Ireland is the only English-speaking EU member state, which removes the single biggest barrier most Americans face when moving to Europe. For Americans moving to Ireland from the US, the cultural overlap runs deep, the job market is strong, and cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway have well-established communities of American expats. Dublin hosts the European headquarters of Google, Apple, Meta, and dozens of other major companies. Cork and Galway offer the same EU access at a considerably lower cost of living.

The housing market is competitive, taxes need attention on both sides of the Atlantic, and the immigration system works differently from other EU countries. Here's what to know before you go.

Which visa do you need

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. US citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days under Ireland's own rules, separately from the Schengen allowance. For longer stays, the main routes are:

Critical Skills Employment Permit: For Americans with a job offer from an Irish employer, covering roles on Ireland's Critical Skills Occupations List or any role paying over €64,000/year. The employer initiates the application through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. After two years, permit holders can apply for long-term residency and bring family members.

General Employment Permit: For roles that don't qualify under Critical Skills. A labor market needs test applies, and processing takes longer. If you have a job offer that doesn't meet the Critical Skills criteria, this is the route.

Stamp 0 (Independent Means): For retirees and Americans living on passive income with no intention of working in Ireland. Applicants typically need to demonstrate income of around €50,000 or more per year. Pre-clearance from INIS is required before you travel.

Student Permission (Stamp 2): Full enrollment at a recognized Irish institution qualifies you. Part-time work of up to 20 hours per week is permitted during term.

One route that's unique to Ireland and worth checking early: if you have an Irish grandparent or great-grandparent born in Ireland, you may qualify for Irish citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration. Irish citizenship means full EU rights and freedom of movement across the bloc.

The PPS number: get this sorted early

The PPS number (Personal Public Service Number) is a seven-character code you need for employment, tax, healthcare, social welfare, and most dealings with Irish public services. You apply at your local Intreo Centre after arriving, with proof of identity and a verified Irish address. It's free and straightforward once you're in the country. There's no way to get it before you land.

bunq doesn't require a PPS number to open an account. You can have a working Irish IBAN before you arrive, useful for covering early expenses and receiving transfers from the US while you work through your first Intreo appointment.

Cost of living in Ireland

Dublin is one of the more expensive cities in Europe. Outside the capital, the numbers drop considerably.

A full restaurant meal runs €15 to €25. Groceries are broadly comparable to mid-US city prices. A monthly Leap card for Dublin public transport costs around €100 to €140 depending on zones, and utilities run €150 to €250 per month.

A single person can live comfortably in Cork or Galway on €2,200 to €2,800 per month. A couple in central Dublin should budget €4,500 to €6,000.

Healthcare

Ireland's public healthcare system, run by the HSE, is available to all residents but is not free at point of use. GP visits typically cost €40 to €60. Private health insurance is widely held and strongly recommended. The main providers are VHI, Laya Healthcare, and Irish Life Health. Plans run €800 to €2,000 per year depending on age and coverage, considerably cheaper than equivalent US plans.

Some longer-stay permissions require proof of private health insurance before they're approved. Sort this before you travel. Your US insurance won't cover routine care in Ireland.

Taxes

US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Moving to Ireland doesn't change that obligation. If your foreign accounts hold more than $10,000 at any point during the year, you'll need to file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). FATCA Form 8938 may apply depending on your asset levels.

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit both apply, and the US-Ireland tax treaty prevents double taxation in most cases.

On the Irish side, residents pay income tax at 20% on the first €44,000 and 40% above that, plus the Universal Social Charge (0.5% to 8% depending on income) and PRSI at 4% for most employees. An Irish tax advisor familiar with US expat filings is worth engaging before your first full year.

Expat banking in Ireland: what US citizens need to know

Traditional Irish banks, including AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB, require a PPS number and proof of Irish address. Neither will be in place when you land.

bunq solves that. No PPS number required at sign-up, no branch visit, and you get an Irish IBAN in 5 minutes, ready for salary transfers, rent payments, and everyday spending. It's a fully regulated European bank trusted by 20 million users, with deposits protected up to €100,000 under the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme. When money is moving regularly between the US and Ireland, ZeroFX removes the exchange rate markup on eligible card purchases in currencies outside the Eurozone.

Open your Bank Account in 5 minutes.

Finding a place to live

Daft.ie is the dominant property portal in Ireland. MyHome.ie carries additional listings. Dublin's housing market is genuinely competitive, with demand consistently outpacing supply. Cork and Galway are more manageable. Expat Facebook groups for each city regularly surface furnished short-term lets not listed on the main platforms, useful for the first month while you get settled.

Landlords typically ask for one month's deposit plus first month's rent, proof of income, and references. A short-term furnished rental for the first one to two months buys you time to find the right neighborhood and get your PPS number sorted.

Driving

Ireland drives on the left. A US driving license is valid for 12 months after you become resident. After that, you'll need an Irish license. There's no direct exchange with US licenses. The process runs through the NDLS and involves a theory test, 12 compulsory driving lessons, and a practical test. Budget €500 to €1,500 depending on preparation needed. In Dublin, the public transport network makes a car unnecessary for most daily life. Outside the capital, having one makes considerably more sense.

Language

English is Ireland's primary language, used in daily life, government, healthcare, and business. For Americans, the cultural and linguistic transition is easier than any other European move. Irish (Gaeilge) is the country's other official language, visible on signage, but not needed for day-to-day life outside dedicated Irish-speaking regions in the west.

Getting started

Moving to Ireland from the US is one of the more natural international moves an American can make. The language, the culture, and the EU access all work in your favor. With bunq, you can open your account from your phone before you land, get an Irish IBAN without a PPS number, and manage your money in English from day one. Whether you're moving for work or for a fresh start in Europe, bunq helps keep your finances organized on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ready to settle in? Open bunq and start banking smarter from day one.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Requirements and thresholds change. Consult a qualified adviser for your specific situation.