Welcome to Ireland

Relocation Guide

Let Duffy Alexander Recruitment help you

take the next step in your career!
Introduction
Duffy Alexander Recruitment isn’t just a recruitment agency, it’s a family.
We offer you guidance and support throughout the whole recruitment
process.

We pride ourselves in our approach in ensuring that you are welcomed to

Ireland, but also that you relocate with ease.

So welcome to our DAR Welcome Pack, we hope you find it helpful!

Contents

Arriving – Dublin Airport & Citywest Quarantine

Accommodation & Living in Ireland
Public Transport in Ireland
Driving in Ireland
Mobile Networks in Ireland
Education – Schools, Child Benefits and Childcare
Healthcare
DAR Recruitment, Hospitals and Salaries in Ireland
Tax – How to get a Certificate of Tax Credits
Revenue – PPS & My Account
Banking
Public Holidays
Living Costs in Ireland
 Dublin Airport
&
Citywest Quarantine
How do I get from Dublin Airport to Citywest hotel?
We recommend that you get a taxi from the airport to Citywest hotel. It is the quickest and safest way there.

There are two ways to organise a taxi from Dublin Airport:

1) You can walk straight out of the terminal and hop in the next available taxi.

- Terminal 1 (Taxi rank a short walk outside Arrivals)

- Terminal 2 (Taxi rank a short walk or lift downstairs at Departures)

2 ) You can pre book your taxi (Prices can be found on each website).

Please see the following options for airport taxis:

http://www.airporttaxi.ie/

https://www.welcomepickups.com/dublin/airport-taxi/

https://www.taxi2airport.com/en/airport-transfers/dublin-airport-taxi

https://taxidublinairport.ie/

You taxi trip will be between €40 to €60 for one way depending on bags/people etc
Before arriving at Citywest hotel, you will be asked to fill out the Covid 19 accommodation form (we will help you with this form, as you will need a form for each
member of your family). All is paid for, including hotel and food for the 14 days while you and your family members are quarantined.

You will also be required to bring certain items for yourself and family (this will be outlined on your Covid 19 form)

Citywest Hotel is location on the outskirts of Dublin City, please see useful links below:

https://www.citywesthotel.com/

and

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Dublin+Airport,+Dublin/citywest+hotel/@53.3562155,-
6.4778016,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x486711be6993192f:0x55121bb5b725f355!2m2!1d-
6.2499098!2d53.4264481!1m5!1m1!1s0x48677469bd773169:0x8ec3eac7802dbd00!2m2!1d-6.4465063!2d53.2860731

and

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Citywest+Hotel/@53.3112684,-6.4239672,12z/data=!4m22!1m13!4m12!1m4!2m2!1d-
6.2717952!2d53.3004288!4e1!1m6!1m2!1s0x48677469bd773169:0x8ec3eac7802dbd00!2scitywest+hotel!2m2!1d-
6.4465063!2d53.2860731!3m7!1s0x48677469bd773169:0x8ec3eac7802dbd00!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d53.2860731!4d-6.4465063
Accommodation
&
Living in Ireland
 There are different types of accommodation in Ireland.

Owner Occupied Rented Public, Social & Council Housing

Owner Occupied - is a form of housing tenure where a person, called the owner-occupier, owner-occupant, or homeowner, owns the home in which they live.

Rented - pay someone for the use of.

Public, Social & Council Housing - is a form of housing tenure in which the property is usually owned by a government authority, either central or local.

The most common types of accommodation are apartments, detached houses and semi-detached houses. In Ireland, there is a distinction between “flats” and
“apartments” – a flat may be above a shop or office or in a converted old house. An apartment is usually in a purpose-built building.

Note that rents do vary from location to location and generally rents are cheaper the further away from the city center one goes. Rental costs also vary
considerably depending on the size and the quality of a property and the facilities it has to offer. The quality of a rental property can vary, so you should view the
property before making any tenancy agreement.

The most significant factors influencing rents are the regions, city and neighborhood. For example, rental and living costs in Dublin are up to 50 % more expensive
than other locations in Ireland.
In some cases, utilities such a gas, electricity and TV license are not included in rental costs, be sure to ask your prospective landlord what exactly is covered by the
monthly rent. Most apartments and houses are available for rent fully furnished – sofa, table, beds, kitchen appliances etc.

