Moving to Ireland
Moving to Ireland as a Consultant - A Useful Guide
Moving to a new country like Ireland is an exciting adventure, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming if you are not accustomed to 'how things work'. Even those returning home after working for a time abroad can experience difficulties securing accommodation and housing.
The Association is here to assist make your move to Ireland or return home as smooth as possible. We will be launching bespoke assistance for members, in association with our partner organisation, in the coming months to help streamline this process further.
Medical Registration
Before you can practise in Ireland, you must be registered with the Irish Medical Council and renew this registration every year. This is essential for maintaining professional standards and patient safety.
The application process depends on where you trained and worked before. If this is your first time applying, check out the Medical Council’s FAQ guide on the Irish registration process here.
Finding Accommodation
Finding accommodation in Ireland can be challenging, so it’s best to start your search as early as possible—well before your move. Some recruitment agencies may help with temporary housing, but you’ll likely need to secure your own place.
For advice on renting, visit the Government-sponsored Citizens Information website here.
PPS Number
Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is essential for tax, banking, and accessing public services.
Apply online here.
Bank Accounts
You can open an account in-branch or online, but you’ll need proof of identity and address. Some banks require physical documents by post or in person, even after an online application.
Helpful links:
Work Permits & Visas
- If you are not from the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, you’ll need a valid employment permit and possibly a visa.
- Apply at least 12 weeks before your start date. Your employer usually arranges this.
- Doctors are on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List, so if required you can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit online.
- This permit allows for family reunification, and your dependants can work in Ireland too.
- After 5 years of holding valid permits, you may be eligible for Stamp 4 residency, which means you can work without needing a permit.
Useful links:
Residency & Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
After arriving, all non-Irish nationals, who are not citizens of the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, must register in person with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Details here.
Tax Cert
- Tax Certificate: Once you have your PPS number, apply for a Tax Credit Certificate using form 12A. Further details at Revenue.
- Tax Clearance Certificate: Consultants on the Public Only Consultants Contract (POCC23) must submit a statutory declaration and tax clearance documents within 9 months of appointment.
Pre-Employment Checks
Before starting in post, you’ll usually need to provide documents such as:
- Proof of address
- Passport/Birth Certificate
- Academic qualifications
- Police disclosures for time spent abroad of six months or longer from aged 16-plus
- References from current/previous employers
- Garda eVetting form
- Health/fitness assessment (if required)
- Driver’s licence (if required)
Full FAQ: publicjobs.ie
Relocation Package
You may be able to claim reimbursement for flights and initial accommodation:
- Up to €4,160 if relocating from the UK/EU
- Up to €4,710 if relocating from outside Europe
To be eligible, one has to take up either a permanent or a temporary post for a minimum of 2 years.
Details: HSE Career Hub
Other costs that may be covered include:
- Medical Council registration fees
- Visa fees
- Recognition/Validation of Qualification fees
Where an international candidate is recruited via the normal recruitment process, the payment of the Relocation Package is at the discretion of the hospital or hiring service.
Employment rights
All Consultants employed in Ireland are protected by employment legislation. If you are hired as an independent contractor or self-employed person, you may not have the same rights as an employee.
You must be given a pay slip every time you are paid your wages, which shows your gross wage and details of all deductions. Your employer must have your permission to make deductions from your wages, unless these deductions are covered by law (for example, PAYE, PRSI and USC).
In general, the maximum average working week cannot be more than 48 hours. You are entitled to a 15-minute break when you have worked more than 4 and a half hours, and a 30-minute break when you have worked more than 6 hours, which can include the first 15-minute break.
Most employees in Ireland are entitled to 4 weeks’ paid annual leave per leave year. Consultants employed on the POCC23 contract are entitled to 30 days annual leave. All full-time employees are entitled to 10 public holidays each year. See the HSE Terms and Conditions of Employment for full details on all leave entitlements in the Irish health service.
Discrimination on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, religious belief etc during a recruitment process or in the workplace is unlawful under Employment Equality legislation.
Schools
If you have children, find enrolment information and school inspection reports at:
Mobile Phone Providers
The main networks in Ireland are:
Transport & Cycle to Work Scheme
- TaxSaver tickets: Save 28.5%–52% on bus/train fares via payroll deductions (details).
- Cycle to Work: Buy a bike and safety gear tax-free through your employer. Limits:
- €3,000 for cargo/e-cargo bikes
- €1,500 for e-bikes
- €1,250 for standard bikes (details)
✅ With this information, we hope that you’ll be better prepared to move, work, and settle in Ireland smoothly. Please email info@ihca.ie for any further assistance.
The HSE has produced a useful guide to ‘Making the move to Ireland’ for all staff grades. You can view of a copy of the guide