Moving from London to Ireland is one of the most popular and — for UK nationals — one of the most straightforward international moves available. Ireland remains the only English-speaking EU member state, shares the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK, and has one of the strongest economies in Europe. Whether you are heading to Dublin’s tech scene, Cork’s growing business district, Galway’s creative community or the Irish countryside, this guide covers everything you need to plan your move from London.
Why London Residents Move to Ireland
- No visa required — under the Common Travel Area (CTA), UK nationals can live and work in Ireland without a visa or residence permit. This makes Ireland uniquely accessible post-Brexit
- English language — the only EU member state where English is the primary language of daily and professional life
- Thriving economy — Dublin in particular has become Europe’s technology capital, hosting European headquarters for Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Airbnb and many more
- EU membership — Ireland remains inside the EU single market, offering EU residency rights for those who establish themselves here
- Cultural familiarity — shared history, cultural connections, sporting ties and a similar sense of humour make the transition particularly comfortable for UK nationals
The Common Travel Area: What It Means for You
The Common Travel Area is a long-standing arrangement between the UK and Ireland that predates both countries’ EU membership. Under the CTA:
- UK nationals can enter, live and work in Ireland without any immigration formalities
- No visa, no residence permit, no registration requirement
- You can move on the same day you decide to — there is no bureaucratic pre-process
- You retain access to public services including healthcare (through the HSE) and social welfare
This makes Ireland uniquely simple as an international move for UK nationals — even post-Brexit, the CTA was specifically protected in the Brexit agreement.
Planning Your Move from London to Ireland: Timeline
8 weeks before
- Research removal companies and request fixed-price quotes
- Begin decluttering
- Research accommodation in your destination city
4 weeks before
- Confirm your removal booking
- Notify HMRC of your move (form P85 — important for tax purposes even though no immigration formalities apply)
- Notify your bank, GP, utility providers and employer
- Arrange PPS number registration (Ireland’s equivalent of National Insurance — apply after arrival at your local Intreo centre)
2 weeks before
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Confirm delivery address with your removal company
- Cancel or transfer UK subscriptions and services
Cost of Moving from London to Ireland
Ireland is one of the closest destinations from London by sea, and removal costs are competitive.
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £350 – £750 | Studios, 1-bed flats, small shipments |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £900 – £2,000 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £500 | Full household packing by our team |
Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and all major Irish cities and towns are covered. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Ireland.
London to Ireland: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Dublin | 2–3 working days |
| Cork | 3–4 working days |
| Galway | 3–4 working days |
| Limerick | 3–4 working days |
Living in Ireland: Key Considerations
Housing in Dublin: Dublin has one of the most competitive rental markets in Europe. Vacancy rates are extremely low and properties are snapped up within days. Begin your search 2–3 months before your move and be prepared to act fast.
PPS Number: Ireland’s Personal Public Service number is the equivalent of a National Insurance number. You need it for employment, banking, healthcare and most official interactions. Apply in person at your local Intreo centre after arrival with proof of identity and address.
Healthcare: UK nationals in Ireland can access the HSE (Health Service Executive) public healthcare system. You may also be eligible for a medical card depending on your income. Many residents supplement this with private health insurance (VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health).
Cost of living: Dublin is one of Europe’s most expensive cities — comparable to London in many categories, particularly housing. Outside Dublin, costs are significantly lower.
Tips for a Smooth London to Ireland Removal
No customs required — but good organisation still matters. While there are no customs formalities between the UK and Ireland, your removal still requires careful planning. Ensure your delivery address is confirmed before your moving date.
Be realistic about Dublin’s housing market. Many people moving to Dublin find it harder than expected to secure accommodation. Consider booking a short-term furnished apartment for the first 1–2 months while you search for a permanent rental.
Get your PPS number quickly. You cannot open a bank account or be formally employed without a PPS number. Apply within your first week of arrival.
Ready to Move? Get a Free Quote Today
Easy Move provides fully insured, door-to-door removals to Ireland with regular departures from London and all major UK cities. No customs complications — straightforward collection and delivery.
👉 Get your free, no-obligation quote for removals to Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Ireland
Do UK nationals need a visa to move to Ireland?
No. Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), UK nationals can live and work in Ireland without any visa or residence permit. This arrangement was specifically protected in the Brexit agreement and applies indefinitely.
Is Ireland still in the EU after Brexit?
Yes. Ireland voted to remain in the EU and did not leave. Only the UK left the EU. This means Ireland remains fully inside the EU single market, with all the rights and obligations that entails.
How competitive is the Dublin rental market?
Extremely competitive. Dublin has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Europe. Properties are typically let within days of listing. Arrive with a budget for short-term accommodation and begin your permanent rental search as early as possible.
Do I need to notify HMRC when moving to Ireland?
Yes. Even though no immigration formalities apply, you should notify HMRC of your departure using form P85. This ensures correct tax treatment and updates your National Insurance record. Ireland and the UK have a double taxation treaty, so you will not be taxed twice on the same income.
How long does a removal from London to Ireland take?
Transit typically takes 2–4 working days depending on your destination. Dublin is the fastest route; Cork, Galway and Limerick take 3–4 days.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.