On relocation to Ireland, the most suitable types of accommodation initially are rented accommodation. We would always recommend that the property is fully
examined before signing any tenancy agreement. Rent is usually paid monthly in advance. An initial deposit of 1-2 months rent is also required.

Based on our own personal experiences, we do suggest that you secure some temporary accommodation before you arrive in Ireland. Examples of this would
Hotels and B&B’s (Bed & Breakfast). This will allow you time to visit several rental properties in person and make a more informed decision.

You can find rental accommodation through any of the following links:

https://www.daft.ie/ - https://www.rent.ie/ - https://www.myhome.ie/ - https://www.let.ie/

You can find temporary accommodation though any of the following links:

https://ireland-bnb.com/ - https://www.bandbireland.com/ - https://www.irelandhotels.com/

Public Transport
in Ireland
Bus

Bus Eireann is Ireland national Bus and coach Operator. It operates regional city, commuter and intercity bus services throughout Ireland. By logging on to below
site you can use the journey planner service to plan your route and get accurate departure and arrival times. http://www.buseireann.ie There are also many private
bus companies and you will find information on them on the following website www.transportforireland.ie

Rail

Irish rail or larnoid Eireann is the national provider of rail and related services in Ireland including InterCity services which run between Ireland’s major cities and
towns. DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is an easy and quick way to get around Dublin. It is the rail line running along the coast of Dublin, from Malahide and
Howth southwards as far as Greystones, Co Wicklow. There is also a tram system servicing Dublin City called LUAS. Luas | Home

Irish rail operates city and commuter services in Dublin and Cork as well as intercity services throughout Ireland. With the following link you can plan your journey
and get accurate departure, arrival and route information. http://www.irishrail.ie/

Air

Dublin Airport is Ireland’s busiest Airport. Dublin Airport conveniently located approximately 10 km north of Dublin city Centre. All flights and transportation details
can be found at the following link. http://www.dublinairport.com

Cork airport is the international gateway to the south of Ireland and Ireland’s second busiest airport after Dublin Airport. This fly’s to over 50 destinations in
Europe. All flight and transportation details can be found below site. http://www.corkairport.com

Shannon airport is one of the Ireland’s three primary Airports, along with Dublin and Cork. It is sited in the Midwest region of Ireland and it is served by a regular
bus services. Further information can be gained on their website: https://www.shannonairport.ie
Driving in Ireland
To drive legally in Ireland, you must have one of the following driving licenses:

An Irish Driving license

A valid International driving license

EU standard pattern Liken

If you hold a driving license issued by a country that is not recognised for driving license exchange, you cannot exchange your license for an Irish License. You will
only get an Irish driving license after you have gone through the full driver licensing procedure, starting with the driver theory test.

If you intend to drive in Ireland you must apply for an Irish License, unless you have an EU OR EEA member state driving license Whichever license you have, you
must carry it with you always when driving in Ireland.

You must ensure your vehicle is registered for the current year, and you need at least third-party insurance cover for any vehicle you drive. It is an offence not to
display valid evidence of vehicle registration and insurance.

Before you start to drive in Ireland, remember that on Irish roads YOU DRIVE ON THE LEFT. It is very important that you are familiar with Ireland’s driving laws,
especially with regards to speed limits. Driving more than the speed limit will result in an on the spot fine. Throughout Ireland, speed limit restrictions are displayed
by the roadside on white round signs with a red border the number written in the middle of this sign is the speed limit, displayed in kilometers per hour. Motorway
signage is on a green background.

Useful websites:

www.rsa.ie

www.iol.ie/discover/driving
How can I validate my driving license?

If you hold a UK driving licence, you can drive in Ireland until the end of the transition period (Brexit). The transition period ends on 31 December 2020. You will no
longer be able to drive on your UK licence after this date. You will still be able to exchange it for an Irish licence.

If you have a driving license issued by an EU/EEA member state, you can drive in Ireland if your existing license is valid. If you wish to exchange your driving license
for an equivalent Irish driving license, you must do so within 10 years of your driving license expiring.

Ireland has agreements with recognised states for driving license exchange. These countries are as follows:

Australia, Canada (but not from all provinces – see note below), Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, Republic of Korea (South Korea),
Switzerland, New Zealand and Taiwan

If you are a holder of a license issued by one of the above states, you can drive in Ireland when visiting, providing your license is valid. If you become a resident in
Ireland, you can drive for up to 12 months from the date of becoming resident, if your license has not expired.
Holder of Driving License from other countries

If you are not from any of the previous mentioned countries and you hold a national driving license or an international driving permit from your own country, you
may drive Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit – up to 12 months.

