Moving Abroad Checklist

Moving is a hectic time, and it’s almost impossible not to forget something. Our moving abroad checklist will help you keep track of the little things (and some of the big things), that need to be done before you move, and after you arrive.

Before you leave

Passports

Have you checked if your passport is valid and when it expires? Some visas and employment permits require that your visa is valid for up to 12 months after your visa or permit ends.

Visas and Permits

Have you checked to see if you need a visa or employment permit before moving to Ireland? Make sure you know the requirements for any dependents travelling with you, too. For more details, see our Immigration to Ireland page.

Other important documents

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records and diplomas, employment records, tax certificates and references… when in doubt, bring everything. It’s also a good idea to have photocopies of all your documents.

Health insurance

Will you need to apply for health insurance when you get here? Be aware of what your policy does and does not cover. It’s also a good idea to bring copies of medical, dental, optical and vaccination records for you and any accompanying family. You may want to get your prescriptions filled before you leave, and it’s also a good idea to bring your medication packaging with you. For more details, see our Healthcare in Ireland page.

Pet paperwork

If coming from the EU, do you have a pet passport? If not, have you the required documentation regarding your pet’s vaccinations and treatments? For more details see our Move with a Pet page.

Driving licence

Do you have an international Driving licence, or will you need to apply for one? Remember you’ll be driving on the left side of the road in Ireland!

Those last minute things

Cancel any utilities or services in your home country before leaving, provide your local post office with a forwarding address, and pick up some electrical adaptors. Ireland’s electricity supply is 230v 50 Hz and plugs are 3-pronged with rectangular connectors, the same as the UK but different to continental Europe.

Once you arrive

Immigration

Passport Control at Irish airports is handled by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). You’ll be expected to provide your valid passport and documentation of any visas or work permits required, so make sure you bring all your important information with you. After collecting your baggage you’ll need to pass through customs. If you’re coming from within the EU with nothing to declare, you should pass through the Blue Channel. If you’re coming from outside the EU with nothing to declare, choose the Green Channel and if you do have goods to declare, you should choose the Red Channel.

Get connected

Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports all have free Wi-Fi, so once you touch down you can connect quickly and easily.

Getting out of the airport

From all our airports (Dublin, Shannon and Cork), you can get to the city centre via taxi or bus.

• Dublin – Taxis to the city centre range from €20-€40, depending on traffic. Airlink and Aircoach buses provide express service every 20 minutes for €7.
• Shannon – Taxis to Limerick (the nearest city) are approximately €35, while the no. 343 Bus Éireann bus runs for a fare of €8.60
• Cork – Taxis to the city cost approximately €20 while the no. 226 Bus Éireann bus runs for a fare of €5.60

For more details on getting around, see our Transport and Travel page.

Find a place to stay

If you haven’t arranged accommodation prior to travelling, you’ll easily find a place to stay on arrival. See Trivago for hotels, AirBnB for something a little less temporary, and daft.ie for something long-term. For more details see our Finding Accommodation page.

Get a PPS number

Your Public Personal Service number is your key for accessing services like healthcare and is essential for registering with Revenue so your employer can pay you. You’ll want to apply for your PPS as soon as possible, and you’ll need photo ID (like a passport) and proof of address to apply. For more details, see our Tax in Ireland page.

Open a bank account

One of the first things you’ll want to do after arriving is set up a bank account. Ireland’s main banks are Bank of Ireland, AIB, KBC and Ulster Bank. To open an account, you’ll need valid photo ID and proof of address. For more details, see our Banking and Finance page.

Get your phone working

To avoid expensive roaming charges, you’ll want to switch over to an Irish cellphone network. The main phone networks in Ireland are Three, Vodafone, Virgin Media and Meteor. All offer both long-term contracts and prepaid month-to-month services. A prepaid service is a good option for new arrivals, where for as little as €20 you can get a free SIM to use in your own phone along with calls, texts and unlimited data.