Moving to Ireland from the UK

Thinking about moving to Ireland?

Start here with our complete guide to relocating to Ireland for people leaving the UK.

While Ireland is the UK's closest neighbour from a cultural and historical sense, it can still cause problems relocating.

This guide provides expert-led advice, created in association with our trusted partners is designed for people making the move from the UK and provides essential guidance around taxes, visas,  property, citizenship, finances and more.

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Don't leave anything to chance

Moving to Ireland might seem straight forward but still requires careful planning

Ireland is one of the more popular destinations for British people seeking a fresh start, familiar culture and easy access to both the UK.

The move may seem straightforward as there’s no language barrier and the Common Travel Area allows free movement between the two countries, but the transition can still bring surprises.

Differences in tax residency, healthcare registration, banking and property processes can all catch people out without a clear plan.

blurred people moving through dublin airport
103,000

It is estimated that there are over 100,000 UK citizens living in Ireland.

*Central Statistics Office (CSO) of Ireland

 

 

5,000

On average, around 5,000 British people move to Ireland each year.

*Central Statistics Office (CSO) of Ireland
young family beside a river
50

The average age of British people living in Ireland is roughly 50 years old.

*Central Statistics Office (CSO) of Ireland
woman at festival making heart shape watching band
400

It's estimated that there are over 400 music festivals in Ireland each year.

Plan your move

The key differences between Ireland and the UK

Ireland is far more than just Dublin. While the capital draws most of the attention, much of Ireland’s character lies beyond the M50.

For British people, Ireland feels familiar yet it is anything but the same. The euro replaces the pound and although the Common Travel Area makes movement simple, the cultural identity here is unmistakably Irish, rooted in community, language, music and humour, and a history that runs deeper than many expect.

Relocating to Ireland means embracing those differences, not assuming similarity.

This guide to moving from the UK to Ireland will help you understand what to expect and help you make the most of your new life across the Irish Sea.

 

Regional distinctions

Ireland’s regions differ sharply in cost, lifestyle and opportunity. Dublin is dynamic but expensive, Cork and Galway offer balance and rural areas promise space but fewer jobs. Research early and secure housing before arrival.
Cost of living

Ireland ranks among Europe’s most expensive countries. Rents and utilities are high, especially in cities and competition for property is fierce. Factor in exchange rates, deposits and setup costs, living comfortably usually requires a larger budget than expected.
Healthcare British citizens can use Ireland’s public health system under the Common Travel Area, but services differ from the NHS. GP visits are paid per appointment, waiting times can be long and many expats add private health insurance for faster access.
Work/life balance

Ireland’s job market is strong in tech, pharma and finance, though competition for jobs is tough. Work–life balance tends to be better than in the UK, but smaller companies and local networks play a bigger role in professional success.
Tax planning

The UK and Ireland have separate tax systems. You’ll likely become Irish tax resident after 183 days and must declare worldwide income. The UK–Ireland tax treaty prevents double taxation, but expert guidance helps align tax residency, pensions, savings and income tax.
Wealth management

Ireland uses the euro, not sterling. Exchange rates affect income, savings and investments. Financial products fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Bank of Ireland, not the UK’s FCA, so protection schemes differ, check that your accounts and policies remain covered.
Essential reading to get your research underway

What you'll discover inside our UK-to-Ireland relocation hub

We help British people moving to Ireland whether for work, family, retirement or a fresh start across the Irish Sea.

Every relocation is unique, so alongside our detailed guides and checklists, we offer expert introductions and local insights to make your move smoother, more informed and far less stressful.

The Common Travel Area


British citizens don’t need a visa to move to Ireland under the Common Travel Area, but it doesn’t grant full EU rights. Learn the limits, challenges and residency requirements after Brexit. Visa requirements in Ireland

Finances, money and wealth


Moving to Ireland from the UK affects your investments, pensions and inheritance tax exposure. Learn how to manage currency risk, adapt your portfolio for Irish tax efficiency and plan wealth across two jurisdictions. Financial planning in Ireland

Italy-UK Tax Planning

 

Avoid double taxation by understanding the UK–Italy tax treaty, residency rules, split year treatment and reporting obligations for income and assets held in both countries.

 Guide to Italy-UK Tax

Buying property in Ireland


If you're thinking about buying a home in Ireland, while the process is similar to the UK, there are some important differences to understand. Learn how mortgages work, the key differences from the UK and when to speak to a mortgage broker. Learn about buying property in Ireland
Timeline for moving to Ireland

Relocation timeline and when to speak to specialists

Moving abroad can feel a lot like preparing for a marathon. While most people reach the finish line, without preparation and expert support the risk of stress, mistakes and costly setbacks rises.

When relocating to Ireland, the order of your decisions still matters, even with the freedom to move under the Common Travel Area. Your tax residency status, healthcare registration, banking setup and housing arrangements all depend on when and how you act. Early planning helps you avoid unexpected gaps in access or coverage.

Property searches and PPS number applications can take longer than expected, while registering with the HSE or arranging private healthcare is best done before arrival. Likewise, aligning UK and Irish tax dates or transferring pensions can be complex without advice.

That’s why we’ve created a relocation timeline specifically for people moving from the UK to Ireland.

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