Moving to Ireland from the UK

Can You Move to Ireland from the UK?

Yes. If you hold British citizenship, you have the right to live and work in Ireland without applying for a visa, a residency permit, or any form of immigration permission. This right is not a consequence of EU membership and was unaffected by Brexit. It flows from the Common Travel Area (CTA), a longstanding bilateral arrangement between the UK and Ireland that predates the European Union itself.

For UK citizens, moving to Ireland is in many respects simpler than moving to any other country in the world. There is no visa application, no points-based system to navigate, and no language test to pass. You can arrive, find a home, register for a PPS number (Ireland’s equivalent of a National Insurance number), and start work without needing any form of official immigration permission.

The position is different if you are a non-EEA national living in the UK who wishes to relocate to Ireland. In that case, Irish immigration rules will apply to you, and you may need to apply for a visa or employment permit depending on your nationality and the purpose of your move. Non-EEA family members of UK citizens also need to take specific steps before moving.

If your situation involves non-EEA nationals, contact us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 before making plans.

Understanding the Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area is one of the most significant but least well-known features of the UK-Ireland relationship. It is not a creation of the EU and was not dismantled by Brexit. It has been in place in various forms since the 1920s and has been formally reaffirmed by both governments on multiple occasions since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

What the CTA Provides

Under the CTA, British and Irish citizens can move freely between the UK, Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man). They can live and work in each other’s countries without restriction, access public services including healthcare and education, and benefit from social security arrangements.

More specifically, British citizens living in Ireland are entitled to:

• Live and work in Ireland without a visa or permit
• Access Irish public services, including the healthcare system (HSE), on the same basis as Irish citizens
• Access social welfare benefits, subject to the Habitual Residence Condition (discussed below)
• Vote in local elections and Dáil elections once they have an Irish address and are registered
• Access to Irish state education for their children

Irish citizens have equivalent rights in the UK.

Exclusions and Limitations of the CTA

The CTA is not unlimited in what it provides, and there are some important distinctions that UK citizens moving to Ireland need to be aware of.

The CTA does not extend to non-EEA family members of UK citizens. If your spouse, partner, or children are non-EEA nationals, they cannot rely on the CTA and will need to go through the Irish immigration system separately. This may involve applying for a visa and, depending on the circumstances, a preclearance application before travel.

Also, the CTA does not automatically provide access to means-tested social welfare benefits in Ireland. To claim benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or Child Benefit, you must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC), which requires you to demonstrate that Ireland is now where your life is based. 

The CTA applies between the UK and Ireland, but it does not confer rights on British citizens across the wider EU. If you want to travel and live freely across the rest of Europe, you would need to consider obtaining Irish citizenship, which can be pursued after living legally in Ireland for the required period.

Impact on UK-Ireland Relations Post-Brexit

Brexit changed the relationship between the UK and the EU, but it did not change the CTA. Both governments made explicit commitments during the Brexit process to preserve the CTA in its entirety, and a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments in 2019 formally set out those commitments.

For everyday purposes, this means that UK citizens moving to Ireland do not encounter the administrative barriers that British nationals face when moving to other EU countries. There is no requirement to register, no proof of income threshold, and no need for a health insurance policy to secure your right to be there.

What to know about moving to Ireland after Brexit?

There is a special arrangement in place that allows UK and Irish nationals to travel, live, and work in either country without restriction or the need to apply for a visa.

The UK and Irish governments’ commitment to the Common Travel Area was reaffirmed during Brexit negotiations, meaning that there has been no change to this arrangement since Brexit.

The CTA allows for free movement between the UK, the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man), and Ireland.

The main issues to note in terms of how Brexit affects UK citizens moving to Ireland primarily relate to Northern Ireland and the family members of British citizens

Northern Ireland (NI) after Brexit

The position of the north of Ireland is still a topic of some contention even after Brexit.

