Mentor Talent’s Guide to Relocating to Ireland
Cork, Galway and Limerick are three of the four largest cities by population in Ireland – They are the second, third and fourth most populated cities in Ireland, surpassed only by the capital, Dublin.
If you are reading this, we assume that you are thinking of or have received an offer of employment in either Cork, Galway or Limerick. This guide will give you a run-down of all the things you need to know about relocating to these cities.
Getting Started:
Before relocating to Ireland, 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.
Accommodation
Finding accommodation in either Cork, Limerick or Galway 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 Cork/Galway/Limerick – Also note that there will be a significant difference in areas, so shop around!
Average cost of 1 Bed apartment in major Irish City Centre – €887
Average cost of 3 Bed apartment in major Irish City Centre – €1,415
Rooms for rent in can vary between – €280-780
Sources: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Cork
http://www.rent.ie/rooms-to-rent/cork/cork-city/
http://www.daft.ie/galway/rooms-to-share/
http://www.daft.ie/limerick/rooms-to-share/
(Note: Figures are averages of 3 cities, Cork/Galway/Limerick).
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
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)
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.
Calculating Net Salary
http://services.deloitte.ie/tc/
Cost of Living
Please see below for the cost of living in Cork/Galway/Limerick, as of June 2018.
Sources: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Cork
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:
Other
Quick Facts
· Cork is the second largest city by population in Ireland with 125,662 inhabitants.
· In 1912, Cobh in county Cork was the Titanic’s last port of call.
· The population of Galway is 79,934, making it the third biggest city in Ireland.
· Galway has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2020!
· Limerick is home to Ireland’s first science and technology park the National Technology Park, which opened in 1984.
· St. Mary’s Cathedral, the oldest cathedral still in use today, was built in Limerick in the 12th century.
· Cork was chosen to be the European Capital of Culture back in 2005.
· Galway is famous as the festival capital of Ireland, hosting on average 122 festivals and events per year.
· Irish coffee, a brew infused with Irish whiskey, was invented in the Limerick village of Foynes in 1943!
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
Public transport in major Irish cities are plentiful and frequent. Buses in the city are run by the national bus operator Bus Eireann, you will also find many locally situated buses around town too.
The railway in Ireland is run by Irish Rail and has many links throughout the country, including strong links in and out of Cork, Limerick and Galway to the rest of the country.
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/