Moving to Ireland from US Guide

From its lush, green landscapes to its vibrant cities, there's a lot to love about Ireland. It's no wonder so many Americans choose to relocate to the Emerald Isle. If you're ready to dive into this vibrant culture, you need a moving company you can trust. That's where Atlas International comes in. We'll help you plan your move to Ireland from the US and make it a hassle-free experience so your dreams of exploring these beautiful lands can come true.

The Allure of Ireland for Americans

With its rich history and ethereal landscapes, Ireland appeals to many Americans seeking to live abroad. Some of the most common reasons people choose to relocate to Ireland include:

• Globally Ranked Universities: University education in Ireland is excellent, attracting students from around the world. While EU and Irish citizens can attend universities for free in Ireland, students from America can expect to pay tuition.
• Rich History: People have lived in Ireland for more than 33,000 years. The Irish are proud of their heritage, and ancient dance, music, storytelling and sports traditions permeate most aspects of life.
• Vibrant Social Life and Culture: Ireland's natural beauty extends to its culture and social life. Head to a pub to explore the art scene or watch a live musical performance, comedy show or sports event.
• English-Speaking: Although Irish is the national language, English is the most commonly spoken language in the nation. If you choose Ireland as your new home, there's no need to learn a new language.

Planning Your Move to Ireland

Moving to Ireland from the US requires significant planning, but it's manageable for those driven to take the plunge. You must go through an extensive immigration process to get approved. From there, you must have the funds to cover the cost of relocation, including immigration fees and the costs to settle down. Finally, you'll need to prepare for lifestyle changes as you immerse yourself in a new culture and way of living.

Ireland Visa and Immigration Primer

Your Irish dream requires paperwork and a lengthy immigration process. You'll need a visa and preclearance. 

Preclearance to enter Ireland allows foreigners to cross the nation's borders. You can apply online and review Ireland's step-by-step guide for detailed information about the process.

Various visas allow foreigners to relocate to Ireland. Some of the most common visas include:

• For Work: Foreigners wishing to work in Ireland require an Employment Permit. If you're moving to Ireland for work, you must complete an online application form and pay any associated fees. Once you have an Employment Permit, you may apply for the Employment Visa within 3 months of traveling to Ireland. In most cases, you'll receive an answer within 8 weeks of application. If you're bringing a spouse along, they must also apply for entry into Ireland.
• For School: The type of student visa you need depends on how long you plan to study in Ireland. If your course will take less than 90 days, apply for a Short Stay C Visa. For courses longer than 90 days, apply for the Long Stay D Visa. You must apply online within 3 months of your travel date and pay associated fees. You must also prove you've enrolled in and paid for a privately funded course and provide identifying information.
• To Join a Family Member: The process of joining a family member in Ireland depends on the sponsoring family member's legal standing in the country. The correct form varies, depending on whether the family member is an Irish national, a UK national, an EEA or Swiss national or a non-EEA or non-Swiss lawful resident. 
• To Retire: Many people drawn by the allure of Ireland seek to retire in this beautiful nation. To do so, you must prove you're financially independent with an income of at least €50,000 annually, and you'll need to have a lump sum to cover the cost of major expenses. You must apply for permission with a TPER application form, apply for a D-Reside Visa, complete the application process with all required documents and register your permission.

Financial Considerations for Your Move

The cost of moving from the US to Ireland varies depending on numerous factors, including the number of people moving with you, how much you'll be shipping overseas, and the distance between your current location and Ireland. In some cases, moving to Ireland can cost over $12,000.

The cost of living in Ireland may be more affordable depending on which city you choose. However, on average, it's only about 10% lower than in the US. It'll take some financial planning to ensure you can cover the various expenses once you relocate. Taxes tend to be higher in Ireland than in the US. Tax brackets in Ireland are between 20% and 40% of earned income based on income limits determined by family composition. 

While the tax burden may seem high, some relief can be found in health care costs. On average, a doctor's visit costs about €50, and most residents, including those on visas, qualify for public health insurance. However, even private plans are much more affordable than those in the US, averaging around €2,056 for a family of four. 

Most banks charge a flat monthly fee in Ireland, although the amount is usually nominal. Thankfully, setting up a bank account in Ireland is simple for both residents and nonresidents.

The Irish Way of Life: What to Expect

Ireland's moderate climate makes it particularly suitable for outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, fishing, and sports are all common. Socializing with friends, colleagues and even strangers at the pub occurs regularly. 

Like in the US, housing can be difficult to source, especially in the Dublin region. However, with patience and perseverance, you'll likely find somewhere suitable to settle down.

With a laid-back culture, especially in the working environment, it's common to take time off from work to enjoy the finer things in life. This work-life balance can be a breath of fresh air for American expats used to the constant productivity expected in the US. 

Health care is often subsidized by the government, making it easy to forego private insurance. However, some people prefer to pay privately to receive prompter service, as wait times for appointments can be a bit longer than many American expats are used to.

Ireland puts a heavy emphasis on education, and it's required for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Irish citizens can attend university for free. While expats may need to pay for higher education, it's often more affordable than in the US without sacrificing quality.

Your Relocation Journey to Ireland With Atlas

If you're preparing to relocate to Ireland, Atlas International is your go-to expert for a hassle-free move. We offer door-to-door relocation services so you can rest assured that your belongings are safe every step of the way. 

Our packing and unpacking services can further streamline the process, resulting in a stress-free international move from the first box packed in the US  to the last one unwrapped in your new Irish home.

Living in Ireland: Tips & Insights From Expats

Integrating in Ireland can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you'll feel at home in no time. As you settle in, try implementing these simple tips to assist with the process:

• Engage with your local community as soon as you arrive. Head out to the pub and make some friends. Consider using social media to meet other expats and broaden your social circle.
• Get to know Irish etiquette before you arrive. While you won't need to learn a new language, you'll have to get used to the culture. Social small talk is common, even among strangers. Likewise, "slagging" is common in the country. Generally, the more you're liked by someone, the more likely they are to throw friendly insults your way. It's all lighthearted, so don't take it too seriously. You'll also need to get used to swearing. It's a cultural norm, even in situations you might expect to be more formal.
• Understand pub etiquette. When you drink in a group, each person buys a round for everyone. While you likely won't be told to buy when it's your turn, it's expected that you will.

Start Your Irish Adventure With Atlas International

Deciding to move to Ireland is easy, but actually making it happen takes time. When you partner with Atlas International, you'll get over 60 years of experience in full-service international moves. We provide personalized advice and a move tailored to your needs and budget. We're well-versed in international relocations and ready to make your dream life in Ireland a reality. Contact us for a free quote to get started.