The reason for this is because Ireland is in the European Union while NI is a part of the UK. There are checks on goods moving from NI to another part of the UK, but there are no restrictions on goods moving from Ireland to NI.

Frontier workers

People who live in one country but work in another are known as frontier workers.

A UK or Irish citizen does not need to apply for this permit, however if you are a non-EU citizen, Irish citizen, or UK citizen, you may need to apply for a frontier worker permit if you live in Ireland and work in NI (for example).

UK driving licences in Ireland after Brexit

A British national living in Ireland cannot use a British driving licence since 1^st January 2021 and it must instead be exchanged for an Irish driving licence.

How to Move to Ireland from the UK?

Moving to another country takes planning. There are some key steps that are particularly relevant from an immigration and legal perspective, including:

• Check whether your specific circumstances are covered by the standard CTA rules. If you have a non-EEA partner or children from a previous relationship, their situation may be more complex. The same applies if you are a non-EEA national living in the UK under a visa or settlement status.
• Notify the relevant UK authorities of your departure. This includes HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions (particularly if you receive any benefits or are approaching pension age), and any other government bodies relevant to your circumstances.
• Register for a PPS number (Personal Public Service Number) in Ireland as soon as you arrive. This is your Irish tax and social services identifier, equivalent to a National Insurance number. In-person attendance at an Intreo Centre is required. Allow two to three weeks for the number to be issued by post. 

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

British citizens do not need a visa to move to Ireland. This applies regardless of whether you are moving to work, study, retire, or simply to live. The CTA provides this right automatically.

However, if you are a non-British national currently living in the UK and you wish to move to Ireland, the position is different. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. EEA and Swiss nationals can generally move to Ireland freely as EU citizens. Non-EEA nationals will need to check whether their nationality requires a visa for Ireland and, if so, apply through the standard Irish immigration system.

Transportation Options for Moving Your Belongings

Most people moving from the UK to Ireland transport their belongings by sea. The main ferry routes operate between Holyhead and Dublin, Fishguard and Rosslare, Liverpool and Dublin, and Cairnryan and Belfast. You can arrange shipping through a specialist international removals company, which will handle customs paperwork and packing. 

As a UK citizen moving to Ireland, there are generally no customs duties on personal belongings that you have owned and used for at least six months, though this should be confirmed with the removals company, as rules can vary.

Visa Options for Ireland from the UK

Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Ireland?

No. British citizens do not need any form of visa, permit, or preclearance to move to Ireland. The right to live and work in Ireland is granted automatically by the Common Travel Area.

Do UK Residents Need a Visa for Ireland?

This depends on your nationality. If you are an EEA or Swiss national living in the UK, you are entitled to move to Ireland as an EU citizen and do not need a visa. If you are a non-EEA national living in the UK (for example, on a Skilled Worker visa, as an ILR holder, or under another immigration status), Ireland does not automatically recognise your UK leave. You will need to check Ireland’s visa requirements for your nationality.

Visa Categories Available for Non-EEA Nationals Moving to Ireland

If you are a non-EEA national, the main options for moving to Ireland include:

• Employment permits – Ireland operates a system of employment permits for non-EEA nationals. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is available for roles in shortage occupations and at qualifying salary levels. The General Employment Permit covers a wider range of roles.
• Study visas –  Non-EEA nationals coming to Ireland to study at a recognised institution apply for a Study Visa (D Visa).
• Family reunification – Non-EEA family members of Irish citizens or qualifying non-EEA residents can apply to join their family member in Ireland, subject to financial thresholds and other conditions.
• Short Stay (C) and Long Stay (D) Visas – These are the main visa categories. A short stay visa covers visits of up to 90 days. A long stay visa is required for relocating to Ireland for longer purposes such as work, study, or family reunification.

Non-EEA Spouses and Family Members of UK Citizens

If you are a British citizen moving to Ireland and your spouse or other family members are non-EEA nationals, they cannot rely on the CTA. They will need to apply for an appropriate Irish visa and, in many cases, go through the preclearance process before they travel. 

