Ireland (IE)
Ireland is a parliamentary republic and island nation on the western edge of Europe — the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone — celebrated for its warmly welcoming culture and legendary pub life, dramatic Wild Atlantic Way coastline and emerald green rolling countryside, a remarkable literary tradition from Joyce to Beckett, and its role as the European headquarters for the world's leading technology companies including Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and LinkedIn.
Capital: Dublin
Region: Europe
Language: English
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 80)
Emergency: 112
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Time: 30–60 minutes online or at the office · Cost: Free
Deadline: On the first day of unemployment — each day of delay is a lost benefit day
Risk if missed: Each day you delay registration is a lost benefit day — Jobseeker's Benefit is not backdated.
Where to go: mywelfare.ie — online registration; your local Intreo Centre for in-person
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPSN (Personal Public Service Number)
- ✓ Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- ✓ Proof of address
- ✓ Bank account details for payment
- ✓ P45 or employer statement showing end of employment
Tip: Bring all documents to avoid delays. If you have been employed for less than 2 years or lack sufficient PRSI contributions, you may only qualify for means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance instead of Jobseeker's Benefit. Intreo also provides free employment advisory services and referrals to training courses.
Local institution: Intreo — Department of Social Protection
Time: 30–60 minutes at the Intreo centre; PPS number issued within 1–10 working days · Cost: Free
Deadline: As soon as possible after arriving in Ireland — before starting employment
Risk if missed: Cannot be correctly paid by an employer, cannot register for tax, cannot apply for social welfare, and cannot access most Irish government services without a PPS number.
Where to go: Your nearest Intreo centre — find at gov.ie/intreo. Alternatively, some applications can be initiated online via MyGovID for certain situations.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or national identity card (EU citizens)
- ✓ Proof of address in Ireland: utility bill, bank statement, or official letter dated within last 3 months
- ✓ Reason for requiring a PPS number (employment letter, welfare application, medical card application)
Tip: Book an appointment online — walk-in queues at Dublin Intreo centres can be very long. Your PPS number is yours for life, even if you leave Ireland and return years later. Keep it safe and memorise it.
Local institution: Intreo Centre / DEASP (Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Risk if missed: Driving an unregistered foreign vehicle after 30 days of residency is an offence — vehicle can be seized.
Where to go: Book VRT inspection at ncts.ie. Pay motor tax at taxed.ie or your local council.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Foreign vehicle registration document
- ✓ Proof of identity
- ✓ Proof of Irish address (PPS + address)
- ✓ Foreign insurance history
- ✓ VRT exemption evidence if applicable (6+ months ownership abroad)
- ✓ Irish motor insurance certificate
Local institution: Revenue Commissioners / NCTS (National Car Testing Service)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours at registration office · Cost: €300 registration fee
Deadline: Within 90 days of arrival in Ireland
Risk if missed: Living in Ireland without a valid IRP card is a criminal offence. It prevents legal employment, bank account opening, and access to public services. Failure can affect future visa applications.
Where to go: Dublin: Burgh Quay registration office (appointment required — inis.gov.ie). Outside Dublin: your local Garda District Headquarters.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport with entry visa (if required)
- ✓ Proof of address in Ireland (original lease or utility bill)
- ✓ Proof of purpose: employment contract (Stamp 1), student enrolment (Stamp 2), or other sponsorship
- ✓ Passport-sized photo
- ✓ €300 registration fee (exact — card payment only at most offices)
Tip: Book your Dublin registration appointment well in advance — slots can be 3–6 weeks out. Bring the exact amount in payment. Your IRP card must be renewed when it expires — do not let it lapse.
Local institution: GNIB / Immigration Service Delivery (An Garda Síochána Immigration Bureau)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Deadline: Within 90 days of arrival in Ireland
Where to go: inis.gov.ie / Burgh Quay Registration Office
Local institution: Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB)
Time: 30–90 minutes for PAYE review; 2–4 hours for Form 11 (self-employed) · Cost: Free to self-file; accountant fees €200–€600 for complex cases
Deadline: PAYE: claim within 4 years. Self-employed: 31 October each year (16 November via ROS)
Risk if missed: Self-employed: late filing penalty (surcharge of 5–10% of tax due). PAYE: miss 4-year window to claim refunds.
