Thinking of moving to Ireland from the UK? We can help you out. In this article, we’re dipping into Irish visas, Brexit, buying property, and more.
Taking the trip across the Irish Sea for a life in Ireland is a top pick amongst British expats. The Emerald Isle has plenty to offer with its lively residents, wondrous landscape and affordable property. You can also breathe-easy knowing there’s no language barrier.
So, if you’re set on making the move, tuck into our guide on moving to Ireland from the UK for the important stuff you need to know.
Visas and Ireland
The stress of sorting out a visa before moving abroad can be a real pain. Fortunately, moving to Ireland from the UK is a stress-free, visa-free experience. This is thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangement made between the two countries.
Under the CTA, UK citizens can travel, study, work and live in Ireland without a visa. This is true for retiring to Ireland, too. However, you will need to inform the UK government offices that handle your pension, tax and benefits when moving or retiring to Ireland.
You won’t need a visa to move to Ireland from the UK, but you will need a passport. If your passport is set to expire, you can renew your British passport from Ireland before returning to the UK.
Living in Ireland after Brexit
Brexit, on the whole, hasn’t had too much of an impact on day-to-day life in Ireland. British and Irish nationals are still free to move between countries thanks to the CTA.
You also won’t need a work permit if you’re a cross border worker (frontier worker). This is good news for employees living in Ireland but working in Northern Ireland.
Since Brexit, the Irish public has faced new charges on products from UK websites. This is mainly due to import charges and VAT. It might also be trickier to resolve disputes with businesses based in the UK.
Fortunately, Brexit’s minimal impact on Ireland life has meant expats continue to experience the joys of living in Ireland.
Living in Ireland is, however, slightly more expensive than in the UK. With the exception of cow’s milk, every other common grocery item is dearer in Ireland than in the UK. A loaf of bread, for example, is roughly 30% more expensive. Rent is also 36% higher on average in Ireland than in the UK.
Also read: Moving to Spain after Brexit.
Living in Ireland pros and cons
Irish life for expats is always going to draw some pros and cons. Like any country, Ireland may not be perfect but certainly has plenty of reasons to call it home. Here are a few bits of the best and worst of Ireland to consider.
Pros
It’s a beautiful country
The Emerald Isle certainly glistens like the jewel it’s named after, and its stunning green landscape is a huge attraction for expats. The Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare, the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, and the Slieve Bloom mountains in County Laois are all sure to take your breath away.
Travel hub
Ireland is a pretty small country which makes it easy to explore. Transport is well connected, particularly around the cities, like Dublin. Expats also enjoy the convenience of travelling to the UK and Europe.
Friendly folk
Ireland is famous around the world for its happy-go-lucky inhabitants. It has a pulsating social scene and a great sense of community. There’s no chance of a French exit in any social situation; saying farewell to everyone is practically mandatory in Ireland.
Its pubs are the beating heart of the nation and are so much more than just a spot for a Guinness – although you can expect to see a lot of the dark stuff.
Cons
The weather
The UK doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on when it comes to good weather, but Ireland pips it to the post. With no protection from the elements on its Atlantic side, Ireland experiences some unpredictable weather. You can find every season in a day and rain almost all year round.
Buying a home is hard
Although you won’t face any buying restrictions in Ireland as a non-citizen, you may struggle with a mortgage. Often, Irish lenders won’t give you mortgage unless you’ve lived in Ireland for six months. They also prefer to accept applicants who’ve been working in Ireland for one year. This is a major reason why renting is so common in Ireland initially.
Buying property in Ireland
Renting property in Ireland might be on the expensive side but buying is far from it. Property outside major hotspots like Dublin is very affordable and popular among people seeking a home and investors. Due to high-rent possibilities, buy-to-let investors in Ireland receive some of the best rental yields in Europe.
Take some time to think about what you’re after in a property and how big your budget is. Before you begin your property search, you’ll need to assemble a team. This typically includes an estate agent, solicitor, currency specialist and financial advisor.
Once you’ve found the perfect place for you, make an offer and brace for some negotiation. Discuss your payment management with your currency specialist.
As soon as your offer is accepted, sign all the contracts, pay the deposit and make the final payment.
Send money to Ireland
Although Ireland is similar to the UK in many ways, it differs in its currency. Moving your pounds to euros can be a confusing experience, but we can help.
Our experienced team can offer guidance on solutions and strategies to save you time and money with your exchange.
To find out more about strategies and solutions, book a chat with a Privalgo Currency Specialist today.
Book a chat with a Currency Specialist