The preclearance application is made online through the Irish immigration system and requires evidence of the family relationship, your financial situation as the sponsor, and other supporting documents.

Residency and Citizenship in Ireland

British citizens living in Ireland do not need a residence permit. Their right to reside is based on the CTA and does not require registration with the Irish immigration authorities. This is a significant practical advantage compared to British nationals living in EU countries, who are typically required to register and obtain a residence card.

If you want to become an Irish citizen, you can apply for naturalisation after five years of continuous lawful residence in Ireland. This would entitle you to an Irish passport, thereby restoring your freedom of movement throughout the EU. Ireland also allows claims to citizenship through Irish ancestry, which may be relevant if you have Irish-born grandparents.

What documents do you need when moving to Ireland?

If you are moving to another country on a permanent basis, then you will likely bring all your documents with you, along with the rest of your possessions.

Below is a list of the most important documents you should bring with you when relocating to Ireland:

• Passport or valid travel document
• Any current or previous visa or immigration status documents (e.g., if you naturalised as a British citizen) for your and/ or your partner and family members
• Birth certificate
• Identification cards
• Medical record history
• Driving licence
• Transcripts from university
• Academic certifications
• School records for your child (where relevant)
• Passport-style photographs
• Marriage or civil partnership certificates (where relevant)
• Divorce certificates (where relevant)
• Dental records
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• Bank statements
• Bank account details
• National insurance details
• Council tax letters
• Letters from utilities or other services
• Pay slips
• Vaccination records
• Tax certificates/ records
• Wills
• Pet passport and health records

It is important to consider whether you may be required to request some documents from your bank, university, or workplace while you are still based in the UK.

When moving, it is recommended to bring the most important documents with you instead of packing them in boxes in case of loss or damage.

How much money do you need to move to Ireland?

Naturally, it can be expensive to move internationally. This is also the case when moving from the UK to Ireland, even if it is a relatively short distance (depending on where you are moving from).

As a general rule, the cost of hiring a removals van to transport your belongings to Ireland will cost at least £1,000, and likely more, depending on how much you want to transport.

There will likely be fees involved in closing down your contracts/ services in the UK and applying to set up new ones in Ireland.

If you are selling your property in the UK, you may have the expense of legal fees involved with this process.

There will be costs involved in transporting yourself, your family, and any pets to Ireland.

Your biggest cost will likely be finding a place to live or a property to buy (see buying a house in Ireland).

By some estimates, the cost of living is between 5% and 20% more expensive in Ireland than in the UK. In general, you can expect the following differences in living costs:

• Consumer prices are almost 12% higher in Ireland
• Rent prices are almost 37% higher in Ireland
• Restaurant prices are almost 7% higher than in the UK
• Groceries cost almost 14% more in Ireland
• Transportation costs are almost 14% higher than in the UK
• Clothing costs are almost 7% higher in Ireland

The cost of moving to Ireland depends on your personal circumstances and can vary widely from person to person.

However, it is important to be aware that it is unlikely to be inexpensive.

Working in Ireland

Fortunately for British citizens, they do not need to apply for a special work visa in order to work in Ireland.

The job market in Ireland attracts highly skilled and educated individuals and there are a number of opportunities available for British expats.

Many roles exist within the services sector and Ireland benefits from having the headquarters of a number of multinational organisations located there, including Google, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft.

Aside from networking or using LinkedIn to find a role, some popular jobs websites include irishjobs.ie, jobs.ie, monster.ie, and recruitireland.com.

Like the UK, Ireland has skills shortages across key areas including:

• Business and finance
• Engineering
• IT and computer data scientists
• Healthcare professions
• Transport and logistics

Since the pandemic, many companies are offering remote working opportunities, giving workers greater flexibility over where they can live.

This could be helpful in allowing you to choose a cheaper location to live while still being able to work remotely.

