Our consultants understand the opportunities, uncertainties and questions that arise when it comes to moving country. Having successfully helped thousands of candidates from overseas take up opportunities in Ireland we are excellently placed to do the same for you. The below information will help to inform you and remove some of the uncertainty from moving to Ireland. Ireland: Vital Statistics
Tax & Social Services Information
Banking Information
Healthcare
Working Visas for Australians
Working Visas for New Zealanders
Working Visas for South Africans It can never be all work and no play! Find out some tips on living in Ireland. Ireland: Vital Statistics
Full Title: Republic of Ireland
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rates: 1 Euro = 1.668 AUD and 2.00 NZD
Population: 4,156,119 Million
Languages: English & Gaelic
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Religion: Roman Catholic
Time: GMT
International Dialling: (+353) Dublin area dialling code (01)
Tax & Social Services Information
Before you start working in Ireland, it’s essential that you get a Personal Public Service (PPS) number which will register and identify you on the tax system. To obtain your PPS number you will need to visit your local Social Welfare branch (check the white pages) and take with you proof of your addresss, e.g. a bill in your name that has been posted to that address or if you are staying with someone, a bill in their name with a letter from them stating that you are living with them. You will also need identification e.g. passport and your work permit. Telephone your local branch or visit the following website and check what information is required before you go in. www.welfare.ie
- Tax Certificate - Once you have a PPS number (normally takes 7-10 days) you will need to apply for a tax certificate. The best way to do this is to either download the form off the website or go into the branch and pick one up. A Tax Certificate will ensure that you are taxed at the correct rate.
- Tax Refunds - If your earnings have been relatively low you may be entitled to a tax rebate before you leave Ireland. To claim you will need a P60 (outlining your exact salary and tax details) and/or a P45 form (which you get when you leave a job).
Banking Information You will need a bank account in order to be paid by your employer. It is best to telephone the bank first and ask for the information required before you go in but generally you’ll need two forms of ID and a letter or bill which has an address of where you are staying in Ireland. Services in banks do vary so shop around. You should be able to open an account within a week of trying. It’s a good idea to bring a letter or statements from your bank at home, as examples of your recent financial history. The main banks to choose from are: Credit/Debit Cards - It is quite difficult for independent travellers to get a credit card in Ireland. Sometimes it’s best to bring your visa card with you and arrange a direct debit system with your home bank, if you keep your account open with them. See if you can also negotiate that all important overdraft! Healthcare
It is a good idea to register with your local doctor as soon as you have found somewhere to live. Australian visitors in Ireland will receive emergency public hospital treatment subject to the small nominal charges which apply to persons ordinarily resident in Ireland who are non medical card holders. They will also be eligible for assistance towards the cost of prescribed drugs on the same basis as persons ordinarily resident in Ireland. For further information contact (within Ireland) the Department of Health and Children (Tel: 01 6352000 and ask for the overseas section). In the event of an emergency dial 999. Dublin has two 24-hour casualty departments – Beaumont Hospital on the Northside (01-8092714) and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital on the Southside (01-4143500). Working Visas for Australians
Irish working holiday visas are available to Australian nationals aged 18 to 30 years of age and are valid for 12 months (you are not allowed to work for one employer for more than 6 months). You can apply in Australia, London or Dublin via the Department of Foreign Affairs – Working Holiday Permit Section. There is no visa office in the Dublin Embassy. Responsibility for visa services for people who live in Ireland has transferred to the Australian High Commission in London. Australian High Commission London: (Email: firstenquiries.lhlh@dfat.gov.au Website: www.australia.org.uk Working Visas for New Zealanders
Irish working holiday visa are available to New Zealand citizens between the ages of 18 to 30 and are valid for 12 months. Applicants applying for an Irish Working Holiday Authority must be resident in New Zealand at the time of application and receipt of the Authority, must have and provide evidence of access to a minimum of NZ$2,500.00, must have an onward journey ticket, or extra funds in excess of NZ$200.00 with which to purchase an onwards travel ticket and hold a New Zealand passport which must be valid for a minimum of 15 months from the commencement date of the Authority. Applications are accepted from 1st October each year for any date in the following year, i.e. applications opened on 1 October 2006 for any start date 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2007. New Zealand citizens must apply through the Honorary Consul General of Ireland in Auckland. The application form may be downloaded from the website of the Honorary Consulate General. [www.ireland.co.nz] Applicants for working holiday authorisations should note that all non-EU/EEA citizens who intend to remain in Ireland for more than 90 days must pay a fee of €100 for the issue of a Garda (police) registration card in Ireland. The New Zealand Ireland Association website [www.nzireland.com] contains a range of information for New Zealanders living and working In Ireland, as does the website of TNT Magazine [www.tntmagazine.com] Working Visas for South Africans
There is currently no Working Holiday Agreement in place for South African nationals. SASTS Working Adventures, is the only South African organisation able to legally assist students with the work permit. The Work Ireland programme provides a special permit valid for up to six months for students on a unique exchange programme. Full-time tertiary level students between the ages of 18-30 years who are studying at recognized educational institutions, and recent graduates. Gap years may apply. No high school or foreign students may apply. You must have an ability to function in an English-speaking work environment. Send the following information to SASTS Working Adventures: - Completed application form
- Proof of full-time student status
- Copy of your passport
- 3 x ID photos
- Programme admin fee
The permit will be issued for 6 months from the date requested by you on your application form. [www.sasts.org.za] |