Moving to Ireland from the UK: Complete guide

Thinking of a move across the Irish sea? Ireland is a beautiful, well-connected country with fantastic cities, and many other attractions for newcomers. We’ve put together a guide covering everything you need to know about moving to Ireland from the UK, including whether you need a visa, the cost of living in Ireland, how to access healthcare and information for retirees, as well as much more.

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders with Wise. Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and Ireland for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more about the Wise account

Want to take your savings with you? Wise can also help you with large transfers. Simply email our expert team or request a call back below.

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In this guide

Can you move to Ireland from the UK? Moving to Ireland from the UK How to get an Irish visa? How to move to Ireland from the UK? What’s the cheapest way to get to Ireland from the UK? How to transport your things Living in Ireland - what you need to know Cost of living - how much money do you need to move to Ireland? Opening an Irish bank account Finding a job in Ireland Renting or buying property in Ireland Healthcare system in Ireland: How it works for UK expats Emigrating to Ireland with a family Schools and education Having a baby in Ireland Bringing your pets Retiring in Ireland: What are your options? Retirement visas Transferring your pensions Checklist for moving to Ireland from the UK Save on your relocation costs to Ireland with Wise

Can you move to Ireland from the UK?

Yes, you can move to Ireland from the UK and you won’t even need a visa. Although Ireland is in the EU, expats from the United Kingdom have privileged status, which we’ll explain in detail.¹

Moving to Ireland from the UK

The rules for British expats moving to Ireland haven’t changed post-Brexit. They’re regulated by the Common Travel Area (CTA), an arrangement established long before Ireland and the UK even joined the EU.²

Moving to Ireland as a British expat is quite straightforward. Not only are you free from complicated paperwork and permits but you also won’t have to learn a new language or adapt to a different climate. And with Ireland’s great quality of life, you’re bound to enjoy it.

How to get an Irish visa?

British expats don’t need a visa or residence permit to move to Ireland. Thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA), UK citizens can enter Ireland, live there and access healthcare and social benefits.²

They can also move to Ireland to study or work, receiving the same terms as locals with no differences in rights or entitlements. This will continue in the future, since UK and Irish governments reaffirmed their commitment to the Common Travel Area in 2019 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.²

How to move to Ireland from the UK?

You can move to Ireland without any restrictions, but the process will depend on your plans for your life there. In any case, you must inform the relevant UK government agencies responsible for your benefits, state pension and taxes that you are moving abroad.

If you plan to study in Ireland, make sure to research universities and the programmes available. If you are looking for work, consider checking Ireland’s skill shortages to see if you qualify for any in-demand positions.¹

What’s the cheapest way to get to Ireland from the UK?

You can travel to Ireland by ferry, coach, or plane. There are also 'rail and sail' options that combine ferries and trains.

One of the many ferry services between the UK and Ireland is Irish Ferries, which operates routes from Holyhead to Dublin and Pembroke to Rosslare.³ If you prefer to travel by coach, National Express offers a service from London to Dublin, with tickets starting at £69.⁴

The easiest way to travel from the UK to Ireland is by plane. The cheapest months to fly are April, May, and June, with fares as low as £14.⁵ However, average ticket prices are usually over £30.⁶

Wise could help you save money on travel costs, especially if you’re paying in a foreign currency. With the mid-market exchange rate and no foreign transaction fees*, you’ll be able to make the most out of your money. The Wise card can be used to buy flight tickets for Ireland, and you can start spending in euros as soon as you arrive, without having to worry about converting currency or getting caught out by unexpected fees.

How to transport your things

You can transport your belongings to Ireland by car, but you will need to take a ferry. Irish Ferries, for example, allows you to bring as much luggage as you can fit in your vehicle.⁷

However, hiring a moving company may still be the best option. Your belongings can be shipped via sea freight or air freight, with air freight being the faster option.⁸ Here are some companies you could consult:

• PSS Removals
• Britannia Movers
• VK Removals & Storage
• Pickfords

Wise may come in handy when paying for a moving company. With a Wise account you can send, receive and spend in both British pounds and euros. With transparent, low fees* and transactions at the mid-market exchange rate you can avoid unexpected fees for currency conversion or added mark-up from banks or other providers.