Where to go: myaccount.revenue.ie (PAYE employees) or ros.ie (self-employed, ROS required)
Documents needed:
- ✓ P60 / income statement from employer (available in myAccount)
- ✓ Receipts for medical expenses (MED1)
- ✓ Any other income evidence
Tip: Medical expenses above €125/year are 20% tax-deductible — keep receipts for GP, physio, dentist, and prescription costs. Flat-rate employee expenses apply for many occupations — check Revenue's flat rate expense list.
Local institution: Revenue Commissioners
Where to go: revenue.ie
Local institution: Revenue Commissioners
Time: Traditional bank: 30–60 minutes in branch; Revolut/N26: 10 minutes online · Cost: Monthly fees: Bank of Ireland €6/month; AIB €6/month; Revolut free (standard); An Post Money free basic account
Risk if missed: Cannot receive Irish salary or pay rent by bank transfer without an Irish account. Revolut is widely accepted as a salary account in Ireland.
Where to go: Bank of Ireland / AIB / Permanent TSB branch or online. Revolut and N26 open fully online with just a passport photo.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or national ID card
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Proof of Irish address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
Tip: Open a Revolut account the day you arrive — it works immediately with any EU passport. Irish bank accounts can take 2–4 weeks to open due to compliance checks. Credit unions are excellent for anyone having difficulty with high-street banks.
Local institution: Bank of Ireland / AIB / Permanent TSB / Credit Union
Time: 10–20 minutes · Cost: Prepaid SIM: free to €15; monthly plans: €15–€35 (unlimited calls + data)
Risk if missed: Cannot set up MyGovID (requires Irish number), cannot receive banking security codes from Irish banks, and may miss employer calls.
Where to go: Any phone shop, supermarket (Tesco, Dunnes, Aldi, Lidl for prepaid), or Eir/Vodafone/Three stores.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or EU ID card (for contract SIMs)
Tip: Get an Irish number on day 1. Eir and Vodafone have the best coverage in rural Ireland; Three and Tesco Mobile are usually cheapest. Gomo (Eir network) offers very competitive data plans online.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30–60 minutes per application; placement confirmed within 1–4 weeks · Cost: Free (state schools); voluntary contributions requested but not mandatory
Risk if missed: School is compulsory from age 6 in Ireland. Popular schools fill up quickly — early application is essential in Dublin and other cities.
Where to go: Contact schools directly. Find local schools at services.tusla.ie/schools-list or schooldays.ie.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Birth certificate (child)
- ✓ PPS number (child and parents)
- ✓ Proof of address in school catchment area
- ✓ Previous school reports (if available)
- ✓ Immunisation record
Tip: Most Irish primary schools are Catholic-run (COAS) — non-religious Educate Together and multi-denomination schools exist and are growing. Secondary schools: apply directly to schools or through the online centralised system in Dublin. EAL support is available free for non-English-speaking children.
Local institution: Department of Education / Local school
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30–60 minutes per application; placement confirmed within 1–4 weeks · Cost: Free (state schooling); uniform costs apply
Where to go: Contact local primary school directly. Find schools at services.tusla.ie/schools-list.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate
- ✓ PPS number (child)
- ✓ Proof of address in catchment area
- ✓ Immunisation record
Tip: Apply to multiple schools simultaneously — popular schools in Dublin fill up quickly. Educate Together (non-denominational) and multi-denomination schools are growing but have waiting lists. EAL support is available free for non-English-speaking children.
Local institution: Department of Education / Local Primary School
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 weeks processing for standard applications; faster for Priority processing · Cost: CSEP: €1,000 (valid 2 years); GEP: €500–€1,000; refund applies if refused
Deadline: Must be obtained before starting employment — working without a permit is illegal
Risk if missed: Working in Ireland without a required employment permit is a criminal offence for both employee and employer. IRP card application depends on holding a valid employment permit.
