Getting your Ireland work visa approval is a major milestone — but it is only the starting line. The period between approval and feeling settled in your new life involves a series of steps that, if done in the right order, make the transition smooth. If you miss steps or do things out of sequence, you can end up stuck in bureaucratic loops that cost you time, money, and stress.
This guide walks you through what happens week by week after your visa is approved, so you know exactly what to do and when. It covers visa stamping, booking flights, finding accommodation, getting your PPS number, opening a bank account, registering with immigration, accessing healthcare, and the practical details of settling in.
Week 1: Confirm your visa and plan your departure
Check your visa approval letter carefully
Your approval letter from the Department of Justice or your local Irish embassy is the most important document you will receive. Read it carefully and verify every detail: your full name, passport number, permit type, employer name, and the validity period. Any errors need to be flagged immediately — correcting them after you arrive in Ireland is significantly harder.
Keep digital and physical copies of this letter. You will need it repeatedly: at the airport, when registering with immigration, when opening a bank account, and sometimes when viewing rental properties.
Understand your visa type and conditions
Different permits come with different conditions. A Critical Skills Employment Permit gives you a clearer path to long-term residency and allows family members to join you under different rules. A General Employment Permit has its own requirements, including a labour market needs test that your employer has already satisfied. A Hosting Permit or Researcher Permit has its own framework.
Know which permit you hold, what it allows you to do, and whether you can change employers. Most employment permits tie you to your specific employer for the first 12 months. After that, you may be eligible to apply for a new permit with a different employer.
Book your flights
Once your visa is confirmed, book your flights. Try to arrive at least one to two weeks before your start date — this gives you time to handle accommodation, registration, and setup without the pressure of starting work on day one. If your employer is covering relocation costs, coordinate with them on timing and budget.
Prepare your document pack
Create a physical folder and a digital backup with:
- Passport (valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay)
- Visa approval letter
- Employment permit and contract
- Proof of qualifications and professional registrations
- Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Bank statements from the last three to six months
- Health insurance documents
Keep originals safe and carry copies separately. If anything is lost in transit, having copies will speed up replacement.
Week 2: Arrive in Ireland and secure accommodation
Find temporary or permanent accommodation
Where you live is the first major decision you will make in Ireland. You have two main options:
Temporary accommodation first. Many expats book a short-term rental, Airbnb, or serviced apartment for their first two to four weeks. This gives you time to view properties in person, understand neighbourhoods, and make an informed decision rather than signing a lease sight-unseen. The downside is cost — temporary accommodation is more expensive per night than a long-term lease.
Permanent accommodation immediately. If you have a trusted contact, relocation agent, or your employer is helping, you may be able to secure a long-term rental before or shortly after arrival. This is riskier but saves money and gives you stability from day one.
For a realistic picture of costs across different cities, see our cost of living guide for expats, which breaks down rent, transport, groceries, and taxes by city.
What you will need to rent in Ireland
Irish landlords typically ask for:
- References from previous landlords or your employer
- Proof of income — your employment contract or offer letter usually suffices for new arrivals
- Deposit — typically one month's rent, legally capped under the Residential Tenancies Act
- First month's rent paid in advance
- Photo ID — your passport
Some landlords may also ask for an Irish bank account or a PPS number, which creates a catch-22 situation for new arrivals. If you encounter this, your employment contract and a letter from your employer confirming your start date and salary usually work as an alternative.
Set up utilities and broadband
You will need to set up electricity, gas (if applicable), broadband, and a mobile phone. Major broadband providers include Eir, Virgin Media, and SIRO — installation can take one to three weeks, so set this up early. For mobile, get an Irish SIM card from Vodafone, Three, or eir. You can start with prepaid and upgrade to a contract once you have a bank account.
Week 3: Register with immigration and get your IRP
Book your immigration registration appointment
Everyone coming to Ireland on an employment permit for more than 90 days must register with immigration and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This is your legal proof of permission to live and work in Ireland.