Moving to Study in Ireland

Ireland's universities and higher education institutions attract significant numbers of students from the UK every year. British citizens can study in Ireland without a study visa or any special immigration permission, as the CTA covers study, work, and residence.

British students at Irish universities pay fees on a different basis from EU students (a consequence of Brexit, as UK nationals lost their EU status), but the absence of any visa requirement or permit process makes the practical experience of studying in Ireland very straightforward.

If you are a non-EEA national who has been studying in the UK and wants to continue your studies in Ireland, you will need to apply for an Irish Study Visa and meet the requirements of the Irish immigration system. Contact us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 for guidance on your specific situation.

Retiring in Ireland from the UK: What Are Your Options?

Ireland is a popular destination for UK retirees, and it is easy to see why. The shared language, cultural familiarity, ease of travel back to the UK, and the absence of any visa requirement make it one of the most straightforward retirement moves available to British citizens.

No Retirement Visa Required

There is no specific retirement visa for British citizens moving to Ireland. Your right to live in Ireland in retirement, as at any other stage of life, is provided by the CTA. You can retire to Ireland without any application, permit, or qualifying income requirement.

Healthcare in Retirement

Ireland's healthcare system operates on a different basis from the NHS. If you are receiving a UK State Pension and have contributed to UK National Insurance, you can apply for an S1 form. This form allows Ireland's HSE to reclaim the cost of your healthcare from the UK, meaning you can access Irish public healthcare without taking out private health insurance for routine care.

If you are aged 70 or over, you may be entitled to a medical card in Ireland, which provides free GP visits and prescription medicines.

Many UK retirees in Ireland also take out private health insurance to avoid the long waiting lists associated with the public system. Private health insurance costs approximately €100-€200 per person per month and provides access to private hospitals and a choice of consultants.

Transferring Pensions to Ireland

You can receive your UK State Pension while living in Ireland, and Ireland is a country where the UK pays uprated pensions, meaning your pension increases annually with the triple lock just as it would in the UK. To arrange payment into an Irish bank account, contact the UK's International Pension Centre before you move.

If you have a private or workplace pension from the UK and wish to transfer it to an Irish scheme, the transfer must be made to a Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). You can transfer your UK pension to an Irish Approved Occupational Pension Scheme, a PRSA, or a Buyout Bond, provided the receiving scheme has QROPS status. Transferring to a non-QROPS scheme results in a tax charge of at least 40 per cent on the transfer value, so specialist financial advice is essential before making any transfer.

If you have gaps in your UK National Insurance record, it may be worth considering voluntary contributions to increase your entitlement to the UK State Pension. The bilateral UK-Ireland Social Security Agreement also means that Irish PRSI contributions can count towards an Irish State Pension, and vice versa.

Cost of Living in Ireland

Ireland has a higher cost of living than most parts of the UK. This is particularly pronounced in Dublin, which is among the more expensive cities in Europe by several measures. However, rural areas and smaller towns offer significantly more affordable living, and many UK expats find that basing themselves outside the capital keeps costs manageable.

As a general guide, consumer prices in Ireland are notably higher than in the UK, rent in particular can be significantly more expensive, and dining out, groceries, and transport all tend to cost more. Anyone planning their budget for a move to Ireland should carefully factor in these differences, particularly if they are retiring on a fixed income.

Opening an Irish Bank Account

You will need an Irish bank account to receive wages, pay rent, and set up direct debits. The main retail banks in Ireland are AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB. Note that KBC and Ulster Bank both exited the Irish market in 2023 and are no longer available.

To open an account, you will typically need proof of identity (passport or driving licence) and proof of address in Ireland. Some banks now offer the option to begin an application before you arrive in Ireland, which can be useful if you need an account in place to receive your first wages. The UK is part of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), so your UK bank account can receive euro transfers during the transition period.