If your stay in Ireland will be more than 12 months, you can apply for an Irish driving license, but you will need to go through the full driver license procedure. You
must first complete the driver theory test, apply for a learner driving license and then complete your full driving test in Ireland. If you pass your full driving test, you
will be issued with a full Irish Driving License.

For more information about how to convert your driving license to an Irish driving license visit: www.citizeninformation.ie/en/travel
Mobile Networks
in Ireland
Mobile communications in Ireland is of good quality and gaining access is very easy. To connect to one of the Irish mobile networks, you can either buy a new SIM
card on its own or a phone as well.

If you already own a phone, you just need to purchase a SIM card and use your current phone (remember your phone might need to be unlocked first - even if
you've used the same mobile provided in your home country). If you purchase a SIM and a new phone together, you can buy either a prepay phone or research
which bill pay offer suits you best.

Links to our best networks:

www.vodafone.ie

www.3ireland.ie

www.tesecomabile.ie

Best mobile phone deals & No Limits Data with eir mobile | eir.ie
Education – Schools,
Child Benefits &
Childcare
Primary Schools:

The Irish school year for primary school children runs from 14 September to 30th June approximately. Children attend primary school from the age of 4 or 5 until
they are 12 or 13 years of age. The primary school cycle is 8 years long. Schools generally have 2 years of infant classes, followed by Class 1 to Class 6. Children in
Ireland are entitled to free primary and post-primary education. The majority of primary schools are State-funded which means that you will not have to pay
annual fees for your child's education. In practice, however, schools often need to raise extra funds for additional resources such as computers, sports equipment
or improved facilities. You may be asked to contribute or to take part in fund-raising for the school, but your participation in these activities is voluntary. The
compulsory school age in Ireland is 6 and all forms of preprimary education are optional Children can be enrolled in school from the age of 4, however, most
children start their first year of primary education at age 5.

Types of schools in Ireland:

State-funded national schools are also known as National Schools. These include the following:

Religious Schools
Non-Denominational Schools
3 Multi-denominational schools
Gaelscoileanna which are schools that teach the curriculum through the Irish Language

Private Primary Schools:

If you choose to send your child to a private school, you will have to pay annual fees. These can vary considerably from school to school. Contact the school of your
choice to ask for their schedule of fees and other expenses.

Special Schools:

These are schools established for children with special needs.

Choosing a school

You can send your child to the school of your choice. However, when it comes to enrolling your child, you may find that there is little or no choice in the area in
which you live. Each school operation an admissions policy, which they must make available on request.

State-funded primary schools tend to give priority to children living in the immediate area, but problems can arise if their classes are already full and they have a
waiting list. Multi-denominational schools and Gaelscoileanna each decide their own admissions policy.

Helpful link in finding a school in your area: https://www.schooldays.ie/articles/primary-schools-in-ireland-by-county

Secondary Schools:

The Irish secondary (also known as post-primary) school cycle is generally 5 or 6 years long. Children begin their secondary school studies around the age of 12/13
and complete these studies around the age of 18/19. During this period of their education, they will sit two state examinations.
The Irish secondary school year runs from the first week in September to the first week in June. If your child is joining a Junior Certificate (usually when they are
15/16 years of age) or a Leaving Certificate class (18/19 years of age), the state exams run during June. Education in state-funded second-level schools is free,
however, you will need to pay for schoolbooks and where appropriate, school uniforms. Usually, you will also have to pay for extra-curricular activities. The types of
schools available are:

Secondary schools

Vocational schools, providing both academic and technical education

Community or comprehensive schools, providing both academic and technical education and they often provide additional further education
opportunities for school-leavers and adults in the local community

Private secondary schools - some of whom offer residential boarding - either 5 or 7-day boarding,

Third Level Education

Entrance to third-level education in Ireland is decided by competition. The final year secondary school examination, The Leaving Certificate is a national point
graded examination. The students' academic grade on their 6 best subjects are converted into points. These points are calculated, and third-level university and
college places are awarded on a points basis.
Child Benefit

Child Benefit (previously known as Children's Allowance) is payable to an unemployed parent or guardian of children under 16 years of age, or under 18 years of
age if the child is in full-time education.

