The complete moving to Ireland checklist

One month before you move

1. Create a basic MyGovID account at mygovid.ie; you will need it to apply for your PPS number on MyWelfare.
2. Create an account on the Immigration Service Delivery customer portal if you are a non-EEA national, so you can book your registration appointment the day you land.
3. Cancel or transfer subscriptions, utilities, gym memberships and insurance at home, and set up mail redirection.
4. Tell your home tax authority you are leaving, and find out whether you must keep filing there (US citizens must).
5. Arrange how you will move money. Open a euro account with an online bank that accepts a foreign address if your Irish bank account will take weeks.
6. Check your phone is unlocked; Irish prepaid SIMs need no address.
7. Print or download proof of your temporary address, your job offer or college acceptance, travel insurance and enough funds for the immigration officer at the border.
8. Pack documents in hand luggage, never in checked bags.

Arrival week

1. At passport control, non-EEA nationals get a landing stamp; it tells you to register with immigration within 90 days.
2. Buy an Irish SIM and a TFI Leap Card (adult card €5 refundable deposit, minimum €5 top-up).
3. Apply for your PPS number on MyWelfare and book the in-person appointment. Bring your passport and proof of address.
4. Non-EEA nationals: log into the ISD portal and book your registration appointment at Burgh Quay. Appointments are normally available within two to three weeks and the IRP costs €300.
5. Start viewing properties. Bring ID, proof of employment and references to every viewing and be ready to decide on the spot.
6. Register with Revenue through myAccount as soon as you have your PPS number, and register your job under Jobs and Pensions to avoid emergency tax.
7. Find a GP taking new patients near where you will live and ask to join the list.
8. Get proof of address early: a tenancy agreement, bank statement or official letter dated within three months opens most other doors.

First 90 days

1. Attend your immigration registration appointment and wait for your IRP card in the post.
2. Open an Irish bank account with your passport, proof of address and PPS number; you need it for salary and direct debits.
3. Sign your lease. The deposit is capped at one month's rent plus up to one month's rent in advance. Check the landlord registers the tenancy with the RTB.
4. Set up electricity and gas in your name, and broadband. Buy a TV licence (€160) if you have a television.
5. Claim the Rent Tax Credit on myAccount, worth up to €1,000 for a single person and €2,000 for a couple in 2026.
6. Apply for a GP visit card or medical card if your income is low, and register children under 8 for their free GP visit card.
7. Decide on private health insurance. If you are over 34, the Health Insurance Authority's lifetime community rating rules give new residents a limited window to take out cover before age loadings apply.
8. Exchange your driving licence at the NDLS if it is from a recognised state (fee €65), or book your theory test if it is not.
9. Enrol children in school and crèche, and apply for the National Childcare Scheme if eligible.
10. Register to vote with your local authority. Non-citizens can vote in local elections.
11. Tell your embassy your new address.

The order that saves you time

★ Useful links

• Citizens Information: moving to Ireland
• gov.ie: get a PPS number
• Immigration Service Delivery: registering your permission
• Revenue: starting your first job
• Residential Tenancies Board