Checklist
Your Ireland Relocation Checklist
PPS numbers, bank accounts, utility set-up, schools, GPs — the essential to-do list for moving to Ireland, broken down by what to do before you arrive, in your first week, and beyond.
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Before You Arrive
Secure temporary accommodation — a serviced apartment or Airbnb for your first 2–4 weeks gives you breathing room to find the right permanent home.
Arrange international health insurance if not covered by your employer. Ireland has public health services but waiting times can be long.
Get certified copies of key documents: passport, birth certificate, employment contract, last 3 payslips, and 6 months of bank statements. You'll need these for rental applications.
Research schools if you have children — Irish school enrolment lists fill up quickly, especially in Dublin.
Open a Revolut or N26 account as a bridge. You'll need an Irish address before most banks will open a local account, so this covers you in the interim.
Week 1 — Priority Admin
Apply for your PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number) — this is needed for almost everything in Ireland, from banking to healthcare to tax. Apply at your local Intreo Centre with your passport and proof of address.
Register with a GP (doctor) — ask your employer, neighbours, or local Facebook groups for recommendations. Good GPs fill up fast.
Get an Irish SIM card — Three, Vodafone, and Eir are the main providers. This gives you a local number for rental enquiries and official registrations.
Begin your permanent rental search if you haven't already. Set up alerts on Daft.ie and MyHome.ie and move quickly when you find something suitable.
Weeks 2–4 — Getting Settled
Open an Irish bank account — AIB, Bank of Ireland, or Permanent TSB are the main options. You'll need your PPS number, proof of address, and passport. Some banks now allow online account opening.
Register your address with the Electoral Register if you're an EU citizen — this is important for civic participation and some admin processes.
Set up utilities once you're in your permanent rental — electricity (Electric Ireland, Energia, Bord Gáis), internet (Eir, Virgin, Sky). Your landlord should confirm which provider is already connected.
Register with your employer's payroll using your PPS number to ensure you receive the correct tax credits and aren't charged emergency tax.
Ongoing
Confirm your tenancy is registered with the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board). Your landlord is legally required to do this, but it's worth checking for your own protection.
Set up home contents insurance — not legally required but strongly recommended. It's generally inexpensive and protects your belongings.
Explore your local community — GAA clubs, sports clubs, local Facebook groups, and community centres are some of the best ways to meet people and feel at home quickly.
If you have children: register with local schools, explore after-school care options, and connect with school parent groups — a great way to build a social network.
Want help with any of this?
Our Relocation Concierge service handles the housing search end-to-end, and we're on hand to guide you through the admin and settling-in process too. Or start with a 30-minute Expert Advice Call to get your questions answered before you arrive.
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