You will need to apply for Child Benefit within 12 months of:

1. The birth of your child or

2. The month the child becomes a member of your family or

3. The month the family came to live in Ireland

EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals working in Ireland satisfy the habitual residence condition for Child Benefit. Non-EU/EEA citizens must be habitually resident in
Ireland to qualify for Child Benefit. For more information contact: Child Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection

http://www.welfare.ie
Childcare

There are a number of options when it comes to childcare. Services can either be community or privately-run, center-based in a childcare facility or home-based in
your or a carer’s home.

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides a free year of early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age. In general,
children are eligible for the ECCE scheme if they are aged over 3 years and 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months on 1 September of the year. The pre-school
service is free of charge to all children within the qualifying age range for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week over a period of 38 weeks. If your child attends for more than
3 hours, you will be charged for the extra time.

Children will be eligible to start ECCE when they reach 3 years of age and continue until they transfer to primary school (if they are not older than 5 years and 6
months at the end of the preschool year). This increases the number of weeks available on the ECCE scheme. Children will be able to enroll in pre-school at 3
different points throughout the year (September, January and April) to access the scheme.
Healthcare
If you are coming to live, work, study or retire in Ireland, entitlement to heath service in primarily based on residency and means, rather than on your payment of
tax of pay-related social insurance. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Services Executive (HSE) as being a resident in Ireland, is
entitled to free public hospital services, but may have to pay in-patient and out-patient hospital charges. There is full eligibility (Category 1: medical card holder) or
limited eligibility (Category 2) for health services.

You are also entitled to subsidised prescribed drugs and medicines, and maternity and infant care services. You may also be entitled to free or subsidised
community care and personal social services.

To establish if a person is resident, the Health Services Executive (HSE) may require the following:

Proof of property purchase or rental, including evidence that the property in question is the person’s principal residence.
Evidence of transfer of funds, bank accounts, pensions etc.
A residence permit or visa
A work permit or visa, statements from employers etc.
In some instance, the signing of an affidavit (a sworn written statement) by the applicant.

If a non-EYN national has established their eligibility for health services, it does not automatically mean that their dependents are also eligible.

Dependents of non-EU nationals may also have to satisfy the above requirements.

In addition to the public health systems, there is a range of private health care services. If you opt for private healthcare, you must pay an annual fee that covers
hospital treatment within your personal health plan.

There are several private health care providers in Ireland:

Voluntary Health Insurance Company: www.vhi.ie / Phone: 1890 444 444 / Email: info@vhi.ie

Laya Healthcare: www.layahealthcare.ie / Phone: 1890 700 890 / Email: info@layahealthcare.ie

Gloheath: www.glohealth.ie / Phone: 1890 781 78 / Email: providers@glohealth.ie

Aviva: www.aviva.ie / Phone: 1890 716 666 / Email: info@avivahealth.ie

DAR Recruitment,
Hospitals &
Salaries in Ireland
DAR Recruitment work with the majority of the hospitals in Ireland and will provide you with further information on the hospital & location (county) you are
relocating to.

Most hospitals have a dedicated Medical Manpower Team, who in partnership with DAR, will happily provide assistance with any queries around contract etc.

Hospitals in Ireland recruit for highly skilled professional medical personnel for several departments in their hospitals. Generally, contracts offered are from 6
months to 2 years. These contracts come with excellent remuneration, terms and conditions. Longer contract durations are available for suitable candidates.

Rates of pay for Healthcare professionals in Ireland are determined by HSE point-of-scale. Your salary scale will be determined by the number of years post
graduate experience a successful candidate has in a public teaching hospital or equivalent.

Currently the rates are as follows:

POSITION MONTHLY SALARY ANNUAL SALARY

SHO (Junior Doctor) €3722 - €5098 €45,558 - €62,399

Registrar (Senior Doctor) €4737 - €5578 €57,987 - €68,285

Consultants €10,000 - €13,000 €121,000 - €157,000

Also, we require salary certs for each year that you have worked in a Public Teaching Hospital to determine your salary. Experience certs are required.

You can calculate your salary (with 99% accuracy) with the following link:

http://services.deloitte.ie/
Certificate of Tax
Credits
When arriving in Ireland you will have to apply for a Certificate of Tax Credits. You will need to complete a 12A form for this. The 12A form is a form for a Certificate
of Tax Credits & Standard Rate Cut-Off Point. On this form it will ask for your hospital registration number, HR will be able to provide this. Once complete, the tax
office with send you out a statement of your tax credits. Revenue will notify your hospital of these too.