Where to go: Apply online at enterprise.gov.ie/employment-permits before starting work.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Job offer letter with salary details
- ✓ Employer's PPSN and employer number
- ✓ Qualification/degree certificates
Tip: The Critical Skills Employment Permit has the easiest pathway to Stamp 4 (long-term residence) — after 2 years of CSEP employment, you can apply for Stamp 4 without needing another permit. The GEP is tied to a single employer — changing employer requires a new permit.
Local institution: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30–60 minutes online · Cost: Free to register; ongoing: income tax at 20%/40%, USC, and PRSI Class S 4%
Risk if missed: Operating as self-employed without Revenue registration is illegal — Revenue requires income tax returns regardless of income level. Penalties apply for late registration.
Where to go: Revenue.ie — form TR1 online via myaccount.revenue.ie. Also register for PRSI Class S at MyWelfare.ie.
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Description of business activity (NACE code)
- ✓ Estimated annual turnover
- ✓ Business address
Tip: The Preliminary Income Tax deadline is 31 October each year — you pay tax on current year income in advance. Consider using an accountant for the first year. SURE (Start Up Relief for Entrepreneurs) can reduce income tax for those starting from PAYE employment.
Local institution: Revenue Commissioners
Time: 20–30 minutes to review payslip and check Revenue account · Cost: Free
Risk if missed: Wrong PRSI class means wrong contributions — affecting your entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit, Illness Benefit, and eventual State Pension. USC underpayments create a tax liability.
Where to go: revenue.ie/myaccount — check tax credits and PRSI class; welfare.ie for PRSI contribution history
Documents needed:
- ✓ First payslip from employer
- ✓ myAccount login on revenue.ie for tax credit review
Tip: Log in to myaccount.revenue.ie to confirm your tax credits and standard rate cut-off point match your situation. New arrivals often need to request a Certificate of Tax Credits (P2C). Check welfare.ie/mywelfare to see your PRSI contribution record after a few months.
Local institution: Department of Social Protection / Revenue
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 20–40 minutes appointment; arrive with all documents · Cost: €300 renewal fee
Where to go: Dublin: book online at inisonline.jahs.ie. Outside Dublin: local Garda Síochána immigration officer.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Current IRP card and passport
- ✓ Evidence of continued qualifying basis (employer letter, payslips, or college letter)
- ✓ Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- ✓ €300 registration fee (card, cash, or postal order)
Local institution: Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) / Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) (Garda National Immigration Bureau)
Time: 5–10 minutes at An Post · Cost: €20/year per dog or €140 lifetime licence
Risk if missed: Unlicensed dogs: fine up to €2,500 under the Control of Dogs Act. Dogs found without licence by dog warden can be impounded.
Where to go: Any An Post (post office) branch for annual dog licence; licences also at local authority offices.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Dog owner's ID for licence; EU Pet Passport or Irish vet certificate for import
Tip: Register your dog with a local vet as soon as you arrive — they update vaccination records and can certify Irish residency. Some breeds are restricted in Ireland under the Control of Dogs (Restricted Breeds) Regulations — these dogs must be muzzled and on a short lead in public. Check the restricted breeds list before bringing certain dogs to Ireland.
Local institution: An Post / Local Authority
Where to go: irishpetregister.ie / animark.ie / gov.ie/pets
Local institution: Irish Pet Register / Animark / Department of Agriculture
Where to go: mywelfare.ie
Local institution: Department of Social Protection / MyWelfare.ie
Time: 15–30 minutes to register and set up · Cost: Free
Risk if missed: Without Revenue registration, your employer taxes you on an emergency basis (higher rate) until your tax record is updated. You will overpay tax and need to claim refunds.
Where to go: myaccount.revenue.ie (online only)
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Date of birth
- ✓ Irish mobile number or email for verification
Tip: Register before starting your first job in Ireland — this ensures your tax credits are applied from day 1. Check your standard tax credits: Personal Tax Credit (€2,000), Employee Tax Credit (€2,000), and any additional credits you may be entitled to (2026 amounts).
