Dublin is one of the fastest growing cities in the world for tech companies. It is largely regarded as a tech hub in Europe as more and more tech companies set up offices in or around the city.
If you are reading this, we assume that you are thinking of or have received an offer of employment in Dublin. This guide will give you a run-down of all the things you need to know about relocating to Dublin.
Getting Started:
Before relocating to Dublin, there are a number of things that you will want to consider:
1. Accommodation
2. Bank Account
3. Tax Number (PPS)
4. Cost of Living
5. Visas
6. Other – Overview of the city, healthcare, transport and useful websites.
1. Accommodation
Finding accommodation in Dublin is competitive, so be prepared and start searching as soon as possible.
An option for those unsure of searching for property on their own, or want to streamline the experience can visit www.spotahome.com and they will provide you with the help you need looking for a new place to call home. Just visit the website and input your search, you can then take one of their virtual tours and see what the place is like and check out the landlord policies.
When you make a reservation on a property, that property stays blocked until the landlord responds to your request (up to 24 hours). Once the landlord accepts, your payment method will automatically be charged. This is where you pay the first payment of the property as well as a small fee for the websites expenses.
They will then put you in direct contact with your landlord via email, so you can arrange a time to collect keys, move in time, and transfer any documents that have been requested by the landlord.
For more information visit their website.
Useful Links:
http://www.myhome.ie/rentals/ireland/apartment-to-rent
http://www.property.ie/property-to-let/
Rental Prices:
As of 2018, please see the rental prices of an apartment in Dublin – Also note that there will be a significant difference in areas, so shop around!
Average cost of 1 Bed apartment in Dublin City Centre – €1,515 (significantly less in suburbs 20-40 minutes Bus journey to the City)
Average cost of 3 Bed apartment in Dublin City Centre – €2,670 (significantly less in suburbs 20-40 minutes Bus journey to the City)
Rooms for rent around Dublin can vary between – €450-€1,000 per month (Single & Double)
Sources: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Dublin
http://www.rent.ie/rooms-to-rent/renting_dublin/
Supporting Documents:
When looking to rent you will be asked for the following documents, so have them ready when you begin your search to avoid any delays:
· Copies of Photo ID, Permits and Visas
· A bank statement/ Credit Report/ Tax ID
· Proof of employment – Usually your contract
· A letter of reference from your previous landlord
Fees, Keys and Deposits
You will only ever pay a fee to find a property if you look through an agent. Landlords typically look for rent 1 month in advance.
When you have made the deposit, you should arrange with the landlord a suitable time and place to pick up the keys. It is highly advisable to have a written tenant’s agreement to avoid any issues that may arise in the future.
Utilities:
Make sure you are clear of which (if any) utilities are included in the property. The landlord should be able to give you a good indication of how much you should expect to pay in utilities. Typical utilities that you will need to pay are:
· Electricity and /or Gas
· Water
· Bins (This may be covered in some apartments)
· Internet/ Phone line
2. Bank Account
Opening a bank account upon arrival is one of the most important things you should do. This will be used for your employer to pay you, and for you to pay rent/bills etc.
Most popular banks in Ireland:
· Bank of Ireland
· AIB
· Ulster Bank
· Permanent TSB
To open a bank account in Ireland you will need the following:
· Photo ID (Passport or an Irish or UK driving license)
· Proof of Address (A utility bill from the previous 6 months, a letter from Revenue and Customs, or a letter from the Department of Social Protection)
Source: https://www.movetodublin.com/opening-a-bank-account-in-dublin/
3. Tax Number
You will need to apply for a Tax Number (PPS Number) as soon as you move to Ireland. You may start working without one, however, it is not recommended as you will be put on a far higher rate of tax (Emergency Tax of up to 50%) until you submit your PPS Number to your employer. Please note that this emergency tax can be claimed back.
What you will need:
· Current valid passport (Irish and UK citizens must also produce a birth certificate)
· Proof of address (A utility bill from the past 6 months, financial letter, official letter, lease or tenancy agreement, verifiable employers letter)
How to apply:
· Go to your nearest PPS Number allocation centre, where you will be asked to fill out a REG1 form and supply your proof of identity and address.
