City Hub · DUB

Moving to Dublin

What official sources say about arriving, settling in, and working in Dublin, County Dublin. Every point links to the page it came from.

Checked against official sources · last verified 24 Oct 2026

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Decide

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Dublin at a glance

The basics about Dublin and Ireland, with official sources for weather and rents.

Ireland had 5,149,139 residents on census day, 3 April 2022.
Source: Census of Population 2022, Summary Results — CSO ↗
In Census 2022, 20% of Ireland's usual residents (1,017,437 people) were born outside Ireland, and 12% (631,785) were non-Irish citizens. The largest groups were Polish, UK, Indian and Romanian citizens.
Source: Census 2022 Summary Results: Migration and Diversity — CSO ↗
Dublin is Ireland's most densely populated area: Dublin City and suburbs had 3,659 people per square kilometre in Census 2022.
Source: Census 2022 Profile 1: Population Distribution — CSO ↗
Rents are high. The RTB Rent Index (published 3 September 2026) put the average rent for new tenancies in County Dublin at €2,335 a month in Q1 2026, against €1,839 nationally.
Source: The RTB Rent Index, Q1 2026 — RTB and ESRI ↗
New-tenancy rents nationally rose 9.1% in the year to Q1 2026.
Source: The RTB Rent Index, Q1 2026 — ESRI ↗
The ESRI reports a large jump in new-tenancy rents in March 2026, when the new rental rules came in, and says it is too early to tell how lasting it is.
Source: RTB Rent Index Q1 2026 briefing presentation — ESRI ↗
Met Éireann is Ireland's national weather service. Check it for forecasts and weather warnings, including wind and rain warnings.
Source: Weather warnings — Met Éireann ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Laws and customs

Everyday Irish rules that often surprise newcomers.

In an emergency call 999 or 112 for Gardaí (police) or an ambulance. For non-urgent crime information, Garda Confidential is 1800 666 111.
Source: Contact us — An Garda Síochána ↗
You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol. Pubs serve 10:30am to 11:30pm Monday to Thursday, to 12:30am on Friday and Saturday, and 12:30pm to 11pm on Sunday.
Source: Alcohol and the law — Citizens Information ↗
Off-licences and shops sell alcohol 10:30am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and from 12:30pm on Sundays and St Patrick's Day.
Source: Alcohol and the law — Citizens Information ↗
Drinking outdoors is not banned everywhere, but many councils have bye-laws that ban drinking in some or all public places, and Gardaí can confiscate alcohol.
Source: Alcohol and the law — Citizens Information ↗
Minimum unit pricing has applied since 4 January 2022: a standard drink (10g of alcohol) must cost at least €1. Health warning labels on alcohol are now due from 3 September 2028, not 22 May 2026 as first planned.
Source: Alcohol and the law — Citizens Information ↗
Plastic bottles and cans from 150ml to 3 litres with the Re-turn logo carry a deposit: 15c up to 500ml and 25c above that. Return them to a participating shop to get it back.
Source: Deposit Return Scheme — Re-turn ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Dublin

Getting from Dublin Airport into town, and your first admin steps.

Dublin Express coaches run from Terminals 1 and 2 to more than 15 city-centre stops, including O'Connell Street, Trinity College and Heuston Station. The fastest trip is 14 minutes and fares start at €9 one way online.
Source: Dublin Airport to Dublin City — Dublin Express ↗
Dublin Express does not run all night: the first coach leaves Terminal 1 at 03:05 and the last at 00:35. Its 783 route also serves Rathmines, Rathgar and Terenure.
Source: Dublin Airport to Dublin City — Dublin Express ↗
Cheaper TFI buses also serve the airport, including routes 16, 41 and 102. A TFI Leap Card gives the lowest fares on these routes.
Source: Dublin Airport bus services — Dublin Airport ↗
If you are not an EU/EEA, Swiss or UK citizen and are staying more than 90 days, you must register your immigration permission within 90 days of your landing stamp. In Dublin this is at the Registration Office, Burgh Quay.
Source: Registration of non-EEA nationals in Ireland — Citizens Information ↗
You can only book your registration appointment after you arrive in Ireland. Book online through the ISD customer portal.
Source: Required documents for first-time registration — Immigration Service Delivery ↗
Apply for your PPS number early: you need it for work, tax and public services. You can apply online with a MyGovID account.
Source: Get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number — gov.ie ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Getting around

Leap card, Dublin Bus, Luas and DART.

