Settling Down in Ireland

Resources for establishing your long-term life in Ireland.

Important Information for EEA and Non-EEA Citizens

The settlement process differs significantly depending on whether you are an EEA (European Economic Area) or non-EEA citizen:

EEA Citizens: Enjoy freedom of movement rights and can settle in Ireland without a visa but need to register for residence after 3 months.
Non-EEA Citizens: Must have appropriate immigration permission (work visa, student visa, etc.) and register with immigration authorities within 90 days of arrival.

The information below applies to both categories, but additional requirements may apply to non-EEA citizens.

First Steps

Essential first steps after arrival

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PPS Number

How to get your Personal Public Service Number

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Banking Setup

Opening and managing bank accounts

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Tax System

Understanding the Irish tax system

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Healthcare System

Understanding and accessing Irish healthcare

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PPS Number & Taxes

Apply for your Personal Public Service Number and understand Irish taxation.

PPS Number

A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps you access public services, benefits, and the tax system in Ireland.

How to Apply:

1
Book an appointment with your local Department of Social Protection (DSP) office. You can find and book through the MyWelfare.ie website.
2
Prepare your documents: valid passport, Irish Residence Permit, proof of address, and evidence of why you need a PPS number (job offer, university acceptance, etc.).
3
Attend your appointment with all required documents.
4
You will typically receive your PPS Number by post within 7-10 working days.

Uses of a PPS Number:

•Taxation and social welfare benefits
•Healthcare services
•Education grants and allowances
•Driver's license applications
•Child benefit applications

Irish Tax System 2026

Understanding the Irish tax system is essential for anyone working or living in Ireland. This section shows 2026 rates, with Budget 2027 changes (from 1 Jan 2027) noted below.

Key Components:

Income Tax

Ireland has a progressive tax system with two main rates:

20% on earnings up to €44,000 (single person)
40% on the remainder of earnings

Note: Budget 2027 raises this to €46,500 from 1 January 2027.

Universal Social Charge (USC) 2026

A progressive tax on gross income, with updated rates:

0.5% on income up to €12,012
2% on income from €12,013 to €28,700
3% on income from €28,701 to €70,044
8% on income above €70,044
11% on self-employed income over €100,000

Medical card holders and individuals over 70 with income below €60,000 pay a maximum USC rate of 2%.

Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) 2026

Employee PRSI is 4.2%, rising to 4.35% from 1 October 2026. No PRSI if you earn €352 a week or less.

Employer PRSI is 9% on weekly pay up to €527 and 11.25% above that.

Tax Credits & Reliefs (2026):

Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you pay. Key credits include:

•
Personal Tax Credit (€2,000 for single person)
Rises to €2,125 from 1 Jan 2027 (Budget 2027)
•
Employee Tax Credit (€2,000)
Rises to €2,125 from 1 Jan 2027 (Budget 2027)
•
Home Carer Tax Credit (€1,950)
Rises to €2,050 from 1 Jan 2027 (Budget 2027)
•
Single Person Child Carer Credit (€1,900)
For primary carers of children under 18
•
Rent Tax Credit (€1,000)
Rises to €1,150 from 1 Jan 2027 (Budget 2027)

New: Budget 2027 Highlights (announced 6 Oct 2026)

•40% tax rate now starts at €46,500 (up €2,500)
•Personal, PAYE and Earned Income tax credits up €125 each
•Minimum wage rises to €14.94/hour; Rent Tax Credit up €150
•Help to Buy up to €35,000; welfare & State Pension up €10/week
•See the full easy guide to Budget 2027 →

For detailed tax information and to manage your taxes, register with:

Revenue's myAccount service

Healthcare System

Public Healthcare

Ireland has a two-tier healthcare system with both public and private services. The public system is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Key Features:

•
Emergency Care:
Free for everyone but may involve long waiting times. Emergency rooms charge €100 unless you have a referral from a GP or a Medical Card.
•
Hospital Care:
Public patients may face waiting lists for non-emergency procedures. Daily hospital charges apply (€80 per day, up to a maximum of €800 per year).
•
GP Services:
Not free unless you have a Medical Card. Fees typically range from €40-€70 per visit.

Medical Cards:

A Medical Card provides free healthcare services to those who qualify (based on income and personal circumstances):

•Free GP visits
•Free prescribed medications
•Free hospital care
•Free dental, optical, and aural services

Apply for a Medical Card

Private Healthcare

Many Irish residents opt for private health insurance to access faster treatment and private facilities.

Main Insurance Providers:

Registering with a GP:

It's important to register with a General Practitioner (GP) soon after arrival in Ireland:

1
Research GPs in your area who are accepting new patients.
2
Contact the practice to confirm they're accepting new patients and make an appointment.
3
Bring identification, proof of address, and your PPS number to register.
4
If you have previous medical records, arrange to have them transferred.

Find a GP in your area

Family & Children

Childcare options, schools, and family benefits available in Ireland.

Education System

Ireland's education system is divided into primary (ages 4-12), secondary (ages 12-18), and third-level education.

Primary Schools

Free public primary schools are available nationwide, though many have a religious ethos. Multi-denominational and non-denominational options are increasing.

Secondary Schools

Secondary education is also free in public schools. The system includes the Junior Cycle (3 years) and Senior Cycle (2-3 years), concluding with the Leaving Certificate examination.

International Schools

Several international schools offer different curricula (IB, American, French, German) but typically charge substantial fees.

Childcare

Childcare options in Ireland include:

•
Crèches/Daycare centers
Full-time care for children from 3 months to school age.
•
Preschools
Educational programs for children aged 2.5-5 years.
•
Childminders
Care in the childminder's home or your home.
•
After-school care
Programs for school-age children outside school hours.

Family Benefits

•
Child Benefit
Monthly payment for all children under 16 (or under 18 if in full-time education).
•
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme
Provides free preschool for children within a certain age range.
•
National Childcare Scheme
Subsidizes childcare costs based on family income.

Community Integration

Join local groups, find cultural events, and build your social network.

Building Your Network

Integration into Irish communities can make a significant difference to your experience. Here are ways to connect:

Join Community Groups

Local community centers, parish groups, and neighborhood associations often host events and activities.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to meet people while contributing to causes you care about.

Volunteer Ireland

Sports Clubs

Join local sports teams or clubs. GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) sports are particularly popular in Ireland.

Meetup Groups

Find groups based on shared interests, from hiking to language exchange.

Meetup.com

Cultural Events

Attend local festivals, concerts, and cultural events.

Expat & International Communities

Connect with others who've made the move to Ireland:

•
InterNations
Global expat community with regular events in Irish cities.
•
Facebook Groups
Search for groups like "Expats in Dublin" or groups specific to your nationality.
•
Cultural Associations
Many countries have cultural associations or societies in Ireland.