With the help of an Ireland immigration lawyer, you can easily achieve your dream of relocating from the US to Ireland. You can finally get to experience the rich culture and history, friendly people, high quality of life, good environment, natural beauty and tech opportunities.
Ireland and the US already share historical ties, same values and cultural connections that go way back. For instance, millions of Irish immigrated to the United States during the Great Irish Famine in 1845 – 1852 and these immigrants also fought in the American War of Independence.
American companies have invested in Ireland’s economy and they both have an income tax treaty that reduces withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties. Ireland also hosts more study-abroad American students than any other country
It won’t be a surprise then that most Americans dream of visiting or relocating to Ireland. This article will guide you on how to do just that by informing you on things to do before you leave Ireland, what to do when you arrive, how to settle in and what to expect while living there.
Plans to Make Before you Leave the US for Ireland
When planning your relocation to Ireland, here are the stages you need to pass through to get ready: visa and immigration, financial planning, job search, accommodation, healthcare and travel arrangements.
Americans can apply either for employment permits, short-stay visas or long-stay visas. However, for the sake of this article, we will be focusing on visas that allow Americans to stay for longer than 90 days.
Examples of long-term visas include D visa for work, study or long-term settlement; business visa for business people, student visa for students, spouse/family visa for spouse or family members who want to reunite with their partner, retirement visa for those who wish to retire in Ireland, and work visa for work (this goes with an employment permit).
To get any of these visas, you have to check the requirements for the Irish visa you wish to apply for to know if you are eligible. Then depending on your chosen route to residency, you should gather the necessary documents suitable for that visa type.
However, the general documents needed for application include a completed online application form, a valid passport, passport-sized photos, proof of funds, job offer from an Irish employer, and other relevant supporting documents.
Depending on the particular city you choose to stay and your lifestyle, the monthly expenses for a single person who has to spend on rent, food, transport and utilities should be within the range of €2500 – €3500. A family of four would typically spend between €3500 and €6000 per month.
You will have to convert your US dollars to Irish pounds and deposit it into the Irish bank account that you will open. Whether you will open an account before you leave the US or you open it after you arrive in Ireland depends on what is possible for you and what you choose.
You may not know the exact amount everything will cost but you can do thorough research and make an estimated budget for what you will spend after your initial arrival.
The US and Ireland have a double taxation treaty. Though you won’t pay taxes in both countries, you will need to file in both the US and Ireland. You will have to understand the difference between the tax system in Ireland and the one you are used to in the US.
It would be better if you already have a job offer from an Irish employer before you arrive Ireland. However, if that is not the case, you may need to search online job portals or contact recruitment agencies to get a job.
Your financial capacity will determine whether you are buying a house, renting a space or sharing an accommodation. It will also determine which area you will live – whether in major cities or in remote areas where rent is more affordable.
As long as you reside in Ireland and are registered with a General Practitioner (GP), you should have access to the public healthcare managed by the Health Service Executive. You can also take out a health insurance with any of these insurance providers – HSF Health Plan, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and VHI Healthcare.
Usually, Americans like to travel light initially, then ship their other belongings to Ireland. If you decide to take this route, ensure to keep track of your shipped belongings and pack essentials that you will need before your belongings arrive.
What to do When You Arrive Ireland and How to Settle in After Your Arrival
Your arrival to Ireland starts after you get a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport and pass through customs. And after you’ve settled in, you will have to obtain a Personal Public Service Number (PPS Number) and may be required to register with the Garda Síochána.
Some apartments come with already set-up utilities (electricity, internet, gas, etc), and if yours doesn’t, then you will need to set it up. Take a walk or drive around the neighborhood to find essential services such as post offices, grocery stores and banks.
Things to Expect While Living in Ireland
Some expats have shared some cultural differences they’ve experienced and the challenges that comes with. Firstly, the official languages spoken in Ireland is English and Irish (Gaelic) so aside from understanding Irish slang and idioms, you are good to go.
It’s not easy to find international ingredients all in one place in Ireland unlike the US where you can do one-stop shopping at stores like Costco or Target. Owning a car in Ireland is a little pricier than owning one in the US.
Both the US and Ireland are humid but Ireland’s temperature is consistently lower. It rains a lot in Ireland, so you may need to always hold on to a light rain jacket.
Like every relocation plan, moving to Ireland from US can be successful with adequate preparation, research and planning. You can involve immigration lawyers in your relocation plans to increase your chances of success.
