand and is often not a realistic option. Try going a little further afield to make your money stretch. If you don’t drive, make sure you check public transport links. While some areas are easier to get to/from, others leave a lot of be desired. Be sure to account for this in your budget too.
Try to get to a viewing early in the day where possible as the places can be gone by the evening. Also, set up web alerts so you will know as soon as a new ad goes live in an area you have identified
Public transport
Public transport in and around the city is generally good and easy to use. Visit Transport for Ireland for more information. A leap card is used by regular travelers which make things a lot easier. There is a daily or weekly cap on the fee charged. Once you reach the cap you travel at no extra cost.
How to apply for a PPS number
Once you have secured your accommodation the next step would be to apply for a PPS Number. Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number that helps to you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. You and/or your spouse will need a PPS number before you can register for tax, use welfare benefits or exchange you driver’s license. Your children will also need a PPS number which is provided to the school.
Documents required:
- Passports
- Work Permit
- Proof of why a PPS number is required (you only need one reason):
- Tax registration > Letter of employment/contract
- Driver’s license > Official letter from NDLS
- Children > Letter from school
- Proof of accommodation (Utility bill/Bank statement/Lease agreement)
- Completed forms
The process is straight forward and you can book an appointment online. A PPS card will be posted to your residential address within 10 days. There is no cost involved
It is advisable to research the Irish tax system in advance of relocating to Ireland, please review the following links:
Moving to Ireland
Find out what tax you will be liable to pay
Also, if you are planning on moving with your family you may wish to review the following useful links on childcare and education in Ireland:
Childcare
Please note, the Irish school year starts in September and it can be difficult to get your child enrolled in a school during school term. To avoid disappointment, we advise that you research local schools in your preferred areas and make enquires well in advance of your move.
Visas and entry into Ireland
If you want to enter Ireland, you may need a visa. You do not need a visa for Ireland if you are a citizen of the EEA or meet certain other criteria – details of which can be found here.
If you’re a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.
