UK nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland. Within the Common Travel Area (CTA), British and Irish citizens can live and work freely in each other’s countries and travel freely between them.
You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad. You should also read Ireland’s Citizens Information service’s advice about moving to and living in Ireland and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service’s (INIS) advice on the requirements for non-EU/EEA family members of UK nationals.
Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland
Under the CTA, if you live in Ireland you can access healthcare there.
You may need to pay a fee to access public healthcare in Ireland on the same basis as Irish citizens. However, you may be eligible for a means tested medical card. If you do not qualify for a medical card on income grounds, you may qualify for a GP Visit card. Visit Healthcare for UK nationals living in Ireland for more information.
Customs Documents
Export Documents:
- Export Declaration EAD (Export Accompanying Document)
- Safety & Security Declaration (SSD – EXS) (Exit Summary Declaration)
- Transit Accompanying Document (TAD)
- ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) in the ICS (Import Control System) to the EU port of entry
- Detailed Inventory List
- Copy of Passport
- Origin Address (UK) and Destination Address (IE)
- Valuation of Shipment
Import Documents:
- Preboarding Notification (PBN) once Export Declaration and Safety & Security Declaration
- C&E1076 and TOR1 Forms
- Copy of Passport
- Irish PPS or proof of application
- Flight/Ferry booking with arrival date into Ireland
- Documentary Evidence from Origin and Destination (Employment Contracts, Property/Tenancy Documents, Utility Bills, Bank Statements)
- Valuation of Shipment
Moving Pets to the Republic of Ireland
Documents Required
- Original international vaccination book
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet microchip number if applicable
- Pet passport
Prohibited/Restricted Goods
- Firearms, weapons, ammunition or explosives
- Pornographic material
- Non-prescription drugs
- Radio transmitters
- Animal skins, ivory and similar products from protected species
- Animals, birds or fish (alive or dead)
- Counterfeit goods
- Live plants
Alcohol is subject to duties (variable) and VAT.
Professional qualifications in the Republic of Ireland
You may need to get your professional qualification recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in Ireland. The UK Centre for Professional Qualifications can advise.
Driving in the Republic of Ireland
You cannot renew or replace your UK licence if you live in Ireland. You do not need to take a driving test to exchange your licence. You can apply online to exchange your UK licence if you have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID. Alternatively, you can apply in person at an NDLS Centre. You must book an appointment to attend any of the 36 NDLS centres.
Importing your Car to the Republic of Ireland
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original registration
- Original bill of lading (OBL)
- Copy of current insurance certificate
- Bill of sale showing date of purchase and price
Vehicles brought into Ireland under TOR (Transfer of Residence) rules are not subject to duty or tax. The duty rate on vehicles imported outside of the TOR protocol is 23% VAT of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value, and the vehicle registration tax is payable up to 35% of the vehicle value.
Further information on importing a vehicle to Ireland can be found here.
Disclaimer
This guide is an overview only and readers should seek further advice from the official bodies in the country to which they are moving.
