Dublin is Ireland’s capital and its biggest centre for tech, finance and pharma jobs, with a lively cultural scene and easy flights home. It is also a city where housing is tight, so planning your move early makes a real difference. Here are our practical tips for moving to Dublin from the UK in 2026.
1. Check your right to live and work
Under the Common Travel Area, British and Irish citizens can generally live and work in each other’s country without a visa. If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you may need permission to enter and work in Ireland, so check the rules for your nationality before you fix a removal date. The City of Dublin’s 10 steps to move to Dublin is a good place to start.
2. Start your housing search early
Housing in Dublin is in short supply, according to dublin.ie, so begin searching well before your move. Property listings on Daft.ie are the usual starting point. Map your bus, Luas and train routes to work before you choose a neighbourhood, and ask your landlord about parking and access for a removals vehicle.
3. Apply for your PPS number
You need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number for tax, your employer and public services. You generally cannot get one until you arrive in Ireland. Apply online through MyWelfare with proof of address, photo ID and evidence of why you need it, such as a job offer. Open an Irish bank account too, bringing proof of address and photo ID.
4. Get the customs paperwork right
Ireland is in the EU and the UK is not, so household goods moving from the UK to Dublin cross a customs border. Irish Revenue allows transfer of residence relief for people moving to live in Ireland from outside the EU. In summary, you must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, owned and used the goods for at least 6 months, and paid duty and tax on them where you bought them. You can import within 6 months before or 12 months after your move, and if you sell, lend or hire out the goods within 12 months you must pay the import charges. Read the full rules on the Irish Revenue transfer of residence page.
For a wider look at what can travel, see our UK Customs Guide 2026 and what you can and can’t take on a removals lorry to the EU, or let our customs team handle the forms.
5. Plan the crossing
Moving between Great Britain and Dublin means a sea crossing, usually from Holyhead or via Liverpool, or a route through Northern Ireland. Allow extra time for ferry booking and port checks, and make sure your inventory is ready before the vehicle leaves. MoveDay Removals plans the route, crossing and paperwork for you.
6. Driving licence and daily life
- Driving licence: dublin.ie says non-EU licence holders who live in Ireland for at least six months of the year will eventually need to exchange their licence or sit an Irish test. Check the current process with the Road Safety Authority.
- Getting around: a Leap card gives cheaper fares on buses, Luas and DART than single tickets, and dublinbikes offers an annual subscription.
- Mobile phone: the main networks are Vodafone, Three and eir. Check your phone is not locked to a network.
- Schools: if you have children, ask schools early, as some are oversubscribed.
7. Choose your area
- City centre and Docklands: apartments close to offices, restaurants and the Luas.
- Rathmines and Ranelagh: popular with young professionals, with good transport and shops.
- Drumcondra and Phibsborough: close to the centre, with a village feel.
- Clontarf and Howth: coastal, with DART links to the centre.
- Dundrum and Blackrock: south Dublin suburbs, popular with families.
Thinking about other European cities? See our moving to Europe pages.
Moving to Dublin? We can help
MoveDay Removals moves families and businesses between the UK and Ireland, with full and part loads, and we take care of the customs paperwork too. See our international removals page or get a free quote.
Website: https://movedayremovals.com
Phone: 07378 626882
Email: office@movedayremovals.co.uk
This article is general guidance, correct as of October 2026. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK, Irish Revenue and the Irish authorities before you move.