Find out more relocating to Ireland as a doctor including information about visas and work permits, cost of living, and top tips to help you settle into life and work in Ireland.

Table of contents

• Useful Information About Ireland
• Top Tips for Relocating to Ireland
• Visa and Work Permits
• Banking
• Salaries and Cost of Living

Useful Information About Ireland

Perched on the northwest tip of Europe, Ireland has breath-taking scenery to explore, ancient myths to uncover and locals who are renowned for their friendly charm and more than happy to help you discover the hidden gems of their country.

Ireland enjoys a mild, but changeable, climate which is moderated by the Gulf Stream. Its coastal beauty, Lakelands and rural landscapes are breath-taking and its long history and cultural heritage reveals a passion for music, dance and of course conversation, found in abundance in Ireland’s many pubs and restaurants.

Ireland’s capital city is Dublin and it is an EU member state, using the Euro currency. The economy of Ireland has transformed in recent years from an agricultural focus to one dependent on trade, industry and investment.

Ireland is a great place to live and work. Its laid back lifestyle and excellent links to the UK and Europe attract all kinds of healthcare professionals from many countries around the world.

Global Medics can help you secure locum, contract or permanent doctor jobs in Ireland. We help you with local registration, and smooth the process of settling in and working in the region.

Top Tips for Doctors Relocating to Ireland

1. Apply for a PPS Number

2. Open a Bank Account

3. Where to Find Accommodation

4. Local Schools

5. Permission to Work in Ireland

Before you arrive into Ireland, you will need to have:

• An Irish Medical Council registration certificate
• A letter of employment for immigration purposes which we will provide
• Permission to work as a doctor in Ireland through the Atypical working visa (if required) for locum work of six months or less.

6. Popular City Locations

If you’re looking to relocate to a city, some of the popular cities include Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

7. Popular Scenic Areas

If you’re looking for a more rural location, some of the smaller more scenic counties include Donegal, Sligo, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Kerry, Wexford, Offaly and Meath.

8. Transport Options

A variety of transport options are available. You can arrange car rental on arrival but you must hold a credit card in your name and a driving licence in the same name. You can also travel by bus and train across Ireland.

9. Settling in and Meeting People

To help you settle in to your local area, we will put you in touch with a doctor who has already made the move to Ireland. Where possible, we will find a doctor of the same nationality or specialty.

10. Documents Your Recruitment Consultant Requires

Remember to provide the following documents when you sign up with us:

• Police clearance
• At least three updated references
• Occupational health report
• Serology report
• Copy of your medical degree
• IELTS certificate
• Copy of identification such as your passport.

Visas and Work Permits

A work permit is not usually required if:

• You, your spouse or child are an Irish or other EEA national. The EEA comprises the European Union, together with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein,
• You are a postgraduate student with temporary registration and have come to Ireland to carry out related work.

However, if you do not fit into either of the above categories, you will need a work permit. An application for a work permit can be made by either the employer or the employee. The following documentation must be supplied:

• A fully completed new employment permit application form signed by both the employer and the employee,
• Documentary evidence that a labour market needs test has been undertaken for the vacancy,
• Documentary evidence of the employee’s certified qualifications,
• The appropriate processing fee paid for by the applicant,
• A copy of the registration with the appropriate medical body or validation of qualifications from the Department of Health and Children should also be attached.

Note: Your passport must be in date and valid for at least three months after the proposed expiry date of the work permit.

Finally, remember that some nationalities need entry visas in addition to work permits. An entry visa entitles the holder to enter the country, not to work. To check if you need an entry visa email info@justice.ie or contact us.

Banking

We can help you to open an offshore bank account with Barclays Bank, or an onshore account with AIB or Ulster Bank. Simply request an application form and we’ll include it in your welcome pack.

If you apply for an account on arrival in Ireland it will be open when you start your new job and ready for us to deposit your first week’s salary. You will need to complete the application form and supply us with a copy of your passport and three months recent bank statements (originals). We will supply a reference letter and instructions to the bank.

Salaries and the Cost of Living in Ireland

We have compiled data on an average consultant doctor’s salary and the cost of living in Ireland compared to other countries around the world.

Check out the graphic below.*