Finding a job in Ireland

You’re assured of a warm welcome if you’re headed to the Republic of Ireland - whether that’s for a short break, to study for a while, or to live and work on the Emerald Isle. From the buzz of the major cities to the peace and quiet you’ll find in Ireland’s rural heart, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re thinking of a new life in Ireland, finding a job will be a priority - this guide is all you need to start your search.

We’ll also talk a little about how to keep down the costs of making international payments by using Wise. Handy if you need to send a rental deposit, or pay for your accommodation while you find a home. You might also find a Wise multi-currency borderless account makes life a little easier when you arrive in Ireland. Get set up before you leave Australia, and you can hold and spend euros, and use your linked debit card for ease once you arrive. Let’s get started.

What is life like in Ireland?

Ireland has long been an attractive destination for Australian expats, not least because of the shared language and stunning nature on offer. However, it’s worth knowing that the cost of life in Ireland’s cities can be on the high side - and expats generally rate the weather in Ireland poorly. If you struggle with a bit of rain, Ireland might not be for you.

All that said, expats in Ireland are overwhelmingly satisfied with their experience there, rating it as a friendly, safe and fun place to live and work, according to recent surveys. Learn more about what your life in Ireland might be like, using helpful online resources such as those from Internations¹.

Do you need a visa to work in Ireland?

You won’t need a visa to enter Ireland as an Australian citizen if you’re headed there as a tourist². However, if you intend to work while in Ireland, you do need to get immigration clearance to work, which you should apply for before you travel.³

There are a number of different work permit options based on the work you want to do, and how long you intend to stay in Ireland. You’ll find a handy tool in the visa section of the Irish government website, which will walk you through the process of choosing the right document type for your needs⁴.

Is there an age restriction to working in Ireland as a foreigner?

There’s no published age limit for applying to work in Ireland. Decisions are made based on the job you’re planning on doing and your personal circumstances.

However, if you’re aged between 18 and 35, you could apply for a working holiday visa instead of a full work permit, if you’re hoping to fund your travel with some casual work while in Ireland⁵.

What about tax?

There is a double tax treaty in place between Ireland and Australia⁶. This means the two countries work together to make sure their citizens don’t need to pay tax twice on the same income.

The details of what tax you need to pay - and where - will depend on your personal circumstances. Your residency for tax purposes, the type of income you have, and where it originates from are all likely to matter. If you’re not sure about what your liabilities are in Ireland or at home, get professional advice. Tax is complex, and mistakes can be costly.

Where to look for jobs in Ireland?

Before you leave home, you can search for jobs in Ireland using major global job boards like Monster⁷ and Indeed⁸. You’ll also find great jobs sections on LinkedIn, or by looking in Irish trade magazines in your sector, or even in the online editions of the national newspapers.

It’s worth noting that the Irish Department of Justice and Equality warns people about scams which ask for money in order to secure a job in Ireland. Fraudsters have been known to send emails to applicants, claiming that they need to get a 'International Employment Eligibility Clearance and Security Bond' before they can take up Irish employment. This isn’t true - ignore these messages if you receive them, and rely on official government advice⁹.

Opening a bank account in Ireland

One of the first things you’ll want to do when you’re planning your more to Ireland is get set up with an Irish bank account, so you can use euros without extra fees or penalties. There are many different banks and account products to choose from in Ireland, and opening an account is easy enough. You’ll usually need proof of your identity and residence to get going.

Check out the accounts on offer from some of the largest banks in the Republic of Ireland, such as Bank of Ireland¹⁰, AIB¹¹ or Ulster Bank¹².

If you haven’t yet moved to Ireland, or want a more flexible option, you might prefer a borderless account with Wise, which can be opened online without Irish residency.

With this account you can hold money in over 40 currencies, including Australian dollars and euros, and activate local account details for AUD, EUR, GBP, USD and NZD, which means you can receive money for free in these currencies via local payment methods. You’ll be able to switch between currencies easily whenever you want, using the exchange rate you see on Google and for just a low fee, as well as getting a linked debit card for easy spending.

If you are looking for a way to send money to Ireland, Wise could be an option. The low cost international payments on offer with Wise can save you money if you need to pay for things from your Australian account before you move to Ireland - a rental deposit for example. Wise payments are fast and safe, and can work out much cheaper than relying on your usual bank - leaving you with more money to spend on yourself

A new life abroad is an enticing dream, and can offer a wide range of possibilities. Take some time to research life in Ireland and find a job which suits your skills, as well as getting a borderless account set up in advance, to make sure you hit the ground running once you arrive.

All sources accurate as of September 17 2019