The TFI 90 Minute Fare lets you change between Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail (Zone 1) for one price within 90 minutes. With a Leap Card it costs €2.00 for adults, €1.00 for young adults (19–25) and students, and €0.65 for children.
Source: TFI 90 Minute Fare — Transport for Ireland ↗
Leap fares are capped in the Dublin area: adults pay at most €6.00 a day and €24.00 a week (Monday to Sunday). Young adults and students pay at most €3.00 a day and €12.00 a week.
Source: TFI 90 Minute Fare — Transport for Ireland ↗
A Short Fare of €1.50 (adult) applies to single trips of about 3km or less. On the Luas, tap on and off at the stop every time, even after you reach a cap.
Source: TFI Leap Card fares — Luas ↗
An adult Leap Card has a €5 deposit and a €5 minimum top-up. Buy one at Leap agents, post offices, some Irish Rail ticket machines in Dublin, or online.
Source: TFI Leap Card types — Leap Card ↗
Young Adult (19–25) Leap Cards can only be bought online and are non-transferable. Student Leap Cards need full-time study of at least 15 hours a week on a course of at least 25 weeks.
Source: TFI Leap Card types — Leap Card ↗
The Luas has two tram lines. The Red Line runs from Saggart and Tallaght to Connolly and The Point; the Green Line runs from Brides Glen through Dundrum and the city centre to Broombridge.
Source: Luas network map — Luas ↗
The DART coastal rail line runs from Greystones and Bray through Dún Laoghaire and the city centre (Pearse, Tara Street, Connolly) to Howth and Malahide.
Source: DART timetable (Table 18), valid to 12 Dec 2026 — Iarnród Éireann ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and housing

Renting rules, upfront costs and where to get help.

New rental rules apply to tenancies that start on or after 1 March 2026. After 6 months, your tenancy becomes a 'tenancy of minimum duration' that runs in 6-year cycles.
Source: Changes to the rules for renting from March 2026 — Citizens Information ↗
Landlords with 4 or more tenancies (and all companies) can end a new tenancy only for tenant breach or if the home no longer suits you. They can no longer end it to sell or move a relative in. Smaller landlords have more grounds.
Source: Changes to the rules for renting from March 2026 — Citizens Information ↗
Rent increases are capped at CPI inflation or 2% a year, whichever is lower, once every 12 months. Newly built apartments (commencement notice on or after 10 June 2025) are capped at CPI only. Rent Pressure Zones were abolished on 28 February 2026.
Source: Rent increases in private rented housing — Citizens Information ↗
Landlords must give at least 90 days' notice of a rent increase. Since 14 September 2026 they must send a copy to the RTB within 7 days, and the RTB can fine landlords €200 for breaking rent rules.
Source: Rent increases in private rented housing — Citizens Information ↗
A landlord cannot make you pay more than 2 months' rent upfront in total (deposit plus rent in advance) for tenancies created since 9 August 2021.
Source: Looking for a flat or house to rent — Citizens Information ↗
Common scams include asking for a deposit without showing the property and fake keys. View in person, do not rely on videos or photos, and do not pay by cash, wire transfer or crypto.
Source: Looking for a flat or house to rent — Citizens Information ↗
Average new-tenancy rents in Q1 2026: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown €2,629, Dublin City €2,301, Fingal €2,269 and South Dublin €2,267 a month.
Source: The RTB Rent Index, Q1 2026 — RTB and ESRI ↗
Threshold gives free advice to renters: freephone 1800 454 454, Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm.
Source: Accommodation — Citizens Information ↗

External links

Residential Tenancies Board ↗Renting rules from March 2026 ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Schools

How school starts and how to get a place.

