Ireland is one of the easiest English speaking countries to settle in, but the paperwork still has to be done in the right order. Here is how we walk our candidates through it.
1. Employment permits
If you are not an EU, EEA, UK or Swiss citizen you will usually need an employment permit before you start work. Most of the roles we recruit for fall under the Critical Skills Employment Permit (for occupations on Ireland's critical skills list, including many nursing, engineering, science and technology roles) or the General Employment Permit. Each has a minimum salary threshold and the thresholds change from time to time, so always check the current figures on the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment website or ask your consultant. The employer normally applies, and we prepare the paperwork with them.
2. Professional registration
Nurses and midwives register with NMBI, doctors with the Medical Council, and professions such as physiotherapy, radiography, social work and dietetics with CORU. Engineers may want Engineers Ireland membership. Start early: registration can take several months and employers will usually make an offer conditional on it.
3. PPS number and tax
Your PPS number is your social security number and you need it for tax, healthcare and banking. You apply through MyWelfare once you have an address and an offer of employment. Register for Revenue myAccount as soon as you have your PPS number so that you are taxed correctly from your first payslip.
4. Housing
Accommodation is the hardest part of moving to Ireland, especially in Dublin, Cork and Galway. Some healthcare and life sciences employers provide temporary accommodation for the first weeks, so ask. Start looking before you travel, be ready to move quickly, and never pay a deposit for a property you have not seen or had someone see on your behalf.
5. The first 90 days
Open a bank account, register with a GP, get a Leap card if you are in a city, and say yes to the social things at work. Your consultant will check in with you at one week, one month and three months, and you can ring us any time in between.
Hiring, or thinking about a move?
Talk to the person who would run your search.