In Ireland there are several tax brackets, these determine the rate of tax you pay in your annual salary. Please see example below:

Irish income tax brackets (2020)

Rate Taxable earned income Category

20% 0 – €35,300 Individuals without dependent children.

20% 0 – €39,300 Single or widowed persons qualifying for the One-Parent Family tax credit.

20% 0 – €44,300 Married couples

40% Earned Income Remainder All categories

The €44,300 amount may, for married couples, be increased by the lesser of: €26,300 or the income of the second spouse. This brings the total maximum standard
rate band for a married couple to €70,600, little less than twice the single person's band. The increase is not transferable between spouses.

It is likely that you will be placed on an Emergency Tax Rate of 41% while waiting on all the necessary paperwork to be completed. The Emergency Tax Rate is
refunded to you once your tax credits have been established.

Useful Links:

• https://www.revenue.ie/en/jobs-and-pensions/starting-your-first-job/index.aspx

• https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/income_tax/how_to_comply_with_your_tax_obligations.html
Revenue Ireland
How to get a PPS
Number &
MyAccount
Revenue (Tax Office) registration – It is important to ensure that your tax is dealt with properly from the start and that your new employer deducts the right amount
of tax from your pay. To ensure that his happens smoothly, you will need to register with the Department of Revenue for a Personal Public Service Number (PPS
number).

Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland.

Before you can be allocated a PPS number, you must show that you need one for a transaction with a specified body. For example, if you are taking up employment,
you need a PPS number to register with the Revenue Commissioners. However, looking for work is not a transaction with a specified body and employers should not
look for your PPS number when recruiting. An employer should only seek a PPS number if you are actually taking up employment with the organisation.

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) provides a list of State agencies that use PPS numbers to identify individuals.

The PPS number was formerly known as the Revenue and Social Insurance (RSI) number.

Using the Personal Public Service Number

You can use your PPS number for:

• All social welfare services

• The Free Travel Pass
• Pupil ID
• Public health services, including the medical card and the Drugs Payment Scheme
• Child immunisation
• Schemes run by the Revenue Commissioners, such as mortgage interest relief
• Housing grants

I'm moving to Ireland soon - how do I get a Personal Public Service number?

Before you can be allocated a PPS number, you must show that one is required for a transaction with a specified body.

You will be asked to produce documentary evidence of identity and address in Ireland. Different documentary evidence will be required, depending on your
nationality. A complete list of documents required as evidence of your identity is available.
I am not resident in Ireland, but I need a PPS number - how do I get it?

In some cases, people who are not resident in Ireland may need a PPS number. For example, someone who is a beneficiary under an Irish will may need to supply a
PPS number before a grant of probate can issue.

If you are living in Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom and are working in the Republic of Ireland (a frontier worker), you can apply for a PPS number in the
normal way at a designated PPS Number Allocation Centre.

COVID-19 and applying for a PPS number

In an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus), face-to-face appointments for PPS numbers are currently suspended.

However, you can apply online for a PPS number using MyWelfare.ie, if you are living in Ireland and you are at least 18 years of age. You also need a basic MyGovID
account.

When you apply online, you need to upload:

A copy of your photo identity document (passport, driving licence, ID card etc.) If you do not have valid documents, you should provide whatever ID
documents that you do have.

Evidence of why you need a PPS number

Proof of your address

You should ensure that the documents you upload are easy to read.
To get a PPS number, you will need to fill out an application form in the PPS Number Allocation Centre, provide evidence of your identity and evidence of why you
need a PPS number allocated. You must also provide proof of your address.

Evidence of your identity - You will need to produce the following as evidence of your identity:

An Irish citizen born in the Republic of Ireland (Your birth certificate & Photographic ID, such as your passport or driving licence)

An Irish citizen via naturalisation or Foreign Birth Registration (Your current passport or Certificate of Naturalisation or Your Foreign Birth
Registration certificate and Irish or UK driving licence or Irish learner driving permit)

An Irish citizen born in Northern Ireland or a UK citizen (Current passport or Your birth certificate showing your mother’s birth name and current
driving licence)

EU citizens (other than Irish and UK) (Current passport or national identity card)

Non-EU citizens (Current passport)

Evidence of your address

You need to show evidence of your address. You can use any of the following documents to do this (the document must show your name and address and not be
older than 3 months):

• A household utility bill

• An official letter/document
• A financial statement
• Property lease or tenancy agreement
• Confirmation of address by a third party such as a hotel/hostel administrator or manager, school principal/administrator or accommodation/property
owner*.