Most children start primary (national) school at 4 or 5. Your child must start formal education by age 6.
Source: Starting primary school — Citizens Information ↗
Applications for the next school year open on 1 October of the previous year. For example, you can apply in October 2026 for a place in September 2027.
Source: Choosing a primary school — Citizens Information ↗
There is no central system: you apply to each school on its own admissions form. Every school publishes an admissions policy that says how it picks pupils when oversubscribed.
Source: Choosing a primary school — Citizens Information ↗
State-funded schools do not charge enrolment fees, but many ask for an optional voluntary contribution.
Source: Choosing a primary school — Citizens Information ↗
Each school has an ethos set by its patron. Denominational schools have a religious patron; multi-denominational schools include Educate Together and Community National Schools. Gaelscoileanna teach through Irish.
Source: Choosing a primary school — Citizens Information ↗
Schools cannot refuse a place because of race, religion (with a narrow exception), disability, special educational needs, Traveller background, family status or other listed grounds.
Source: Choosing a primary school — Citizens Information ↗

External links

Find a School (Department of Education and Youth) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Healthcare

GPs, emergency care and health insurance.

Most adults pay to see a GP. Fees are not set, and the Citizens Information guide says visits cost from about €45 up to €65 in some urban areas.
Source: GPs and private patients — Citizens Information ↗
Some GP practices are full and do not take new patients. Use the HSE Find a GP tool, then phone practices near you to ask.
Source: Find a GP — HSE ↗
Children under 8 get free GP visits with a GP visit card. Apply online with your PPS number, your child's PPS number and your GP's name. The child must intend to live in Ireland for at least a year.
Source: Under 8s GP visit card — HSE ↗
Going to an emergency department without a GP referral letter costs €100. Public inpatient charges were abolished on 17 April 2023.
Source: Charges for hospital services — Citizens Information ↗
Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance. At night and weekends, GP out-of-hours services treat urgent problems by appointment only; there are no walk-ins.
Source: Emergency health services in Ireland — Citizens Information ↗
Health insurance costs 2% more for each year over 34 you are when you first buy it. If you move to Ireland, there is no loading if you buy cover within 9 months and keep it.
Source: Private health insurance — Citizens Information ↗
The Drugs Payment Scheme caps what you pay for approved medicines: apply if you spend more than €80 a month.
Source: Drugs Payment Scheme — HSE ↗
HSE Live answers health service questions: freephone 1800 700 700, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
Source: Find a GP — HSE ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Banking and ID

Your PPS number, bank account and proof of identity.

Your PPS number is needed to start work, claim welfare and use public services. Apply online at MyWelfare with a basic or verified MyGovID account.
Source: Get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number — gov.ie ↗
To get a PPS number you need photo ID (non-EU/EEA citizens need their passport), proof of address no older than 3 months, and the reason you need the number.
Source: Get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number — gov.ie ↗
Dublin has four PPS allocation centres: Cork Street (Dublin 8), D'Olier House (Dublin 2), Upper Gardiner Street (Dublin 1) and King's Inns Street (Dublin 1). Phone 0818 405060.
Source: PPS Number allocation centres by county — gov.ie ↗
Banks need one photo ID (such as a passport or Irish Residence Permit) and a separate proof of address under 6 months old, such as a utility bill or a Revenue document. Ask the bank about alternatives if you have none yet.
Source: Proof of identity to open a bank account — Citizens Information ↗
If you live in the EU and have no other Irish current account, you can open a basic bank account with no everyday banking or maintenance fees for the first year.
Source: Basic bank accounts — Citizens Information ↗
The Deposit Guarantee Scheme, run by the Central Bank of Ireland, protects eligible deposits up to €100,000.
Source: Deposit Guarantee Scheme — Central Bank of Ireland ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Driving and cars

Using or swapping your licence, and the rules for running a car.