Tax in Ireland

One of the key practical differences between life in the UK and life in Ireland is the tax system, and UK expats often find that Ireland's tax framework is more complex and, in many cases, more burdensome than what they were used to.

Ireland's income tax system has two rates of 20 per cent on income up to a standard rate band (€44,000 for single earners in 2026) and 40 per cent on income above that. 

However, Irish income tax is not the only charge on earnings. In addition to income tax, most workers in Ireland pay two further levies.

The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a progressive tax applied to almost all income, and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) is Ireland's equivalent of National Insurance. PRSI funds social welfare benefits, maternity and paternity leave, illness benefits, and the Irish State Pension.

One important difference from the UK is that Ireland uses a tax credit system rather than a personal allowance. You do not have a tax-free amount that falls outside tax altogether. Instead, credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. The main credits available to employees are the Personal Tax Credit and the Employee PAYE Credit.

Once you arrive in Ireland, you should register for your PPS number and then register for tax through Revenue's myAccount online portal. Your employer will need your PPS number and your tax credits certificate before they can pay you correctly under the PAYE system.

For most middle-income earners, the combined tax burden in Ireland is higher than in the UK. For retirees or those on lower incomes, the difference may be less pronounced, particularly given the generous USC exemption threshold and the USC concession for those aged 70 and over.

UK-Ireland Tax Agreement

The UK-Ireland Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) prevents the same income from being taxed in full by both countries. Under this agreement, employment income is taxed where the work is performed. UK pensions are generally taxable in Ireland if you are an Irish tax resident, although government service pensions may remain taxable in the UK. Specialist cross-border tax advice is strongly recommended for anyone with income or assets in both countries.

You become a tax resident in Ireland if you spend 183 days or more in Ireland in a single tax year, or 280 days or more across two consecutive years. Irish tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income. Ireland's tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December, which differs from the UK's 6 April to 5 April tax year, and this difference can affect the year you first move.

Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme

From 2026, Ireland has introduced a new automatic enrolment retirement savings scheme. If you are aged between 23 and 60, earn €20,000 or more per year, and do not already have a workplace pension, you will be automatically enrolled. Contributions come from you, your employer, and the government.

Healthcare system in Ireland

Although the healthcare system in Ireland seems to be similar to the UK, the two are quite different.

Ireland has two tiers, public and private health systems. The public system is overseen by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Some services are free, while many others incur a charge. As well as this, there can be long waiting lists for many publicly funded healthcare services.

To access this system, you must demonstrate that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland and that you will continue to live in Ireland for at least one year.

You may be requested to provide proof of residence by one of the following documents:

• Lease/ contract on an apartment or house
• Proof of ownership of a home that is the owner’s primary residence
• Letter from an employer
• Other evidence

Some people will be entitled to medical cards under the public health system. This allows individuals to access social security benefits for free including GP visits, prescriptions, some hospital services, dental services, community care, and counselling services.

You can also take out private health insurance if you wish, but this can be very expensive.

Primary care is delivered by General Practitioners (as in the UK) and they may refer you to specialists (known as consultants).

If you are moving from the UK, it is recommended that you request a copy of your personal health record from your healthcare providers in order to give your new doctor a full background of your situation.

Buying or renting a house in Ireland

One of the biggest costs when moving internationally can be moving into a or buying a new home. Whether you intend to rent, buy, or build a new home, Citizens Information can provide UK expats with clear information.

Renting a home

There are a number of steps involved for people who wish to rent in Ireland. It may be useful to begin with the following steps:

1. Decide on your monthly budget for rent
2. Identify your ‘must-haves’ in your new home (e.g., garden, number of rooms, etc.)
3. Search your preferred location for a property that meets your expectations
4. Register your interest with the owner or letting agent
5. Visit the potential home and travel around the local area (if possible)
6. Enter into negotiations with the owner and ensure that you are happy with all the terms
7. Arrange a time to move into the new property

There are many popular websites for finding a place to rent in Ireland, including daft.ie, rent.ie, property.ie, myhome.ie, and rentola.ie.