*If you are staying with friends or relatives, an original household bill plus a note from the bill holder confirming your residency at the bill address is acceptable. This
note can be written on the bill itself.
PPS numbers for children

Children born in Ireland are usually given a PPS number when their birth is registered with the General Register Office (GRO). This means you do not need to apply
for a PPS number for an Irish-born child. However, if the birth is not registered within 3 months, a parent/guardian must make an application.

A PPS number is not automatically allocated if both parents' addresses are outside of the State. If you need a PPS number in such a case, then you must apply at a
PPS Number Allocation Centre.

PPS numbers for children living in, but not born in Ireland, must be applied for by the parent/guardian. One of the parents/guardians must have a PPS number for
the child to be registered and linked with their data.

Child application

The parent, foster parent, guardian or school representative should attend the PPS Number Allocation Centre with the child, and provide evidence of his/her own
identity, the identity of the child, evidence of the requirement for a PPS number, and evidence of the relationship between the parent/guardian and the child.
Evidence of address should also be provided. The DSP may make further enquiries where it is considered necessary to confirm the relationship between the child
and the person requesting a PPS number. A person aged less than 16 years is considered to be a child for PPS number allocation purposes.
Revenue - MyAccount

Click on the below link for easy register:

https://www.ros.ie/myaccount-web/sign_in.html?execution=e1s1

What do I need to register?

You will need:
PPS number
Date of Birth
Mobile number or landline number
Email address
Home address

Why do I need a My Account?

Once fully registered with revenue you will need to log on each time you change job/hospital.
You will need to go into your account an update your job status and update with the job/hospital individual registration number.
You do this so you are not emergency taxed in your next position.

The account is also helpful for managing your tax, tax credits and claiming unemployment. It also has other functions such as Property, Vehicle and Payment
services.

Note: You do not need to update if you are staying in the same job/hospital.
Banking
What documents do I need to open a bank account?

You’ll need two documents to open an Irish bank account: one valid form of photo ID and a document to prove your address. Your passport, driving licence or
national identity card (if you’re an EU citizen) are all valid forms of photo ID.

In order to prove your address, you will need to produce one of the following documents:

a recent utility bill (less than 6 months old);

a recent bank statement (less than 6 months old); or
correspondence from a government department or authority.

Of course, if you’re new to Ireland, you may not have any of these documents. Luckily, that’s not a problem. In Ireland, you can open a bank account even if you’re
a non-resident. Many banks will accept a utility bill, bank statement or government correspondence with your home country address. However, some banks will
require non-residents to provide two proof of address documents instead of one. You may also be asked to provide a character reference and access to your
financial history in your home country.

Can I open an account remotely or online?

Unfortunately, very few Irish banks will let you open an account online. Most of the time, you’ll have to make an appointment and visit a branch. That said, you can
open an account remotely by downloading an application form, filling it in and mailing it to the bank together with copies of your photo ID and proof of address
documents.

The copies of your photo ID and proof of address have to be certified. To do this, you’ll have to get them signed and stamped by a chartered accountant, a notary
public, a practicing solicitor, a commissioner for oaths or an embassy official. The person who certifies the document must:

confirm the document is a true copy of the original;

write his or her name, position and contact details clearly in capital letters;
sign, date and stamp the document.

It’s worth noting that most banks will insist on meeting you in person before they approve your application and open your account.
Which bank?

There are dozens of banks in Ireland, all offering broadly similar products. However, the three biggest banks in the country are Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks
and Ulster Bank.

Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland is the oldest and largest bank in Ireland. It also has the largest branch and ATM network in the country. You can apply for a personal account online,
and you’ll get a visa debit contactless card, online banking and an overdraft facility as standard.

You can also apply for a student account and business banking facilities. In order to open a student account, you have to be a full-time university student. You’ll get
a free contactless visa debit card (the bank will pay the government stamp duty for you) and, more importantly, you won’t be charged for several types of
transaction that would otherwise incur a fee.

Bank of Ireland’s business banking facilities include a contactless visa debit card, overdraft facilities and the support of a business advisor, which is really helpful.

