Here's some quick facts about Ireland:
Thinking of moving to Ireland? Discover everything you need to know in our Ultimate Ireland Relocation Guide.
Planning a move to Ireland from the United States? You’re in good company - every year, thousands of Americans choose the Emerald Isle as their new home, attracted by its strong economy, welcoming communities, and outstanding quality of life. Whether you’re arranging international shipping to Ireland or detailing every step of your relocation, being well-prepared pays off.
Ireland regularly ranks among the top destinations for US expats, thanks to abundant career options in tech, pharmaceuticals, and finance, as well as its breathtaking scenery and deep cultural heritage. From the energy of Dublin’s tech scene to Cork’s lively neighborhoods and Galway’s renowned arts, Americans discover a lifestyle here that blends job opportunities with authentic European charm.
This ultimate relocation guide is designed to help Americans with all aspects of moving to Ireland - covering visa requirements for US citizens, tips on adapting to Irish daily life, and practical advice for working, studying, starting a business, or enjoying a fresh start abroad. Whatever your reason for relocating, you’ll find useful insights to make your transition to Ireland smooth and successful.
This ultimate guide covers all the essential aspects of relocating to Ireland from the USA, including:
We hope this guide inspires your journey and helps you feel more prepared for your upcoming move to Ireland from the USA. Because everyone’s situation is unique, it’s important to do your own research in addition to using this guide to ensure everything goes smoothly with your relocation. Please note that details - including costs, legal processes, and requirements - are accurate when published, but may change over time due to shifts in the economy, government policies, or your individual circumstances.
Here's some quick facts about Ireland:
Relocating to Ireland from the United States requires careful planning, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Your first priority should be securing the appropriate visa or residence permit, as these form the foundation for your move - requirements for US citizens may differ from those of other countries. Once your paperwork is in order, you can focus on practical matters: arranging international shipping for your belongings, finding a place to stay (short-term rentals are often a great starting point as you explore Irish neighborhoods), and setting up essentials like your Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), health insurance, opening a local bank account, and completing address registration.
It’s smart to research different Irish cities before you arrive to determine which fits your lifestyle best. Whether you’re drawn to Dublin’s cosmopolitan energy and extensive tech job market, Cork’s cultural scene, Galway’s creative atmosphere, or Limerick’s growing economic opportunities, a little homework goes a long way. Taking care of key details like flights, finances, and paperwork early ensures your move from the USA goes smoothly and gives you more time to settle into your new life in Ireland.
Yes, as a US citizen, you'll need the appropriate visa or permit to move to Ireland. While EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live, work, and study in Ireland freely without a visa or permit, and UK citizens benefit from special rights under the Common Travel Area agreement, Americans fall outside these categories and must obtain proper authorization.
Choosing the correct visa is crucial to your moving process from the US, and starting early gives you ample time to gather documents and meet all requirements - typically several months before your planned move.
The type of visa you'll need depends entirely on your circumstances. Your options vary depending on whether you're moving for employment, to study, to join family members, to start a business, or for retirement.
Some of the most common visas for Americans include the Critical Skills Employment Permit for in-demand professionals with salaries of €38,000+ (with a degree) or €64,000+ (without), the General Employment Permit for jobs requiring €34,000+ annual salary, and student permits for those enrolled in recognized institutions. Other categories cover entrepreneurs, family reunification, and investors.
Visa applications can take several weeks to months to process, so applying well before your intended relocation date from the US is strongly recommended. Always check the official Irish visa requirements or speak with a qualified immigration advisor to ensure your application is up to date and complete.
Important: As a US citizen on a long-stay visa, you must register your permission with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) within 90 days of arrival in Ireland to receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card - this is a legal requirement and an essential step in establishing your legal residence.
When relocating to Ireland from the US, it's essential to look beyond visas and moving logistics to fully understand daily life in this welcoming country. From education and healthcare to housing challenges and managing finances, numerous factors influence how successfully you settle in. Whether you're moving to Ireland for work, to start a business, to study, or for family reasons, these are the most common topics people research when planning their new life in Ireland.