Local institution: Revenue Commissioners (An Coimisinéir Ioncaim)
Time: 1–2 hours for first year with foreign income · Cost: Free to self-file; tax advisor €200–€500 for first year with foreign income
Risk if missed: Undeclared foreign income constitutes tax evasion under Irish law. Revenue's CRS automatic data exchange makes detection likely. Penalties up to 100% of tax due plus interest.
Where to go: Revenue myAccount (myaccount.revenue.ie) — declare under foreign income section
Documents needed:
- ✓ Foreign pension payment statements
- ✓ Double taxation agreement text for your country
- ✓ PPS number
Tip: UK state pension received by Irish residents is typically taxable in Ireland (not the UK) under the Ireland-UK double taxation treaty — many UK pensioners in Ireland incorrectly pay tax in the UK. Reclaim UK tax and pay Irish tax instead — a Revenue-registered tax advisor can help.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Risk if missed: No childcare place means you cannot return to work. Good crèches fill 12–18 months in advance in Dublin.
Where to go: Apply to multiple crèches directly + apply for NCS subsidy at ncs.gov.ie. Find providers at childcare.gov.ie
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate (or expected due date)
- ✓ Parent's PPS number
- ✓ NCS application via ncs.gov.ie
- ✓ Tusla registration number of chosen provider
Local institution: Private crèche / Tusla-registered childminder
Time: 20–30 minutes to apply online · Cost: Free to apply
Deadline: Apply within 3 months of birth or arrival in Ireland with a child
Risk if missed: Child Benefit is not automatically assigned — active application required. Not backdated beyond the month of application in most cases.
Where to go: MyWelfare.ie online or at your nearest Intreo centre.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate
- ✓ PPS numbers for parent(s) and child
- ✓ Proof of address in Ireland
Tip: Apply as soon as you arrive in Ireland with a child or as soon as your baby is born. Payments are €140/month per child — for a family with 3 children that is €420/month. Child Benefit is paid directly to the mother or primary caregiver.
Local institution: DSP — Department of Social Protection
Time: 1–3 hours at registration office (queue times vary) · Cost: Free for EU Treaty Rights registration
Deadline: After 3 months of residence if staying long-term
Risk if missed: Without documented EU Treaty Rights, proving lawful long-term residence for social welfare entitlements, medical card applications, and citizenship pathway can be more complex.
Where to go: Immigration Service at Burgh Quay, Dublin (or relevant regional office). EU Treaty Rights registration is also handled by INIS online portal.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid EU/EEA passport or national identity card
- ✓ Evidence of activity in Ireland: employment contract, business registration, or student enrolment
- ✓ Proof of Irish address (utility bill or lease)
Tip: Keep all documentation of your EU Treaty Rights status — letter from INIS confirming registration is the key document. This status, combined with 5 years of lawful residence, forms the basis for applying for Stamp 4 (long-term residence) or Irish citizenship.
Local institution: INIS — Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Time: 30–60 minutes to apply; processing 4–6 weeks · Cost: Free
Deadline: Apply at least 3 months before your 66th birthday
Risk if missed: State Pension is not backdated beyond the date of application (in most circumstances). Late application means delayed first payment and potential permanent loss of some entitlement.
Where to go: MyWelfare.ie online or at your Intreo centre. Alternatively, contact DSP Pension Services Office.
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Proof of identity (passport)
- ✓ PRSI contributions record (available on MyWelfare.ie)
- ✓ Bank account details for payment
- ✓ For EU/EEA combination: E301 form or contribution record from other EU countries
Tip: Check your PRSI record years before retirement on MyWelfare.ie — identify any gaps from self-employment, career breaks, or foreign periods and address them. EU citizens who worked in multiple EU countries should request an E301 from each country's social security office to ensure totalization.
Local institution: DSP Pension Services Office
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30–60 minutes at NDLS centre; licence issued within 1–2 weeks · Cost: €55 exchange fee
Deadline: Non-EU nationals can drive on their foreign licence for 1 year from becoming resident — after which they must have exchanged or be in the process of obtaining an Irish licence
Risk if missed: Driving in Ireland after 1 year of residence on an expired/non-exchanged foreign licence is illegal. Insurance may be invalid without a valid Irish licence.
