Living in Dublin: A Practical Guide for Expats
What you need to know about establishing yourself in Ireland's capital, from administrative processes to neighborhood choices and everyday logistics.
Who This Guide Is For
- Expats considering Dublin as their base in Ireland
- Tech workers or professionals relocating for employment
- People who have already decided on Ireland but are choosing between cities
- Anyone researching the practical realities of Dublin before visiting or moving
At a Glance
Typical ranges for Dublin. These are estimates and vary based on location, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Typical rent (1BR central)
€1,800–2,400/mo
Extremely competitive market; expect to move quickly on viewings
Typical rent (1BR outer areas)
€1,400–1,800/mo
Better availability; consider DART/Luas accessibility
Groceries (monthly)
€300–450
Depends on store choices and eating habits
Public transit pass
€100–150/mo
Leap Card; varies by zones and usage
Internet + mobile
€40–70/mo
Fiber widely available; various providers
Healthcare access
Public + private options
GP registration required; medical card income-based
What to Know Before You Arrive
Key considerations that affect your timeline and planning.
PPS number appointments may have wait times
The Personal Public Service (PPS) number is required for employment, tax, and accessing public services. Appointments can be booked online but availability varies. In Dublin, wait times of one to three weeks are common. You can book before arrival once you have a confirmed Irish address.
The rental market is extremely competitive
Dublin's rental market has significant demand with limited supply. Properties receive many applications within hours of listing. Landlords typically require proof of employment, references, and several months' rent upfront. Most expats spend several weeks in temporary accommodation while searching.
English is the primary language
Unlike many European destinations, Ireland operates entirely in English. All government services, banks, and businesses communicate in English. Irish (Gaelic) appears on signage and official documents alongside English but is not needed for daily life. This removes a significant barrier to administrative processes.
Banking setup is straightforward but requires documentation
Irish banks require proof of identity and proof of address. Some banks have waiting lists for new accounts due to high demand. Digital banks like Revolut (headquartered in Ireland) and N26 offer faster account opening and can help bridge the gap while establishing traditional banking.
Neighborhoods & Areas
Dublin's neighborhoods vary significantly in character, cost, and transit access. The city center is compact but expensive. Areas along the DART (coastal rail) and Luas (tram) lines offer good connectivity. North Dublin and south Dublin have distinct characters—both have desirable and less desirable areas. Visiting neighborhoods in person before committing to a lease is essential given online listings don't capture the full picture.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see the Ireland cost of living guide.
Dublin 2 (City Centre South)
Central business district and Georgian core. Walking distance to most offices. Highest rents; limited residential options.
Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge/Donnybrook)
Affluent south Dublin area. Embassy district, established neighborhood. Premium pricing; good bus and DART access.
Dublin 6 (Ranelagh/Rathmines)
Popular with young professionals. Village feel with restaurants and shops. Mid-to-high pricing; Luas Green Line access.
Dublin 8 (Portobello/The Liberties)
Gentrifying area near city center. Mix of old Dublin character and new developments. More affordable than D2/D4; walkable to center.
Dublin 1 (North City Centre)
North of the Liffey, near O'Connell Street. More affordable than southside equivalents. Mixed character; varies significantly by street.
Dun Laoghaire
Coastal town south of Dublin. Victorian architecture, harbor views. DART access to city center (25 minutes). Slightly lower rents than central Dublin.
Setup Priorities
Key areas to research and plan for when setting up in Dublin. Each involves tradeoffs worth understanding before you arrive.
Visas & Work Permits
Most non-EU citizens need employer sponsorship for work permits. Critical Skills permits have specific eligible occupations.
Critical Skills permits offer faster path to residency; General Employment permits require labor market testing.
View guideBanking
Opening an Irish bank account requires proof of identity and address. Some banks have waiting lists for new customers.
Traditional banks offer full services but slower setup; digital banks are instant but may lack some features.
View guideHealthcare
Register with a GP once you have an address. Public healthcare has charges unless you qualify for a medical card.
Public system is affordable but has wait times; private insurance provides faster access at additional cost.
View guideCost of Living
Dublin is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Housing costs dominate budgets, particularly in central areas.
Central living saves commute time but costs significantly more; outer areas are more affordable but require transit planning.
View guideCommon Pitfalls & Misconceptions
Issues that frequently affect expats settling in Dublin.
- Underestimating Dublin housing costs—rent often exceeds expectations, even for those coming from expensive cities
- Arriving without accommodation arranged—finding a place while staying in hotels is stressful and expensive
- Not booking PPS appointment early—wait times can delay employment start dates
- Expecting GP visits to be free—standard GP visits cost €50-60 without a medical card
- Assuming all of Dublin is walkable—the city is spread out and transit connections vary by area
- Not having documentation ready for rental viewings—landlords expect proof of income and references immediately
- Underestimating the rental market competition—popular properties receive dozens of applications within hours
Key Things to Verify
Before committing to Dublin, confirm these items based on your specific situation.
- Check current PPS appointment availability and book before arrival if possible.
- Verify your work permit type allows you to work for your intended employer. Learn more
- Confirm your bank can operate internationally during the transition period. Learn more
- Research whether you qualify for a medical card based on income. Learn more
- Understand IRP card requirements and registration deadlines for non-EU citizens.
- Research neighborhoods along your likely commute route before searching for housing.
Common Next Steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Ireland Country Guide
Broader context on Irish bureaucracy and nationwide considerations.
Ireland Visa Options
Understand which work permit or visa pathway applies to your situation.
Banking in Ireland
How to open a bank account and what documentation you need.
Healthcare in Ireland
Understanding public vs private healthcare access.
Related Guides
Explore our topic guides for detailed information on each aspect of expat life.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Neighborhood characteristics, costs, and availability change frequently. Always visit areas in person, verify current information, and consult qualified professionals before making housing or financial decisions. This is not legal, tax, or real estate advice.