You can exchange a licence from the EU/EEA or a recognised state: Australia, some Canadian provinces, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Moldova, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the UK. Ukrainian licences can no longer be exchanged.
Source: Foreign driving licences in Ireland — Citizens Information ↗
The exchange fee is €65 (free if you are 70 or over). Licences from recognised states also need an eyesight report dated within one month. Apply online or book one of 34 NDLS centres on 0818 919 090.
Source: Exchange a foreign driving licence — NDLS ↗
Once you are normally resident (185 days or more a year), you cannot drive on a non-EU/EEA licence. If your country is not recognised, take the theory test, get a learner permit and do 6 EDT lessons instead of 12.
Source: Exchange a foreign driving licence — NDLS ↗
Ireland's drink-drive limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood, and 20mg for learner, novice (2 years or less) and professional drivers.
Source: Drink driving offences — Citizens Information ↗
Insurance is compulsory, and you need a current insurance certificate before you can pay motor tax.
Source: Motor tax, insurance, NCT and CVRT — Citizens Information ↗
Cars 4 years or older must pass the NCT, every 2 years until age 10 and every year after that. The test costs €60 and a re-test €40.
Source: National Car Test (NCT) — Citizens Information ↗

External links

NDLS: exchange a foreign licence ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay, permits, pensions and tax when you start work.

The national minimum wage is €14.15 an hour from 1 January 2026, up 65c.
Source: S.I. No. 472/2025 National Minimum Wage Order 2025 — Irish Statute Book ↗
Lower rates apply under 20: €12.74 at 19, €11.32 at 18 and €9.91 under 18.
Source: National minimum wage — Citizens Information ↗
Most non-EEA nationals need an employment permit. From 1 March 2026 the minimum salary is €36,605 for a General Employment Permit and €40,904 for a Critical Skills Employment Permit on the Critical Skills list.
Source: Roadmap for employment permit salary thresholds — DETE ↗
A Critical Skills Employment Permit needs a job offer of at least 2 years. It costs €1,000 (90% refunded if refused). Apply at least 12 weeks before the start date.
Source: Critical Skills Employment Permit — DETE ↗
Since 1 January 2026, employees aged 23 to 60 earning €20,000 or more without a workplace pension are auto-enrolled in MyFutureFund. Employee and employer each pay 1.5% and the State adds 0.5%.
Source: Auto-enrolment pension (MyFutureFund) — Citizens Information ↗
For your first job in Ireland, register in Revenue's myAccount and add your job with your employer's tax number. If you don't, you may pay Emergency Tax.
Source: Starting your first job — Revenue ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Universities

Dublin's main universities, fees and student work rules.

Trinity College Dublin is in the city centre at College Green, Dublin 2.
Source: Trinity College Dublin ↗
University College Dublin's main campus is at Belfield, Dublin 4.
Source: University College Dublin ↗
Dublin City University's main campus is in Glasnevin. Its students come from 123 countries.
Source: Dublin City University ↗
Technological University Dublin has more than 28,500 students across five Dublin campuses.
Source: Technological University Dublin ↗
Undergraduate places are mainly allocated through the CAO points system. Non-EEA applicants may need to apply directly to the college.
Source: Third-level education — Citizens Information ↗
Most EU undergraduates pay no tuition fees but pay a student contribution, cut from €2,500 to €2,350 for 2026/27. Free fees require 3 of the last 5 years living in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK.
Source: Third-level student fees and charges — Citizens Information ↗
Non-EEA students must have private medical insurance. They may work up to 20 hours a week in term and 40 hours in June to September and 15 December to 15 January.
Source: Frequently asked questions for students — Immigration Service Delivery ↗

External links

Trinity: international students ↗UCD: international students ↗TU Dublin: international study ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Communities and support

Free advice for migrants and places to connect.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland runs a free, confidential immigration information line on 01 674 0200.
Source: Information line — Immigrant Council of Ireland ↗
Crosscare Migrant Project in Dublin helps non-EU migrants with immigration permission, family visas and citizenship. Contact 01 873 2844 or migrantproject@crosscare.ie.
Source: Refugees, migrants and emigrants — Crosscare ↗
County Dublin has 19 Citizens Information Centres, including Dublin City Centre (Montgomery House, James Joyce Street) and Tallaght. The national phone service is 0818 07 4000.
Source: Citizens Information Centres in Dublin ↗
Public library membership is free for everyone in Ireland. Start online, then bring photo ID and proof of address to a library. Libraries offer eBooks, eLearning and online language courses.
Source: Join your library — Libraries Ireland ↗
751,507 people in Ireland spoke a language other than English or Irish at home in 2022. Polish was the most common.
Source: Census 2022 Summary Results: Migration and Diversity — CSO ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

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