Where to go: NDLS centre — find at ndls.ie. Appointments required.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Current valid driving licence (original)
- ✓ Proof of Irish address (utility bill or lease)
- ✓ Eyesight report from a registered optometrist
- ✓ D401 application form (non-EU specific countries)
Tip: Non-EU licence holders outside the bilateral agreement list face a significant challenge — the Irish driving test has a high failure rate. Book EDT (Essential Driver Training) lessons early and practise LEFT-hand driving thoroughly before your test.
Local institution: NDLS — National Driver Licence Service
Time: 5–15 minutes · Cost: €10–20 for a starter prepaid SIM
Where to go: Any Tesco, Centra, Spar, Aldi, Lidl, or dedicated phone store. Airports have network stores in arrivals.
Tip: Get an Irish SIM on day one of arrival — it is needed to set up MyGovID and for Irish bank 2FA. Gomo (Eir network) and 48 (Three network) offer the best value data plans online. Eir and Vodafone have the best rural coverage.
Where to go: leapcard.ie / tesco.ie
Local institution: Transport for Ireland / Tesco / SuperValu
Time: 10–15 minutes for basic setup; 30–60 minutes for verified level (requires attending Intreo with passport) · Cost: Free
Risk if missed: Without MyGovID, you must visit offices in person for most government interactions. Revenue myAccount setup requires MyGovID. Welfare applications online require MyGovID.
Where to go: mygovid.ie (online). The basic MyGovID requires only PPS and phone. A Verified MyGovID requires a Public Services Card (available from DEASP/Intreo offices).
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Irish mobile number
- ✓ Email address
- ✓ Public Services Card (PSC) OR passport for advanced verification
Tip: Set up the basic MyGovID first (PPS + phone) — this gives access to most services. Get a Verified MyGovID (via PSC) as soon as possible for full access. The Public Services Card is free from your Intreo centre.
Time: 1–2 hours to complete application · Cost: Free to apply
Deadline: Application window: April to September; early application gives priority
Risk if missed: Missing the SUSI application window means no grant for the academic year — must re-apply next year. Late applications are still accepted but may delay payment.
Where to go: susi.ie — online application only
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number (student and parents/guardians)
- ✓ Proof of income (parents if dependent student; own income if independent)
- ✓ CAO offer of college place or college acceptance letter
- ✓ Evidence of nationality/residency
Tip: Even if you think your income is too high, apply — many borderline cases receive partial fee contributions. Non-EU students are generally not eligible for SUSI. EU students who have been resident in Ireland for 3+ years are treated as Irish students for SUSI purposes.
Local institution: SUSI — Student Universal Support Ireland
Time: 20–30 minutes to find and apply to a provider · Cost: Free (ECCE covers 15 hours/week during term time); additional hours charged by provider
Deadline: Register with an ECCE provider by March/April for September start; availability is limited
Risk if missed: Missing the ECCE registration window means missing 1–2 years of free preschool worth approximately €2,000–€4,000 per year.
Where to go: Find ECCE providers at ccidentityapp.tusla.ie. Apply directly to the childcare provider.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate
- ✓ PPS number (child)
- ✓ Proof of age eligibility
Tip: Register with ECCE providers as early as possible — popular providers fill up quickly. Some children qualify for 2 ECCE years (those turning 2 years 8 months before April and not starting school until after age 5). The NCS subsidy can also top up hours beyond ECCE.
Local institution: DCEDIY — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30–60 minutes to set up a PRSA · Cost: No setup cost; management charges 0.5–1%/year
Risk if missed: Missing years of pension saving has a compounding cost — every year without pension contributions is a permanent gap. Also missing up to 40% tax relief on contributions.
Where to go: Any PRSA provider: Irish Life, Zurich, Standard Life, Aviva. Compare at pensionsauthority.ie.
