Living in Ireland: the short version
Ireland is an English-speaking EU country and the European base for many of the world’s biggest tech and pharmaceutical companies, so skilled jobs are plentiful. The catch is housing: rents in Dublin are among the highest in Europe and supply is very tight.
Best for: Tech, pharma and finance professionals, EU citizens, and English speakers who want an EU base.
Why people move here
- English-speaking with full EU membership
- Strong job market in tech, pharma and finance
- Critical Skills permit leads quickly to long-term residence
What to watch out for
- Severe housing shortage and very high Dublin rents
- High marginal tax: 40% income tax plus USC and PRSI
- Public healthcare has long waiting lists
How to move to Ireland: main visa and residency routes
Summaries only — requirements and income thresholds change. Always check the official sources below.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit
- For job offers in shortage occupations or above a high salary threshold; family can join immediately and holders can move to Stamp 4 after two years.
- General Employment Permit
- For other jobs not on the ineligible list, subject to a labour market needs test.
- Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)
- Lets non-EU graduates of Irish universities stay to look for work for one to two years.
- EU free movement and Common Travel Area
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work freely; UK citizens have equivalent rights under the Common Travel Area.
Healthcare for newcomers
Public healthcare is run by the HSE. GP visits usually cost €50 to €70 unless you qualify for a medical or GP visit card, and many residents buy private health insurance to shorten waiting times.
Cost of Living
Cost of living index: 78 (NYC = 100)
Rent (1BR)
$2000
Rent (3BR)
$3200
Groceries
$350
Transport
$120
Utilities
$230
Internet
$55
Dining Out
$200
Tax System
Corporate Tax
12.5%
VAT / Sales Tax
23%
Social Security
4.2%
Capital Gains
33%
Income Tax Brackets
| Income Range (USD) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $44,000 | 20% |
| $44,001 - Above | 40% |
Culture
Ireland is known for warmth, storytelling, music and a strong sense of community. Its Gaelic heritage lives on in the Irish language, sport and traditional music, while Dublin is a young, international city and European home to many global tech firms.
Traditions
- St Patrick’s Day (17 March)
- Trad music sessions in pubs
- Gaelic football and hurling
- Halloween, which began as the Celtic festival of Samhain
Cultural Values
- Hospitality (fáilte)
- Humour
- Community
- Family
Common Greeting: Dia dhuit! / How’s it going?
Cultural Tips
- • Buying rounds in the pub is a social contract: take your turn
- • Self-deprecating humour and “slagging” (teasing) are signs of friendship
- • Northern Ireland is part of the UK; be sensitive when discussing history and politics
- • Bring a rain jacket every day, whatever the forecast says
🍽 Food & Cuisine
Irish food is built on excellent dairy, lamb, potatoes and Atlantic seafood. Traditional dishes are simple and comforting, and a modern farm-to-table scene has grown around Irish produce.
Irish Stew
Slow-cooked lamb or mutton with potatoes, onions and carrots
Full Irish Breakfast
Rashers, sausages, black and white pudding, eggs, tomato and soda bread
Colcannon
Mashed potato mixed with cabbage or kale and plenty of butter
Soda Bread
Quick bread raised with bread soda and buttermilk instead of yeast
Sources and methodology
Figures on this page are estimates in US dollars, compiled from the international datasets below and converted at recent exchange rates. The cost of living index uses New York City as 100. Guidance was last reviewed on . Found something out of date? Tell us.
Official Ireland sources
Data sources
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax
- Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices)
- World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators
- OECD Tax Database — tax rates and social contributions
- ILOSTAT — employment and unemployment
- UNDP Human Development Reports — health and education
- UN World Population Prospects — population
Quality of Life
Job Market
Average Annual Salary
$55,000
Job Difficulty
Moderate
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Work Permit Required
Yes
Top Industries
Languages
Official Languages