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Move-to checklist · Western Europe

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Moving to Ireland from the USA

Practical checklist for Americans moving to Ireland — Critical Skills permit, Stamp 1G, Stamp 0 (retiree), PPS number, IRP card, banking, and the first month.

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01

Visa & legal right to stay

  • Pick a route: Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit, Stamp 0 (independent means, ~€50K/yr each), or Working Holiday (under 36)

    Must

    Critical Skills now requires a salary of €38,000+ for shortage occupations.

  • Have an Irish employer sponsor the permit application for work routes

    Must

  • Register with immigration (ISD) within 90 days of arrival to get your IRP card

    Must
02

Paperwork to gather before you fly

  • Apostilled birth and marriage certificates

  • Police certificate (FBI background check apostilled)

  • Job offer letter, employment permit, and qualifications

  • Private health insurance until you're set up locally

  • Bring extra passport photos — ISD asks for them at the appointment

03

Money & banking

  • Apply for a PPS number (Personal Public Service number) — required for almost everything

    Must

  • Open an Irish account (AIB, Bank of Ireland, Revolut Ireland)

    Revolut Ireland is the fastest to open with just a PPS and address.

  • Register with Revenue and submit Form 12A if employed

  • Consider Special Assignee Relief (SARP) if your employer recruited you internationally

04

Housing

  • Dublin is brutally tight — search Daft.ie, MyHome.ie, and Facebook groups

  • Budget 1-month deposit + 1-month rent upfront

  • Bring a reference letter from your last landlord and a recent payslip

  • Confirm BER rating — older Irish housing can be cold and damp

05

Healthcare

  • Public HSE care is free at the point of use but waits are long — most expats buy private

  • VHI, Laya, and Irish Life are the main private insurers (~€100–150/mo)

  • Register with a GP — you'll pay €50–70/visit out of pocket without a medical card

06

First 30 days on the ground

  • Book your immigration registration appointment online and attend in person

    Must

  • Pay the €300 IRP registration fee and pick up your IRP card

    Must

  • Get an Irish SIM (Three, Vodafone, Eir, or 48)

  • Buy a Leap Card for Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART

  • Exchange your US driver's license — Ireland accepts swaps from many US states under recent agreements

FAQ

Can I just show up and look for a job?

No — Americans need a permit before working. Land a job first, then your employer applies for the Critical Skills or General permit.

Is Stamp 0 a path to citizenship?

No. Stamp 0 specifically does not count toward residency for naturalization. Pick a different route if PR matters.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.