Moving to Ireland

Ireland – Land of Myth and Legend

St Patrick’s Mountain tempts you up — but beware! The path gets steeper and steeper, such that even a sheepdog takes one step back for every two steps up. The stones are a brilliant white, and very sharp edged. They are just rather the wrong size for scree-running. On arrival at the top, the chances are the mist will obscure the view. St Patrick didn’t hurl the snakes over the cliff (there never have been snakes in Ireland), and the cafe is probably closed. But do not worry. After a precipitous descent, it is good to see the statue of Our Lady at the foot, although some might prefer an orthopaedic hospital. (And there is a beautiful beach nearby.) Ireland joined the European Union in 1973, but is not a member of the Schengen area, although the currency is the euro. Dublin is the capital city.

The Irish have always been associated with a love of music and storytelling. Hence The Celtic cross, the shamrock, the harp and the leprechaun are well-known Irish symbols. It is often referred to as the land of saints and scholars, still true today. Ireland is one of the first countries to adopt Christianity.

Customs

Although neither Britain nor Ireland are members of the Schengen area, because we are members of the EU, there is little of consequence to concern the average Briton moving to Ireland from UK.

There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you may bring in; medication must be for personal use only. Alcohol and tobacco have some restrictions, and for firearms you need a European Firearms Pass and, in order to obtain a permit, you should contact the Department of Justice.

Registering Essentials

When you arrive in Ireland, you may be asked for valid official photo identification which shows your nationality. Your passport will suffice and proves you are a UK national.

You can stay in Ireland for up to 3 months without restriction. If you plan to stay more than 3 months, you must:

• Have a job, pension or be self-employed;
• Have health insurance; or
• Be enrolled as a student or vocational trainee.

You can apply for permanent residence after living in Ireland for five years.

Expats in Ireland

There are several sites where you can get information about expat clubs, news and communities. These two sites will give you a taste of what is available.

Internations

Expatfocus

Moving to Ireland from UK with Pets

Dogs, cats and ferrets require their own pet passport, microchips, rabies vaccinations within 1 year, but not closer than 21 days from departure, and up-to-date routine vaccinations. If you intend to bring the pet back to the UK you must ensure the rabies vaccinations are kept up to date. As at least 7 months from vaccination is required, pets under 3 months cannot enter the Irish Republic. For service/assistance dogs you need a permit to travel in the cabin if coming by air. You get this from the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Other Pets

If you are bringing a pet bird, rabbit or rodent, you must accompany the pet to Ireland. At least 24 hours before you arrive in Ireland you must send a completed advance notice of importation form into Ireland to the DAFM at the address below. Owners of pet birds must also travel with a completed Owner of Pet Birds form.

Animal Health and Welfare Division

Floor 3 Centre

Agriculture House

Kildare Street

Dublin 2

Ireland

Tel: +353 (0)1 607 2862 Website: Animal Welfare Ireland Email: livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie

If you consider relocation go on and get a free quote from the form at the bottom of this page or read more about moving to Ireland.

Top Tip on moving to Ireland

The Irish people are some of the funniest, friendliest and most fascinating people you can meet anywhere in the world — just go and enjoy them — and let your hair down. They can also be both dangerous and charming at the same time.