Do you need a visa?
No. An EU citizen (or a citizen of the EEA or Switzerland) can live and work in Ireland without a visa or work permit, and does not need to register with immigration.
Documents and where to get them
In your country, before you leave
- ID card or passport, valid for the whole move.
- European Health Insurance Card, from your national health insurance: it covers necessary care in the first weeks, until you are insured in the new country.
- Birth certificate (and marriage certificate, if married). Between EU countries, many certificates need no apostille and can come with a multilingual form that avoids translation (Regulation (EU) 2016/1191).
- Criminal record certificate from your country of nationality and, if different, from where you lived recently: some employers ask for it. Request it close to the date it will be used.
- Degree, transcript and references from previous jobs, digitally.
In Ireland
- PPS number: your personal number for tax and social welfare. Apply through MyWelfare, with proof of an Irish address.
- Revenue myAccount: register your job so the employer gets your tax credits; otherwise you pay emergency tax.
Step by step
Before you leave
- Sign the contract and confirm in writing the gross annual salary, the start date and the relocation support.
- Look for housing early: supply in Dublin is very tight. Be wary of adverts asking for money before a viewing.
- In your country, tell the authorities you are moving: update your registered address and your tax residence. In the year you leave, tax may be due for the part of the year you were still resident.
First week
- Apply for your PPS number on MyWelfare.
- Open a bank account.
First month
- Register your job on Revenue myAccount.
- Register with a GP; visits are usually paid, so check whether your employer offers health insurance.