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Employer details (for occupational scheme)
- ✓ Income details
Tip: The age-related contribution limits increase as you get older — at age 40, you can contribute 25% of earnings (tax-relieved) per year; at 50, 30%. Maximise contributions at these increasing limits as your career progresses. Auto-enrolment does not require you to do anything if your employer already has a qualifying scheme.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30–60 minutes to set up · Cost: From €100/month; management charges 0.5–1%/year
Where to go: Any PRSA provider or compare at pensionsauthority.ie.
Tip: Age-related contribution limits increase as you get older: 20–29 years = 15% of earnings; 40–49 = 25%; 50–54 = 30%; 55–59 = 35%; 60+ = 40%. Maximise contributions at each age band. Employer must contribute to a PRSA if you have no occupational scheme — ask HR.
Local institution: PRSA Provider — Irish Life / Zurich / Standard Life / Aviva
Time: 15–30 minutes online or at branch · Cost: Free to open
Where to go: AIB (aib.ie), EBS (ebs.ie), Permanent TSB (permanenttsb.ie) — apply at branch or online.
Tip: Set up a standing order on payday so the saving happens automatically. DIRT is deducted at source so no additional tax return needed for deposit interest below the exemption thresholds. State Savings (via An Post) also offer DIRT-exempt returns — worth comparing.
Local institution: AIB / EBS / Permanent TSB
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Where to go: Department of Social Protection at gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection/
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Proof of permanent departure
- ✓ P60/Employment Summary for Irish employment periods
- ✓ Foreign bank account details
Local institution: Department of Social Protection
Time: 15–30 minutes registration; new patient appointment: 30–40 minutes · Cost: €50–€75 per visit without Medical/GP Visit Card; free with card
Risk if missed: Without a GP, accessing non-emergency healthcare in Ireland is difficult and expensive. A&E attendance fee is €100 and waiting times can be 4–12+ hours.
Where to go: Find GPs at hse.ie/gpfinder. Contact the practice directly to register as a new patient.
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Proof of Irish address
- ✓ Medical Card or GP Visit Card (if applicable)
- ✓ Any existing medical records or prescription list
Tip: Many GPs in Dublin are not accepting new patients — start searching early. Ask colleagues or neighbours for GP recommendations. Some GPs are listed as "open to new patients" at hse.ie. Consider online GP services (Webdoctor.ie, Caredoc) for routine issues while searching for a permanent GP.
Local institution: GP / Family Doctor (Dochtúir Teaghlaigh)
Time: 20–30 minutes to complete application; processing: 4–12 weeks · Cost: Free to apply; card is free
Risk if missed: Paying full GP fees (€50–€75 per visit) when you may be entitled to free GP visits. Particularly important for families with children, low-income workers, and long-term illness patients.
Where to go: Apply online at hse.ie/medicalcard or by post to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), Dublin.
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Proof of income (payslips, social welfare statements)
- ✓ Proof of address
- ✓ Details of household members
Tip: All children under 8 are automatically entitled to a GP Visit Card (from 2023). Income thresholds are significantly more generous for those over 70. Use the online means test estimator at hse.ie before applying to check eligibility.
Local institution: HSE — Health Service Executive
Time: 20–30 minutes to apply; processing 4–12 weeks · Cost: Free to apply and free card
Where to go: Apply online at hse.ie/medicalcard or at your nearest DSP/Intreo office.
Tip: All children under 8 and all persons over 70 get a GP Visit Card automatically — apply if you have not received one. Use the online means test estimator at hse.ie before applying to check eligibility.
Local institution: HSE — Health Service Executive
Time: 10 minutes to check · Cost: Free for tenant; landlord pays €90 registration fee
Risk if missed: Unregistered tenancies are not covered by RTB dispute resolution — if eviction or deposit disputes arise, you have fewer protections. RPZ rent cap enforcement also depends on registration.