Link:

https://www.bankofireland.com/
Allied Irish Banks

AIB’s Personal Current Account is free if you stay €2,500 in credit at all times. You’ll also get a visa debit card with which you can get cashback at selected retailers.

You can only apply for an account in branch, or remotely by filling in and mailing a form. In addition, contactless functionality on your visa debit card is not
standard, but subject to status. This means that the bank will decide whether you’re eligible for a contactless card depending on your personal circumstances and
financial situation.

If you’re a full-time university student, you can apply for a Student Plus Account. This comes with a number of perks, including no maintenance fees and an
interest-free overdraft of up to € 1,500. AIB’s business banking facilities are particularly good if you’re just starting your business.

Link: https://aib.ie/

Ulster Bank

Ulster Bank’s bank accounts start at €4 a month, which will be waived if you keep €3,000 in your account at all times or are aged 60 and over. You’ll get a visa debit
card, access to planned overdraft facilities and an emergency cash facility which allows you to withdraw money from an ATM using only a code if your card is lost or
stolen.

The Student Account doesn’t have any maintenance fees.

You’ll also get an arranged fee-free overdraft of up to €1,500.

Link: https://digital.ulsterbank.ie/
Public Holidays in
Ireland
There are number public holidays recognised in Ireland

They are as follows:

New Year’s Day - 01st January

St. Patrick’s Day - 17th March

Easter Sunday - 05th April 2021 (this date changes yearly, but usually lands in April)

May Bank Holiday - 03rd May 2021 (Always the first Monday in May)

June Bank Holiday - 07th June 2021 (Always the first Monday in June)

August Bank Holiday – 02nd August 2021 (Always the first Monday in August)

October Bank Holiday – 25th October 2021 (Always the last Monday in October)

Christmas Day – 25th December

St. Stephen’s Day – 26th December

Living Costs in
Ireland
Average Household Bills

Gas
There are thirteen suppliers that offer electricity in Ireland - BEEnergy, Bord Gáis Energy, bright, Community Power, Electric
Ireland, Energia, Flogas, Glowpower, Iberdrola, Panda Power, Pinergy, PrePayPower and SSE Airtricity.

Electricity
There are eight suppliers that offer gas in Ireland - Bord Gáis Energy, Electric Ireland, Energia, Flogas, Iberdrola, Panda Power, PrePayPower and SSE Airtricity.

Water
Some properties do have water bills.

Home Tax
This bill would only apply if you are a homeowner.

Waste Disposal/Bins Collections

Apartments - If you decide to live in an apartment, generally you will have access to communal bins and the price of the bins are added into the price of your rental.

Houses - Renting a house is generally different, your landlord or leasing agent will advise you of what bin collection company the house is signed with.

You then either pay online or with a bin tag from your local supermarket.

Find out more in your local area: http://iwma.ie/about-us/list-of-iwma-members/

The prices of food and drink vary between counties.

Supermarkets
The likes of Spar, Centra or any of your gas/fuel stations would be the smaller convenience stores but also the dearest in prices. On a positive note, they are usually
open from 6/7am to 10/11pm.

The likes of Aldi and Lidl would be the cheapest of the supermarkets, and generally open from 8am to 9pm daily. This may differ from county to county.

Supervalu, Dunnes Stores and Tesco’s would be slightly dearer than Aldi and Lidl, but they would offer a greater variety in product choice. They also do regular
special offers and discounts like €10 off when you spend €50. They generally operate 9/10am to 5/6pm, with some places offering 24hr limited services.

Eating & Drinking Out

In general eating and drinking out can be expensive, pub/bar food would be the cheapest and most restaurants if you google them will show their average price
range. Getting a drink in Ireland does vary per county. You could pay €5 to €6 for a pint or €12 to €15 for a cocktail in the likes of Dublin, Cork or Galway. Other
counties like Westmeath, Donegal or Kerry you could pay €3 to €4 for a pint or €5 to €10 for a cocktail.

Cinema & Nightclubs

Cinema - average tickets are about €12 to €15, with some having €5 Tuesday or Wednesday specials. Odeon or CineWorld would be more expensive than a local
run cinemas (mainly found down the country).

Nightclubs also vary, entrance fee can be €10 to €20 per person depending on the nightclub. Some nightclubs do allow free entry up until 10pm and then after that
you pay a fee.
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