Ireland cityscape and landmarks - tech worker relocation guide

🇮🇪 Move to Ireland

Tech Worker Relocation Guide

Median Tech Salary

$78,000

vs US Salary

65%

Quality of Life

4/5

Safety Index

8/10

🌟 Why Move to Ireland?

  • European HQ for major tech companies (Google, Meta, Apple, LinkedIn)
  • English-speaking EU country with common law system
  • Fast-track work permits for tech roles (Critical Skills)
  • Friendly culture with strong expat community

📄 Visa Options

Critical Skills Employment Permit

Requirements: Job offer in critical skills list + degree + min 38,000 EUR salary
Processing: 4-8 weeks
Duration: 2 years (direct path to Stamp 4)

General Employment Permit

Requirements: Job offer + min 34,000 EUR salary + labour market test
Processing: 4-12 weeks
Duration: 2 years (renewable)

Intra-Company Transfer Permit

Requirements: Transfer within same company + min 40,000 EUR salary
Processing: 4-8 weeks
Duration: 2 years

💷 Tax Overview

Income tax: 20% up to 42,000 EUR, 40% above. USC (Universal Social Charge) 0.5-8%. PRSI 4%. Effective rate ~35-40%.

Special regime: SARP (Special Assignee Relief Programme): 30% income tax exemption on earnings above 100,000 EUR for employees assigned to Ireland.

📚 Practical Tips

banking

AIB, Bank of Ireland, or Revolut. PPS number (like SSN) needed for employment. Apply at local Social Welfare office.

housing

Daft.ie is the main rental platform. Dublin housing is very competitive. Budget 1,800-2,500 EUR/month for a 1BR in Dublin.

healthcare

Public healthcare via HSE is free/subsidized but has long wait times. Private insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life) ~100-200 EUR/month.

phone

Three (unlimited data plans popular), Vodafone, Eir. Budget: 48 (Tesco), GoMo from 10-15 EUR/month.

🏙 City Guides