Where to go: Check at rtb.ie/public-register. If not registered, contact your landlord. If they refuse, report to RTB.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Tenancy agreement/lease
- ✓ Landlord name and contact details
Tip: Check within the first 2 months of your tenancy — if not registered, remind your landlord. The RTB has powers to sanction landlords who fail to register. Your Part 4 tenancy rights (protection from eviction after 6 months) apply automatically regardless of registration.
Local institution: RTB — Residential Tenancies Board
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 6–18 months from starting mortgage search to closing · Cost: Stamp duty 1%, solicitor €1,000–€2,500, survey €400–€800, land registry fees €400–€800
Where to go: Bank of Ireland/AIB/Permanent TSB for mortgage; Law Society-registered solicitor (lawsociety.ie) for conveyancing.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Proof of income (3 months payslips)
- ✓ Bank statements (6 months)
- ✓ ID and proof of address
Tip: The Help to Buy scheme (for FTBs of new builds) refunds up to €30,000 in income tax paid over 4 years — significant boost to a deposit. The First Home Scheme provides a government equity stake to bridge affordability gaps on new builds.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 18–24 months processing; gather documentation over several months · Cost: €175 application fee; ceremony attendance fee €950
Risk if missed: No hard deadline but the clock only starts from when you achieve continuous lawful residence. The 5-year period must include the year immediately before applying as unbroken.
Where to go: inisonline.jahs.ie — online application. Processing currently 18–24 months.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport (current and all passports held during residence period)
- ✓ Proof of continuous residence (rent records, employment records, tax returns)
- ✓ Irish Residence Permit records
- ✓ Certificate of good character from each country resided in
- ✓ Current employer letter or evidence of self-sufficiency
Tip: Irish citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration is available to persons with an Irish grandparent or great-grandparent — with no residence requirement. The Foreign Birth Register is maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Irish citizenship also opens visa-free access to 185+ countries.
Local institution: INIS — Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–3 hours to assemble application; processing 6–12 months · Cost: €300 IRP registration fee on approval
Where to go: Application to Immigration Service Delivery at irishimmigration.ie. Postal address: Long Term Residence, INIS, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport with all entry/exit stamps
- ✓ All previous IRP cards
- ✓ Revenue tax compliance letter
- ✓ Proof of current address
- ✓ Utility bills and employment/bank records for all 5 years
Local institution: Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) (Immigration Service Delivery — Department of Justice)
Time: 20–30 minutes to compare and apply online · Cost: €900–€2,500/year depending on plan (individual); family plans €2,500–€5,000+
Deadline: Before your 34th birthday to avoid Lifetime Community Rating loadings
Risk if missed: Each year after 34 that you go without private health insurance adds a permanent 2% loading to your premiums for 10 years after you join — up to 40% extra if you join at 54.
Where to go: Compare at hia.ie (Health Insurance Authority). Apply directly with VHI, Laya Healthcare, or Irish Life Health.
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Date of birth
- ✓ Contact details
Tip: The HIA website (hia.ie) has a definitive comparison tool for all plans. Join a plan before age 34 — even a basic plan is sufficient to avoid the loading. You can upgrade later. If you had continuous health insurance in another EU/EEA country immediately before joining, LCR loadings may not apply — check with the HIA.
Local institution: VHI / Laya Healthcare / Irish Life Health
Time: 20–30 minutes online · Cost: €150–€350/year for standard contents cover
Risk if missed: Total loss of personal belongings in case of fire, flood, or theft with no insurance compensation. Personal liability for accidental damage to property.
Where to go: Compare at Bonkers.ie, CompareQuotes.ie, or apply directly with AXA, Allianz, FBD, or Aviva.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Address of rental property
- ✓ List of main items to insure
Tip: Check if your existing home country contents policy extends to Ireland — many European policies do not. Some credit cards include limited travel/contents insurance but this is rarely sufficient for permanent residence.