If you are in Dublin, you register at the Dublin Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) office. Appointments are booked online through the ISD website. Slots can fill up quickly, so book as soon as you arrive.
If you are outside Dublin, you register at your local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) office or the immigration office serving your area.
What to bring to your registration appointment
- Your passport (original)
- Your employment permit (original)
- Your visa approval letter
- Proof of address in Ireland (utility bill, lease agreement, or a letter from your landlord)
- Proof of employment (employment contract or a letter from your employer)
- Evidence of financial means (bank statement or payslip if you have already been paid)
- Private medical insurance documentation (required for some permit types)
- €300 for the IRP registration fee (card payment is usually accepted, but bring cash as backup)
What happens at the appointment
The immigration officer will verify your documents, take your photograph and fingerprints, and issue your IRP card. The card is usually posted to your address within five to ten working days. Until it arrives, you will receive a temporary registration certificate.
Your IRP card contains your immigration permission details, including the type of permit, its expiry date, and any conditions attached to your stay. Keep it safe — you will need it for opening bank accounts, applying for a PPS number, and various other administrative tasks.
Week 4: Get your PPS number
Why you need a PPS number
Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is Ireland's equivalent of a social security number. You need it for:
- Paying tax correctly (your employer cannot process you through payroll without it)
- Accessing public services
- Opening a bank account (most banks require it)
- Applying for social welfare benefits if eligible
- Registering for healthcare services
Without a PPS number, you will likely be placed on emergency tax, which means a significantly higher tax rate until your number is issued and your tax credits are applied.
How to apply for a PPS number
You apply through MyWelfare.ie. You will need to:
- Create an account on MyWelfare.ie
- Complete the PPS number application form
- Provide proof of identity (passport)
- Provide proof of address in Ireland
- Provide proof of why you need a PPS number (your employment contract or a letter from your employer)
In some cases, you may need to attend an in-person appointment at your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. Appointments can take one to three weeks to schedule, so apply as soon as you have an address.
Timeline
Once your application is processed, your PPS number is sent to your address by post within 10 to 15 working days. If you have not received it after three weeks, contact the PPSN allocation service to check the status.
Week 4 to 5: Open an Irish bank account
Why an Irish bank account matters
You need an Irish bank account for:
- Receiving your salary (most employers will not pay into foreign accounts long-term)
- Paying rent via direct debit
- Setting up utility payments
- Everyday spending and budgeting
Which bank to choose
Ireland's main retail banks are:
- AIB (Allied Irish Banks) — largest branch network, good digital banking
- Bank of Ireland — strong digital platform, widely used by employers for payroll
- Permanent TSB (PTSB) — competitive current account options
- Revolut — popular with expats, fully digital, but not a full-service bank for all needs (e.g., mortgage applications later)
For most people, opening an account with AIB, Bank of Ireland, or PTSB is the best long-term choice. Revolut is an excellent supplementary account for day-to-day spending and international transfers.
What you will need to open an account
- Passport or IRP card
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or a letter from your employer confirming your Irish address)
- Proof of employment (employment contract)
- PPS number (some banks require it, others will open the account and ask you to provide it later)
- Initial deposit (varies by bank, typically €50 to €100)
Some banks offer dedicated services for new arrivals and may be more flexible with documentation. It is worth calling ahead or checking each bank's website for their specific requirements for non-Irish nationals.
Transferring money from your home country
For moving larger sums, use a currency transfer service like Wise, CurrencyFair, or your bank's international transfer service. Compare exchange rates and fees before you transfer — timing the transfer when the euro is strong against your home currency can save meaningful money.
Week 5 to 6: Healthcare and settling in
Register with a GP
Ireland's healthcare system is a mix of public and private. As a new arrival, you should register with a General Practitioner (GP) — your primary care doctor. You can choose any GP that accepts private patients. Most GPs charge between €50 and €70 for a consultation.