Ireland offers a peaceful quality of life that appeals to American retirees, though it doesn't have a dedicated retirement visa like some countries. As a US retiree, you'll typically need to qualify under the Independent/Retired Person of Means category, demonstrating substantial financial resources (annual income of at least €50,000) and private health insurance. Ireland's excellent healthcare system, safe environment, and stunning scenery make it an attractive retirement destination, though costs can be high in major cities like Dublin.
Ireland is one of Europe's most attractive destinations for American entrepreneurs, with its competitive 12.5% corporate tax rate, access to EU markets, and thriving startup ecosystem. Dublin has emerged as a major European tech hub, hosting European headquarters for global companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple. The Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) offers pathways for innovative American entrepreneurs with €50,000 in funding and approved business proposals. Understanding local regulations, tax obligations, and business culture is vital when starting a business in Ireland as an American.
As a booming European economy, Ireland provides abundant employment opportunities for Americans across technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, healthcare, and professional services sectors. The Irish work environment emphasizes collaboration and work-life balance, with generous vacation allowances (typically 20-25 days annually plus public holidays). For Americans moving to Ireland to work, securing the appropriate employment permit is essential. Understanding workplace culture and qualification requirements helps ensure a smooth career transition from the US.
Ireland operates a mixed public and private healthcare system. Public healthcare through the Health Service Executive (HSE) is accessible to all residents based on ordinary residence - if you're living in Ireland with the intention to stay permanently, you're entitled to HSE services immediately. Public healthcare is means-tested, with some services requiring co-payments. GP visits typically cost €50-70 without a medical card. Many residents, including American expats, opt for private health insurance for faster access to specialists and reduced waiting times, with average adult premiums approximately €1,830-€2,000 annually. Leading providers include VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, and Irish Life Health. It's always a great idea to maintain comprehensive medical or travel insurance from the US until you get established healthcare in Ireland.
Ireland is home to prestigious universities including Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. American families often opt for international schools offering American or International Baccalaureate curricula (costing €8,000-€20,000+ annually), though many choose quality Irish schools. Irish-language schools (Gaelscoileanna) are increasingly popular for cultural immersion and offer a unique educational experience for American children.
Ireland faces a significant housing shortage, particularly in major cities, so American newcomers should be prepared for a competitive market. Finding accommodation requires patience, complete documentation (proof of employment, references), and quick action. Rental costs vary dramatically — expect €2,500+ monthly for one-bedroom apartments in Dublin, €1,400-€1,900 in Cork and Galway, and €1,400-€1,700 in Limerick. Buying property involves average prices of approximately €365,000 nationally (over €420,000 in Dublin). Housing supply is improving with approximately 32,500 new completions forecast for 2025, rising to 40,000-41,500 by 2027, but demand continues to outpace supply in urban areas. Short-term rentals provide flexibility while navigating the permanent housing market.
Ireland's cost of living is relatively high compared to the United States and many European countries, with Dublin particularly expensive. Average monthly costs for a single person are approximately €2,300-€3,300 (including rent), while families need around €5,600+ monthly. Key costs include housing and utilities (typically the largest expense), food and groceries (€250-€400 single; €600-€900 family), transportation (€60-€130 monthly for public transport depending on city and zones), and health insurance. Ireland's 2025 minimum wage is €13.50 per hour (rising to €14.15 in 2026), with the living wage calculated at €15.40 per hour. Average salaries in technology sectors reach €50,000-€80,000+ annually.
Ireland's road network is well-maintained, though rural roads can be narrow—a significant adjustment for Americans used to wider US highways. Driving is on the left side of the road, as in the UK, which takes some getting used to for American drivers. As a US citizen, you can use your American driver's license with an International Driving Permit for up to 12 months before conversion is required. Vehicle insurance is mandatory (€500-€2,000+ annually), along with motor tax (€200-€900+ depending on emissions) and gas costs (€1.60-€1.90 per liter). Many urban residents, particularly in Dublin, choose not to own cars given good public transport, parking costs, and congestion.
Opening an Irish bank account is straightforward once you've completed address registration and obtained your Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). Major banks include AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB. Ireland operates a progressive tax system with income tax rates of 20% on earnings up to €44,000, then 40% above (for single individuals in 2025). Universal Social Charge (USC) ranges from 0.5%-8% depending on income, plus 4% PRSI (social insurance). Tax residency applies if you spend 183+ days in Ireland annually, or 280+ days over two consecutive years (with at least 30 days in each year). Ireland has tax treaties with the United States to prevent double taxation, which is important for American expats to understand.