Living in Ireland - what you need to know

Here are some basic facts you should know about Ireland if you’re considering moving there:

💰Currency:	Euro (EUR)
🗣️Main language:	English, Irish (Gaeilge)
👥Population:	5,292,1229
🇬🇧 Number of British expats:	Around 83,00010
🧭Popular expat destinations:	Dublin, Cork, Galway, Westport

Cost of living - how much money do you need to move to Ireland?

The cost of living in Ireland is slightly higher than in the UK. For example, rent is over 30% more expensive in Ireland, while groceries cost just around 6% more.¹¹

Let’s take a look at a few average prices for common spending categories in Ireland, compared with the UK:¹¹

• A three-course meal for two people costs around £67 in Ireland, while it’s £65 in the UK
• A monthly public transport pass is approx. £84, compared to £70 in the UK
• Rent for a one-bedroom city centre apartment is around £1,361, compared to £1,031 in the UK
• Utilities for a typical apartment are around £181 a month, compared to £239 in the UK

Opening an Irish bank account

You can open a bank account in Ireland as a non-resident, but it depends on the bank or provider. Some banks in Ireland, such as Allied Irish Banks, offer non-resident accounts.¹²

These are the documents you’ll usually need to provide:

• A certified copy of an ID document (passport, driving licence)
• Certified evidence of home address (a recent utility bill, a recent bank statement or correspondence from a government)¹²

When you decide on a bank, it’s a good idea to contact them and double-check which documents you’ll need. And whether you’ll be able to keep your UK bank account after moving depends on your bank. For example, Barclays closes your account once you move abroad.¹³

📚 Opening an account in Ireland as a Brit

And, as an alternative to a bank account, check out the Wise account. You can use it to send, receive and spend in multiple currencies, including British pounds and euros. Opening the account is pretty straightforward and you can open it before you even leave the UK.

Finding a job in Ireland

If you don’t already have a job offer lined up, you may want to begin looking for a job in Ireland in advance of your move. But where do you start?

First up, the legal stuff. UK citizens can work in Ireland without needing an employment permit, even after Brexit. This means there’s no extra paperwork to worry about, you can just start searching for a job and apply for suitable roles. However, just like in the UK, some employers may still need a UK criminal records check or vetting by the National Vetting Bureau of the Garda Síochána.¹

It can also be worth checking to see if your UK professional qualifications will be recognised in Ireland, and if you need to do anything about this. More information on this can be found here.¹

Ready to start job hunting? Here are a few places to try:

• IrishJobs.ie
• Indeed
• Recruit Ireland
• GradIreland

Renting or buying property in Ireland

One of the most pressing tasks on your to-do list for your big move will be finding somewhere to live.

Renting is a popular option for new arrivals in Ireland, at least on a temporary basis. By renting rather than buying, you can take the time to get a feel for the place and its community, and decide if you want to live there permanently. Renting is also quicker, as it gives you a roof over your head right away.

Besides rent, you’ll also be asked to pay a security deposit, which can’t exceed one month’s rent.¹⁴ To start your search for suitable rental properties in Ireland, try daft.ie, rent.ie and myhome.ie. You can also find short and long-term rental options on sites like Airbnb.

Looking to buy a home instead? It’s good to know that you won’t face any restrictions as a non-citizen. However, you may find it tricky to get a mortgage until you’ve been living in Ireland for at least 6 months, which is perhaps another argument for renting first. Most Irish lenders also prefer applicants to have been working in Ireland for at least a year.¹⁵

📚 Buying property in Ireland

Once you’re ready to buy, check out the rental links above (many of which also list property for sale) along with myhome.ie, property.ie and gumtree.ie.

Given the hefty costs involved in all of the above, it makes sense to find a provider with low fees* and transparent pricing. Wise may save you money, especially on currency conversion fees on larger amounts. Our dedicated team of experts can help assist you with every step of your transfer. Simply email us or request a call back below.

Ask for a call back

Healthcare system in Ireland: How it works for UK expats

Ireland’s healthcare system is ranked better than the NHS, so you may be able to enjoy better care when you move.¹⁶ But how do you access healthcare in Ireland as a British expat, and does Brexit change anything?