Where to go: etbi.ie / your local ETB office
Local institution: Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours total including consultation and signing · Cost: €200–€600 for a standard will; €500–€2,000 for complex wills with trusts
Where to go: Law Society-registered solicitor (lawsociety.ie/find-a-solicitor)
Documents needed:
- ✓ List of assets and intended beneficiaries
- ✓ Names and addresses of executors
Tip: Cohabiting partners without marriage or civil partnership have no automatic succession rights in Ireland — a will is essential. Review your will after every major life event: marriage (which revokes a prior will unless made in contemplation of the marriage), divorce, birth of a child, or major change in assets.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours with advisor · Cost: €300–€1,000 for advice and estate planning documents
Where to go: Solicitor specialising in succession law and a tax advisor familiar with CAT.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Overview of Irish and foreign assets
- ✓ Will (if any)
- ✓ PPS numbers of intended beneficiaries
Tip: The annual €3,000 Small Gift Exemption allows each parent to give each child €3,000 per year tax-free (€6,000/child/year from both parents) — this does not consume the Group A threshold and is a simple way to pass wealth during lifetime. The Dwelling House Exemption allows a main home to pass CAT-free to a child who lived in it for 3+ years and has no other home.
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Where to go: Consult a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) from the Irish Tax Institute or a CPA Ireland member
Local institution: Revenue Commissioners
Time: 5–10 minutes to purchase · Cost: €5 card cost; top up with any amount
Risk if missed: Paying cash fares is significantly more expensive. Dublin transport is much more affordable with a Leap Card, particularly for regular commuters.
Where to go: Purchase at Luas stops, DART stations, Centra, Spar, Lidl, and Tesco stores. Also available at irishrail.ie online.
Documents needed:
- ✓ No documents required for basic Leap Card
Tip: Register your Leap Card online at leapcard.ie — this allows you to block the card and transfer your balance if it is lost or stolen. The TFI app shows real-time bus and Luas times. Student and over-66 Leap Cards offer further discounts.
Time: 15 minutes to apply through employer · Cost: Varies — annual Dublin commuter pass ~€1,600 (before tax saving)
Where to go: Apply through your employer HR — they arrange the scheme at taxsaver.ie.
Tip: Ask your employer HR if they participate in Taxsaver — most larger employers do. If they do not, request they set it up: it costs the employer nothing and benefits all employees using public transport. The saving is greatest for 40% taxpayers.
Local institution: Taxsaver / Revenue Commissioners
Time: 20–30 minutes to apply online · Cost: Free; payment is €140/month per child
Deadline: Apply within the month of birth or arrival in Ireland with a child
Risk if missed: Child Benefit is not automatically assigned — active application required. Not backdated beyond the month of application in most cases.
Where to go: MyWelfare.ie online or at your Intreo centre.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's birth certificate (original)
- ✓ PPS numbers for parent(s) and child
- ✓ Parent's proof of identity and address
Tip: Child Benefit is taxable only if your household income is over a high threshold — for most families it is effectively tax-free income. Children adopted from abroad may also be eligible — check DSP eligibility rules.
Local institution: DSP — Department of Social Protection
Time: 30–60 minutes to apply · Cost: Free; benefit is €254/week (2026)
Deadline: Apply as soon as you become unemployed — payments not backdated
Risk if missed: Delay in applying means delay in receiving payments. Each week of delay is a week's benefit permanently lost.
Where to go: MyWelfare.ie online or at your nearest Intreo centre.
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Evidence of loss of employment (P45 from employer)
- ✓ PPS number registered with Revenue
- ✓ Bank account details
Tip: You can also apply for Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) if you wish to take up a full-time course while on welfare. After 6 months on Jobseeker's Benefit you may be referred to the JobPath programme — engage proactively with this.
Local institution: DSP / Intreo
Time: 20–30 minutes online · Cost: Free
Risk if missed: Paying full public transport fares when entitled to free travel. The Free Travel Pass is also available for spouses or partners of qualifying persons in some circumstances.
Where to go: MyWelfare.ie online application
Documents needed:
- ✓ PPS number
- ✓ Proof of age (passport or birth certificate)
- ✓ Irish address
Tip: The Free Travel Pass also works on cross-border services on the Bus Éireann and Translink routes between the Republic and Northern Ireland. Some private bus companies accept it too — check on the TFI website.
Local institution: DSP — Department of Social Protection