Moving to Ireland from Australia
Work permits, real cost of living numbers, step-by-step checklist — everything before you book the flight.
Australia vs Ireland at a Glance
Know what you're moving to before you land
| Category | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇮🇪 Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Canberra (Largest: Sydney) | Dublin |
| Population | 26.5 million | 5.1 million |
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) | Euro (€) |
| Time Difference | — | -10–11 hrs (IST behind AEST) |
| Flight Time | — | ~24 hrs via Dubai/Singapore |
| Min. Wage (hourly) | AUD $23.23 | €13.50 (~AUD $22.30) |
| Avg. 1-bed rent / mo | AUD $2,200 (Sydney) | €1,800 (~AUD $2,960) Dublin |
| Tax (middle earner) | ~25% (on AUD $80k) | ~30–34% (PAYE + USC) |
| Healthcare | Medicare (public) | HSE public + private insurance |
| Driving side | Left | Left |
| Power plugs | Type I | Type G (adapter needed) |
| Aussie diaspora in IE | — | ~12,000 Australian-born residents |
Data 2025–2026. Exchange rates approximate. Verify with official sources before financial decisions.
Cost of Living: Sydney vs Dublin
The real numbers — what costs more, what costs less
| Expense | 🇦🇺 Sydney | 🇮🇪 Dublin | Cheaper in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. monthly rent (1-bed) | AUD $2,800 | €1,900 (~AUD $3,130) | 🇦🇺 Sydney |
| Weekly groceries (1 person) | AUD $120–160 | €80–110 (~AUD $130–180) | Similar |
| Pint of beer | AUD $10–14 | €6.50–8 (~AUD $10–13) | Similar |
| Monthly transport pass | AUD $65 | €120 (~AUD $198) | 🇦🇺 Sydney |
| Monthly gym | AUD $60–90 | €40–70 (~AUD $65–115) | 🇮🇪 Dublin |
| Broadband / month | AUD $70–90 | €35–55 (~AUD $57–90) | 🇮🇪 Dublin |
| Dinner for two (mid) | AUD $90–130 | €55–80 (~AUD $90–130) | Similar |
| Income tax (€80k/AUD$130k) | AUD ~$26,500 (20%) | €27,500 (~AUD $45k, 34%) | 🇦🇺 Sydney |
Approximate figures 2025–2026. AUD/EUR conversion at ~0.60.
Your 7-Step Relocation Checklist
In the right order — so nothing catches you off guard
Secure Your Work Permit Before You Fly
Ireland does not have a working holiday visa for Australians. You need either a Critical Skills Employment Permit (employer-sponsored, high-demand roles) or a General Employment Permit. Your Irish employer applies on your behalf via the DETE portal. Processing: 4–12 weeks.
Full Ireland Visa Guide →Sort Flights — Best Routes from Australia
Sydney or Melbourne to Dublin via Dubai (Emirates) or Singapore (Singapore Airlines) are the most popular. Expect AUD $1,200–$2,200 one-way. Book 8–12 weeks in advance for best prices. Qantas + Aer Lingus codeshares also worth checking.
Open an Irish Bank Account in Advance
Revolut is the easiest — open from Australia before you arrive, use immediately on landing. For a traditional account (required for payroll), AIB and Bank of Ireland allow online applications with your work permit. N26 also works well for expats.
Find Accommodation — Dublin is Competitive
Ireland has a severe housing shortage. Use Daft.ie and Rent.ie. Budget €1,800–€2,600/month for a 1-bed in Dublin. Cork, Galway, and Limerick are significantly cheaper. Start searching 6–8 weeks before arrival — good listings go within hours.
Apply for Your PPS Number on Arrival
A PPS Number (Personal Public Service number — Ireland's equivalent of a TFN) is required for employment, tax, and government services. Apply in person at your local Intreo/DSP office with your passport and proof of address. Usually issued same day.
Register with a GP and Access Healthcare
If earning under €60,000, apply for a GP Visit Card at Gov.ie — free GP visits. Private health insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health) is strongly recommended for faster access. Costs from ~€100/month for full cover.
Get an Irish SIM and Set Up Revenue
Three Ireland, Vodafone, and Eir are the main carriers. Plans from €20/month. Register for myAccount at Revenue.ie to manage your Irish tax — set up PAYE access so your employer deducts the right tax from day one.
Which Irish Visa Is Right for You?
Australians have fewer options than moving to Australia — but they're achievable
| Visa / Permit | Who It's For | Duration | Sponsorship | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most CommonCritical Skills Employment Permit | High-demand occupations (tech, healthcare, finance) | 2 years, renewable | Employer required | €1,000 |
| General Employment Permit | Most other occupations (salary min. €34,000) | 2 years, renewable | Employer required | €1,000 |
| Intra-Company Transfer | Employees of multinational moving to Irish office | Up to 5 years | Your employer | €500 |
| Working Holiday Auth. | Ages 18–35, Australian citizens only | 12 months | None | €100 |
Ready to Make the Move?
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