Ireland is considerably smaller than the USA - the island nation is less than 500 km (310 miles) long, making it easy to explore. Having access to a car is a fantastic benefit for Americans wanting to discover the countryside and coastal areas. Public transport options are also available. Ireland's public transport varies significantly by location. Dublin offers the most comprehensive system with extensive bus networks (Dublin Bus), Luas tram system, DART coastal rail, and commuter trains. The Leap Card provides integrated payment with monthly costs ranging €60-€130+ depending on zones. Cork, Galway, and Limerick have city bus services with monthly passes around €70-€100. Irish Rail connects major cities efficiently. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and affordable. Ireland's compact size makes intercity travel convenient, while Dublin Airport offers excellent international connectivity.
English is Ireland's primary language, making integration straightforward for Americans. Irish (Gaeilge) is also an official language, particularly strong in Gaeltacht regions, though fluency isn't required for daily life. Ireland offers remarkable cultural richness with a strong literary and musical heritage that many Americans find appealing. The country is increasingly multicultural and secular, with approximately 70% identifying as Catholic (though church attendance has declined significantly). Freedom of religion is constitutionally protected, with Ireland welcoming all faiths and backgrounds—American expats of all religious traditions will find established communities.
Getting to Ireland from the United States is straightforward. Dublin Airport serves as a major European gateway, offering direct flights from numerous US cities including San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Boston, and Chicago. Finding a non-stop flight or easy connection is simple. Beyond Dublin, you can fly into Shannon Airport or connect to regional airports like Cork, Knock, and Donegal. With abundant flight options, getting to Ireland from the USA is hassle-free.
If you're planning to bring your pets when moving from the US to Ireland, it's absolutely possible, though it requires careful preparation and advance planning. Ireland has strict regulations to prevent rabies and protect animal health, but the process is straightforward when you understand the requirements.
Most Americans relocate with cats or dogs, though requirements depend on several factors: animal type, country of origin, your pet's age, and available veterinary documentation. Key requirements typically include a microchip (ISO-compliant 15-digit), valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel), an EU Pet Passport (from EU countries) or official veterinary certificate (from non-EU countries like the United States), and tapeworm treatment for dogs (administered 24-120 hours before entry).
To ensure you have the most current information, check directly with the official Irish pet travel website or contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Starting this process early is highly recommended - ideally several months before your move from the US - and professional pet relocation services can assist with complex international moves.
Moving personal belongings to Ireland used to mean relying solely on traditional moving companies with lengthy timelines and significant costs. Today, My Baggage offers a faster, more affordable alternative by using air freight courier services, ensuring your items reach Ireland quickly and securely.
Whether you're shipping luggage, sending boxes, transporting golf clubs, or moving bicycles to Ireland, My Baggage provides a reliable door-to-door international removals service with full online tracking and dedicated customer support. From a few bags to larger shipments of personal effects, their service ensures your belongings are handled with care and arrive safely, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Whether you're dealing with excess baggage from your flight or need to send items ahead before your move, My Baggage offers flexible solutions tailored to your relocation needs.
My Baggage specializes in shipping personal belongings from the US to Ireland, offering a great alternative to paying excess baggage fees with airlines, making it an excellent choice for your international move to Ireland.
If you're planning to move from the US to Northern Ireland, you'll be choosing a wonderful destination with stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, vibrant cities, and a spectacular coastline. While Northern Ireland is located on the island of Ireland and shares much culturally with the Republic of Ireland, it's important to understand that administratively, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
This distinction matters for your move from the United States: the relocation process, documentation requirements, and regulations differ from those for moving to the Republic of Ireland. Under the Common Travel Area agreement, there's no physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, allowing free travel for citizens of Ireland, the UK, and certain others - though everyone should carry appropriate identification. As a US citizen, you'll need to follow UK immigration and customs procedures through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rather than Irish immigration processes.
For accurate, up-to-date information about relocating from the US to Northern Ireland, please refer to our UK Moving Guide, which covers all the relevant requirements and processes you'll need to know as an American making this international move.