To find a GP:
- Ask colleagues or neighbours for recommendations
- Search the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) website
- Check if your employer has a preferred GP practice
Some employers offer health insurance as part of their benefits package. If yours does, check which GP practices are on their approved panel. If your employer does not offer health insurance, consider getting a private plan — basic coverage starts at around €60 to €120 per month and can save you significant money on specialist visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
Understand your healthcare entitlements
As an employment permit holder, you do not automatically qualify for free public healthcare. Emergency care in public hospitals is available to everyone (though charges may apply), and maternity care is free for all pregnant residents. If you are from an EU/EEA country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to necessary healthcare during your stay.
Explore your city and build your network
The first few weeks in a new country can feel isolating. Join local expat or professional groups, attend events hosted by your employer, try local sports clubs or hobby classes, and explore your neighbourhood. Building a social network early makes a significant difference to how quickly you feel at home. Ireland is known for its friendliness, but meaningful connections take effort.
Week 6 to 8: Finalise your setup
Set up your tax position
Once you have your PPS number, log in to Revenue's myAccount service to:
- Register for income tax
- Claim your tax credits (single person credit, employee credit, and others you may be eligible for)
- Check that your tax credits and rate band are correctly allocated
- Review your emergency tax situation — if you were placed on emergency tax before getting your PPS number, you can claim a refund once your tax position is corrected
Getting your tax right early prevents unpleasant surprises at the end of the year. If you are unsure about your tax position, consider speaking with a tax advisor or using Revenue's online calculators.
Register for local services
Depending on where you live, you may want to:
- Register with the local electoral roll (if eligible)
- Set up a Leap Card for public transport in Dublin, or your local transport provider's equivalent
- Register your vehicle if you brought a car (within eight days of arrival, or within 30 days if importing)
- Set up waste collection services if not included in your rent
Understand your tenancy rights
If you are renting, familiarise yourself with your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act: your landlord must register your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), you are entitled to a written lease, your deposit is protected, and the RTB offers free dispute resolution if issues arise.
Plan your first few months
By week eight, you should have the basics in place: accommodation, bank account, PPS number, healthcare, and tax registration. Now focus on:
- Financial planning. Create a budget based on your actual costs, not estimates. Track your spending for the first month to understand where your money goes.
- Career development. Understand your employer's probation period, performance review cycle, and professional development opportunities.
- Long-term planning. If you plan to stay in Ireland beyond your initial permit, start thinking about the pathway to Stamp 4 permission, which gives you more flexibility to change employers and access additional services.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Not registering with immigration on time. Missing your registration deadline can affect your legal status and complicate future permit renewals. Book your appointment as soon as you arrive.
Accepting the first rental you see. The Irish rental market moves fast, but desperation leads to bad decisions. View multiple properties, check the neighbourhood at different times of day, and verify that the tenancy is registered with the RTB.
Not understanding emergency tax. Without a PPS number, you will be placed on emergency tax, which can take 30-40% or more of your income. Apply for your PPS number immediately and follow up if it is delayed. You can reclaim overpaid tax, but it takes time.
Ignoring healthcare setup. Do not wait until you are sick to find a GP. Register early, understand your insurance coverage, and know where your nearest urgent care centre is.
Not building a support network. Moving countries is hard. The people who settle fastest actively build connections through work, hobbies, sports, expat groups, or community organisations. Put yourself out there.
Where to get help
- Your employer's HR team — first point of contact for permit, tax, and relocation questions
- Citizens Information (citizensinformation.ie) — free, comprehensive guidance on living in Ireland
- Migrant Rights Centre Ireland — supports migrant workers with employment rights and legal advice
- Your local Intreo Centre — PPS number queries and social welfare questions
- Revenue (revenue.ie) — tax registration and myAccount support
Your next step
If you have not yet started your job search in Ireland, now is the time. Browse companies actively sponsoring visas and use our visa pre-assessment tool to confirm your eligibility before you apply. Understanding where you stand before you invest time in applications saves frustration and helps you target the right opportunities.
The relocation process is manageable when you know what to expect. Follow this timeline, stay organised, and do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Ireland has welcomed thousands of international workers before you, and the systems are designed to support your transition — you just need to know how to navigate them.