Buying a home

The process of buying a home will initially be similar to renting a home, with some obvious differences.

To get started with purchasing a property in Ireland, begin with the following steps:

1. Decide on your budget for buying a new home
2. Be clear on what your ideal home would look like, your non-negotiables, and things that you are flexible about
3. Search for properties that meet your criteria in your chosen location
4. Buy your home either by private treaty or public auction
5. Oversee the purchase of the property and ensure all taxes and charges are paid
6. Ensure that you follow the advice of your solicitor before signing legal documents
7. Once your home has been purchased, you must register your property with the Property Registration Authority (PRA)

Returning to the UK

If you have been living in Ireland and decide to return to the UK, the process is as straightforward as the original move. There is no exit process, no permit to surrender, and no permission needed to return. Understanding the moving to Ireland from UK requirements in full before you go also helps you plan your eventual return should your circumstances change.

However, there are some practical financial matters to address. If you have been paying Irish PRSI rather than UK National Insurance, you may have gaps in your UK National Insurance record. You can make voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 National Insurance contributions to fill gaps in your record and protect your entitlement to the UK State Pension.

If you have an Irish pension or have transferred a UK pension to an Irish QROPS scheme, you will need specialist advice on the implications for your pension as you shift back to UK tax residency. Your pension income may be assessed differently in the UK than it was in Ireland, and taking professional advice before returning is strongly recommended to avoid unexpected tax consequences.

Your right to access the NHS on your return is restored as soon as you are ordinarily resident in the UK again. You should re-register with a GP as soon as possible.

Moving to Ireland from the UK checklist

Many UK citizens are making the decision to move to Ireland.

As a highly popular destination for tourists and immigrants, Ireland was recently ranked joint second in the world for quality of life, ahead of Sweden, Germany, the USA, Australia, and the UK and its Human Development score has increased almost 24% since 1990.

Below is the checklist of what you should consider before moving to Ireland:

1. Learn about the requirements for living in Ireland
2. Do your research on the way of life in Ireland, housing, schools, the Irish government system, healthcare systems, etc.
3. Find out how much money is required for your move
4. Understand the tax system in Ireland
5. Find a job and make plans to leave your current job
6. Look into the educational system for your children (where relevant)
7. Gather all the official documents you need to bring with you
8. Make plans to disconnect your existing contracts, memberships, plans, services, etc. in the UK
9. Open a bank account in Ireland
10. Find a place to live in Ireland and make arrangements for your home in the UK
11. Plan how you will move your belongings
12. Make transportation arrangements for yourself, family, and any pets
13. Pack all your items and get them ready to be transported

With the shortest distance between Ireland and the UK reaching just 13 miles across the Irish Sea, it is an attractive place to emigrate for UK citizens.

Another advantage is that UK nationals do not need a visa to live in Ireland and they may live and work without restriction.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about moving to Ireland if you are from the UK.

For expert immigration advice and support, contact IAS to work with an experienced and qualified lawyer.

Our advisers work closely with you to understand your situation and your goals, advise on potential immigration options and assess your eligibility for your chosen route.

Call us today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 for immediate assistance with your immigration case or use the contact form to request a call-back.

We look forward to working with you.

How IAS Can Help with Immigration and Relocation

Moving to Ireland may be administratively simple for British citizens, but the full picture is rarely uncomplicated. Non-EEA family members, complex pension arrangements, cross-border tax considerations, and non-standard employment situations all require careful handling.

Immigration Advice Service (IAS) offers a full range of immigration and relocation services for individuals and families moving between the UK and Ireland. Our team can help with visa options for non-EEA family members, applications for Irish employment permits or study visas, preclearance processes, and the immigration implications of your specific circumstances.

Our relocation services also cover document preparation, home-finding assistance, school search support, and settling-in services. To speak with one of our advisers about your move, call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244.