Dublin is the easiest international move available to UK nationals — no visa, no customs formalities, same language, same driving side, highly familiar culture, and the only English-speaking EU capital. Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), UK nationals can live and work in Ireland without any immigration process whatsoever. Dublin is also one of Europe’s most important technology cities, hosting European headquarters for Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Airbnb, Stripe, Amazon Web Services, TikTok and dozens of other major companies. For UK professionals — particularly in tech, financial services and pharmaceuticals — Dublin is a natural and administratively frictionless choice.
Why UK Nationals Choose Dublin
- No visa required — the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland means UK nationals can move to Dublin on any given day with no advance process, no permit, no registration requirement. This unique simplicity distinguishes Ireland from every other international move
- Tech capital of Europe — Dublin’s docklands (Silicon Docks) hosts the European headquarters of every major US tech company. The concentration of tech employment is unmatched outside the US tech hubs
- EU member — Ireland remains fully inside the EU single market. UK nationals who establish themselves in Dublin gain access to EU residency and labour market rights within the EU
- English language — the only EU capital where English is the everyday language of all aspects of life, work and administration
- Cultural familiarity — shared humour, sporting culture (Premier League popular, Gaelic sports uniquely Irish, rugby, horse racing), literary tradition (Joyce, Beckett, Wilde, Yeats — Dublin’s cultural heritage is extraordinary), and a social openness that UK professionals find immediately comfortable
- Strong economy — Ireland has one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies. Low corporate tax (15% for large companies, 12.5% for smaller), strong FDI, high graduate employment rate
Dublin Neighbourhoods: Where to Live
Ranelagh — Dublin’s most sought-after village-within-a-city. Excellent restaurants and cafés, Victorian terraced houses, strong community feel. Popular with young professionals. Expensive but exceptional quality.
Rathmines — adjacent to Ranelagh. Large Victorian and Edwardian housing, significant student population from nearby UCD, excellent local amenities. More affordable than Ranelagh.
Ballsbridge — embassy district, home to the Aviva Stadium, premium residential. Large period houses and quality apartments. Popular with corporate expats and professionals.
Stoneybatter / Phibsborough — increasingly popular, more affordable north-side alternatives to the premium south-side villages. Young professional demographic, excellent pubs and independent restaurants.
Sandymount / Clontarf — coastal suburbs within the city boundary. Beautiful sea frontage, excellent residential quality. Popular with families. Good Dart rail connections to city centre.
Clontarf — north Dublin coast. Family-friendly, good schools, lower density. Popular with families seeking space within the city.
South County Dublin (Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney) — wealthy coastal suburbs south of the city. Beautiful, expensive, excellent quality of life. Popular with senior executives and those seeking a suburban lifestyle near Dublin.
Dublin’s Housing Market: The Key Challenge
Dublin has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Europe — typically 0.3–0.5%. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a structural crisis that requires specific preparation:
- Start your search before you arrive — begin researching rental listings on Daft.ie (Ireland’s primary property portal) 2–3 months before your move date
- Budget for temporary accommodation — most people arriving in Dublin should plan for 4–8 weeks in short-term furnished accommodation (Airbnb, serviced apartments) while searching for a permanent rental
- Properties rent within hours — when a good property lists at a fair price in Dublin, it receives multiple applications within 24–48 hours. Being available to view immediately and having your documents ready (employment contract or proof of income, references, bank statements) is essential
- Rental prices — a 1-bedroom apartment in Dublin 2/4 (Ranelagh/Ballsbridge area) costs approximately €2,000–€2,800/month. More affordable options exist in north Dublin and the suburbs
The PPS Number: Essential First Step
The Personal Public Service (PPS) number is Ireland’s equivalent of the UK National Insurance number. You need it for:
- Employment (you cannot legally work without one)
- Opening a bank account
- Accessing healthcare (HSE, GP registration)
- Social welfare
- Revenue (tax) registration
Apply in person at your local Intreo Centre (Department of Social Protection). Bring proof of identity (passport) and proof of address (utility bill, bank statement). Processing is usually immediate. You cannot apply in advance — you must be physically present in Ireland.
Shipping Your Belongings to Dublin
Easy Move operates regular services from across the UK to Dublin and the Republic of Ireland. No customs formalities required — goods move freely under the Common Travel Area. Transit from London is typically 2–3 working days.
Get a free quote for removals to Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Dublin from the UK
Do I need a visa or permit to move to Dublin from the UK?
No. Under the Common Travel Area, UK nationals can move to and live in Ireland without any visa, permit or registration requirement. You can move on any day with no advance process.
Is Dublin more expensive than London?
In many categories, yes. Dublin’s tech-driven economy has pushed housing costs to levels comparable with London for equivalent central locations. Food, restaurants and transport are broadly similar to London or slightly cheaper. For high earners in the tech sector, Dublin offers competitive salaries alongside EU residency rights.
How do I find accommodation in Dublin before I move?
Research Daft.ie thoroughly from London. Given the extreme competition, consider booking 4–6 weeks of short-term accommodation (serviced apartments, Airbnb) as a base for in-person viewings. Have employment documentation and references ready to submit immediately.
How long does a removal from the UK to Dublin take?
Easy Move’s typical transit from London to Dublin is 2–3 working days. No customs formalities required — straightforward collection and delivery under the Common Travel Area.
What are the main practical steps after arriving in Dublin?
1. Obtain your PPS number at a local Intreo Centre. 2. Open a bank account (requires PPS number). 3. Register with a GP. 4. Notify HMRC in the UK with form P85.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.