words Al Woods
Relocating to a new country is a major life change. You’d have to start on an entirely clean slate while getting used to a new routine and environment. But despite this, moving to another country also brings a wide range of opportunities that can benefit your career, studies, or quality of life.
If you’re planning to move to Ireland, you’ll be especially pleased with its friendly residents and unparalleled natural beauty. In fact, it ranks 28th in the world in terms of the number of immigrants it welcomes annually. The country is a fitting place for retirees, students, and professionals to settle permanently because of its rich culture, excellent healthcare, and proximity to other countries, not to mention the exceptional quality of life it offers.
Of course, you’d need the assistance of professional Ireland immigration lawyers to help you with your move. Similar to what UK lawyers for immigration London do, such as walking you through different UK visas, Ireland immigration lawyers also do the same thing – albeit for Ireland immigration laws, in this case. They will assist you with immigrating to Ireland and ensure that your case has the best chance of getting approved.
But even before your application gets approved, you’d already have to start preparing for a new life in Ireland. Planning for your new life will help ensure a smoother move and will save you the stress you’re bound to face once you get there.
We understand the challenges that come with navigating a new country on your own, which is why we listed some tips about how you can plan for your new life in Ireland.
1. Sort out the necessary legal requirements for your move to Ireland.
You can gather all the necessary information about Ireland’s entry requirements, visas, and other immigration concerns through the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service or INIS. Those who merely want to enter the country don’t really need a visa to do so; however, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa, especially if you’re planning to settle down or stay in the country for more than three months.
For instance, EU citizens generally don’t need a visa to enter Ireland; they’re all entitled to come into the country to work. The same goes for American and Australian citizens. The difference is that Australians and Americans may need permission to stay for work and apply for a visa, particularly when they plan on staying long term. UK citizens, on the other hand, are free to travel and stay as long as they want in Ireland since both countries share a Common Travel Area.
2. Establish your finances in Ireland.
You need to be at least 18 years old to set up a bank account in the country. For this, you’ll be required to submit proof of address and a valid ID. Fortunately, you can open a bank account regardless of whether you’re a non-resident or a resident. Non-residents will typically not have a proof of address to present, although some banks allow you to use information from your native country. Make sure to check with your bank for further details.
3. Look for a job and start working.
Those who are nationals of EEA or EU countries should have a permit provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation to work in the country. Postgraduate students and refugees aren’t usually required to have a work permit, while students who have student visas can take up work for a maximum of 20 hours per week without needing to apply for a permit. Additionally, foreign nationals who are working in the country are asked to have their wages paid into a local Irish bank account.
4. Find a place to live in.
There is plenty of accommodation both near and in the main cities of Ireland. You can find unfurnished or furnished properties in these areas. Dublin, Ireland’s largest city and capital, is filled with good public transport links, which makes it a sought-after destination for immigrants and ex-pats. It’s also worth noting that the rental market in Dublin can be quite competitive and pricey, which explains why families tend to prefer living in areas outside the city like LImerick, Galway, or Blackrock. You can also visit accommodation sites online to help you find your own place in Ireland.
5. Ensure healthcare coverage.
Irish residents are all entitled to free public health coverage. However, the two categories, limited eligibility and full eligibility, are mainly based on your access to the means. For this, you may have to apply directly to the Health Services Executive. If you’re wondering how much is health insurance in Ireland, it’s worth noting that Irish residents are entitled to free public health coverage, but private patients can expect to pay a fee of around €25-35 per visit to their general practitioner.
There is also private medical care which you may be entitled to if you’re a short-term visitor. Swiss/EU/EEA nationals can utilize their European Health Insurance Card to cover medical costs. Moreover, you will have to go to your general practitioner to get a regular doctor’s appointment, wherein most patients have the right to choose theirs. Most general practitioners have private patients and medical cards. Private patients are charged a substantial fee of roughly €25-35 per visit.