The good news is that thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, UK citizens can still access the Irish public healthcare system. It isn’t free unless you qualify for a medical card on income grounds, but you’ll pay fees for healthcare services on the same basis as an Irish citizen. And of course, you can also choose to arrange private health insurance cover if you want to.¹

Emigrating to Ireland with a family

Here’s what you should know when moving to Ireland with a family:

Schools and education

In Ireland, you can access all levels of education on the same terms as citizens. You’ll also be eligible for student loans and financial support.²

Irish universities are mostly state-funded and there are five main ones:¹⁷

• The National University of Ireland (NUI)
• The University of Dublin
• The University of Limerick (UL)
• Dublin City University (DCU)
• RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

There are also five technological universities, two institutes of technology and other colleges.

📚 Best private schools in Ireland

Having a baby in Ireland

In Ireland, parents receive a range of supports, including maternity and paternity leave, health and safety leave from work and benefits based on social insurance contributions.¹⁸

Expectant parents are entitled to time off for antenatal appointments and classes, while breastfeeding mothers can take paid breaks at work. There are also options for additional unpaid leave, adoptive leave and parent’s leave, with financial support for those who meet the necessary PRSI requirements.¹⁸

Bringing your pets

To bring your pet into Ireland, they must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travelling. You’ll also need an EU pet passport or EU health certificate, which must be signed by an official vet. They also must get a rabies serological test, undergo tapeworm treatment.¹⁹

You also must complete the online form on the Advance Notice Portal to announce you’re arriving. This must be done at least 24 hours before your arrival.¹⁹

📚 Travelling with your pets

Retiring in Ireland: What are your options?

Ireland is a great destination for British expats, but just how easy is it to retire in Ireland? Let’s go through your options.

Retirement visas

You don’t need a visa to retire in Ireland, thanks to the Common Travel Area agreement.

Transferring your pensions

If you retire in Ireland, you can also claim your UK state pension there. It can be paid into a UK bank account or an Irish one, in which case you’ll be paid in the local currency. You can choose how often you’ll get paid - anywhere from 4 to 13 weeks. Contact the International Pension Centre to get the most recent information.²⁰

📚 Retiring in Ireland

Checklist for moving to Ireland from the UK

Let’s go through the most important steps of moving to Ireland from the UK:

• Check that your UK passport has at least 6 months’ validity remaining
• Find a place to live (this may involve multiple trips out to Ireland to get a feel for your chosen town or city, and to find properties to rent or buy)
• Get quotes for shipping your furniture and belongings over to Ireland
• Start researching Irish banks and check if you can open an account before arriving
• Find out if you’re eligible for free healthcare in Ireland with a medical card
• Tell HMRC that you’re leaving the UK
• Book your flight

Save on your relocation costs to Ireland with Wise

Moving to Ireland is fairly simple, since you won’t need a visa. However, moving abroad still comes with various expenses, including real estate fees and rental deposits, some of which may require international payments.

Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and Ireland for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate. It’s not a bank account but offers many similar features.

You can also use Wise once you arrive in your new home. You can spend in euros from the moment you step off the plane using your Wise debit card. It works in 150+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency, only adding a tiny, upfront currency conversion fee*.

Remember, if you’re moving to the Emerald Isle, Wise can help with sending or receiving large amounts, our dedicated team of experts are ready to help with every step of your transfer. Simply email us or request a call back below.

Ask for a call back

Sources used:

1. Gov.uk - living in Ireland
2. Gov.uk - Common Travel Area
3. Irish Ferries - travel to Ireland
4. National Express - London to Dublin coach
5. Skyscanner - flights from United Kingdom to Ireland
6. Skyscanner - flights from Edinburgh to Dublin
7. Irish Ferries - luggage allowance
8. Pickfords - shipping to Ireland
9. Worldometers - Ireland population
10. Central Statistics Office - number of UK expats
11. Numbeo - cost of living in Ireland compared to the UK
12. AIB - required documents for non-residents
13. Barclays - living outside the UK
14. Residential Tenancies Board - security deposits
15. Money Guide Ireland - buying a house in Ireland
16. CSE Connect - healthcare in Ireland vs the UK
17. Citizens Information - third-level education
18. Citizens Information - having a baby
19. Citizens Information - bringing pets

Sources last checked on date: 13-Mar-2025