· Your PPS Number will then be posted to you within 3-5 days of your application.
PPS Number centre in Dublin
Address: 197/199 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
Phone: (01) 8899500
Fax: (01) 8745602
Opening Hours: 09:30 – 16:00, Open Thu. 10:30
Calculating Net Salary
http://services.deloitte.ie/tc/
4. Cost of Living
Please see below for the cost of living in Dublin, as of June 2018.
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Dublin
5. Visas
EU Citizens:
Despite what many think – Ireland is not in the United Kingdom, so Brexit does not apply. If you have EU Citizenship, you are free to work in Ireland.
Citizens of all other states:
There are 9 different types of employment permits in Ireland, including a General Employment Permit, a Critical Skills Employment Permit, and a Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit, please see the link below for the breakdown of the visas, criteria and fees.
*If required, please apply for a visa at least 8 weeks in advance of planned departure.*
For further information:
6. Other
Quick Facts
· Dublin is the Capital of the Republic of Ireland with a population of around 525,000 people
· English and Irish are the official languages of Ireland. 11% of the population call Irish their mother tongue.
· 10 million pints of Guinness are poured in Ireland every day!
· Dublin is home to Phoenix Park, the largest walled park in Europe. It is 1,750 acres, which is 5 times bigger than Hyde Park and even contains a zoo! (Dublin Zoo, was home to the roaring lion at the start of MGM Films!)
· O’Connell Bridge in the city centre, over the River Liffey, is thought to be the only bridge in Europe to be the same length as it is wide.
· Dublin is renowned for being the home of famous poets and writers, including: James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Bram Stoker.
· The oldest pub in Ireland – The Brazen Head, dates back to 1198.
· You may see Conor McGregor cruising in his Ferrari at any moment
Cities Equality Ranking:
Dublin is one of the top ranking cities in Europe when it comes to equality. It is currently ranked the 20th best city in Europe for equality based on research carried out on a number of factors such as; male/female labour force participation, income inequality, accessibility and a number of other factors.
For more information –
Healthcare
Public health care for people coming to Ireland:
If you are from an EU/EEA Member State or a Swiss national, or if you are normally resident in Ireland, you are entitled to receive the same level of health care as Irish citizens. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a medical card, which entitles you to a full range of medical services at no cost to you.
If you are not from an EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland, you will be entitled to certain services free of charge and you will have to pay the remainder.
Private health care for people coming to Ireland:
In addition to the public health system, people in Ireland can avail of a range of private health care services. You must pay the full cost of services if you opt for private health care. Sometimes, companies subsidise this so please check with the company you are joining.
There are a number of private health insurance providers in Ireland. Providers in Ireland include; Vhi, Laya Healthcare, Aviva Health, GloHealth, and HSF Health Plan (does not provide cover for hospital in-patient costs). As long as you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland or normally resident in Ireland, you are entitled to the same benefits from your private health insurance with any of these companies as any other Irish citizen.
Since 16 October 2013 up to €1,000 for adults and €500 for children of your private health insurance attracts tax relief at the standard rate (20%). This tax relief is deducted at source by the health insurance provider.
Transport
Dublin has good transport links within the city and to the rest of the country. You can purchase a Leap Card for €5, and top it up to use on all public transport for a reduced fare in Dublin, and the surrounding areas. If you do not have a leap card, you will need to pay your fare in coins on the bus, please note that change will not be given.
Dublin Bus: http://www.dublinbus.ie/
Trains and Dart: http://www.irishrail.ie/
Luas (Tram line): http://www.luas.ie/
Also, if you need a break, Ryanair do cheap flights throughout Europe and there is a lovely beer garden in the Airport.
Useful Websites
Finally we would like to leave you with some links to some websites you might find helpful. You can click on the links below which we hope provide you with even more useful information.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/
http://www.revenue.ie/en/personal/circumstances/moving/