“Céad Míle Fáilte” are often the first words of Irish you’ll hear as you arrive in Ireland. It translates as ‘a hundred thousand welcomes’ and it’s a fitting start, because moving here as an expat can come with a hundred thousand things to organise.
From work permissions and tax registration, to finding somewhere to live, setting up healthcare, and simply getting settled, there is a lot to take in when relocating to Ireland. And while these life decisions are front and centre, tax is one area that can quietly become complicated if it isn’t considered early on.
If you are relocating or returning to Ireland for work, there are also a few key practical steps to organise early on. In most cases, you’ll need to apply for a PPS Number in order to work and avoid emergency tax on your income, and depending on your circumstances, you may also need to consider PRSI obligations and permissions to live and work in Ireland. PPS Number applications are handled directly through the Department of Social Protection, and appointments can often be booked before you arrive in Ireland.
As tax advisors, we work closely with individuals across different professions and backgrounds who are moving to Ireland or returning home after time working abroad. Our role is to make sure tax doesn’t become a barrier to your plans, and to give you clarity on how your move will impact you financially now and in the future.
That starts with understanding your personal circumstances. No two cases are ever the same, so we take time to get a full picture of your background, including:
That way we can look at the detail that really matters and identify where planning opportunities may exist and be of benefit to you!
Depending on your situation, there may be reliefs available that can make a meaningful difference. For example, you may be eligible for ‘Split Year Relief’ which could potentially reduce your Irish tax bill significantly by removing foreign employment income earned before your date of arrival.
If you are coming to Ireland for the first time and plan to stay awhile then you might benefit from the favourable ‘Remittance’ basis of tax, and with careful planning you can keep your foreign savings, earnings, or investments out of the Irish tax system. You may also benefit from a deeper understanding of how Irish tax residency applies, and how it can affect global income, savings, or investments held outside Ireland.
To support this, we offer dedicated 1:1 tax consultations with our Tax Advisors, designed specifically for expats and individuals moving to or returning to Ireland. These sessions are built around your circumstances and give you clear, practical guidance without unnecessary jargon.
During your consultation, we can help you understand:
Tax should never dictate how you live your life, but having the right advice in place can make your move smoother and more financially efficient. If you’re planning a move to Ireland or returning home and want clarity on your tax position, book a call with our team or call (01) 611 0707 to learn more.
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