Ireland
Your start in Dublin
Baile Átha Cliath
Ireland's capital and largest city. County Dublin had 1,458,154 residents at the 2022 census and is split between four councils. Newcomers deal mostly with national services located here: ISD's Registration Office on Burgh Quay, PPS centres, Revenue and the RTB. Rents are the highest in Ireland.
At a glance
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and home to more than a quarter of its population: County Dublin had 1,458,154 residents at the 2022 census, and 17% of them were not Irish citizens. The city sits on Dublin Bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, which divides the Northside from the Southside.
Local government
County Dublin is divided between four local authorities: Dublin City Council (the city itself), Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council (south-east), Fingal County Council (north) and South Dublin County Council (south-west). Councils run local services such as libraries, roads and social housing. Dublin City Council's customer service line is 01 222 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Postal addresses use Eircodes, and many city addresses also carry a numbered postal district such as Dublin 2 or Dublin 8.
Who handles what for newcomers
Most of what newcomers need is national, and many of the offices are in Dublin:
- Immigration registration: non-EU nationals register their first permission at ISD's Registration Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, by appointment; renewals are online.
- PPS numbers: apply on MyWelfare and attend an appointment, for example at the Department of Social Protection's D'Olier House centre in Dublin 2.
- Tax: Revenue's myAccount, online.
- Renting: the Residential Tenancies Board registers tenancies and resolves disputes; Threshold gives free advice to renters.
- Transport: buses, the Luas tram (Red and Green lines), the DART and commuter rail, all paid with a TFI Leap Card; the adult TFI 90 Minute Fare is €2.00 (October 2026).
Renting in Dublin
Dublin has Ireland's highest rents. The RTB/ESRI Rent Index puts the standardised average rent for new tenancies in County Dublin at €2,335 a month in Q1 2026 (Dublin City Council area: €2,301). Since 1 March 2026 a national rent control system limits increases to 2% a year, or inflation if lower, and new tenancies have stronger security of tenure.
The HomiStart Dublin guides are general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Confirm details with the official sources linked in each guide.
An overview of moving to Ireland, your first month in Dublin and the emergency numbers to save on day one.
Moving About 20 minutes to read; the steps themselves take weeks to months Arrival Spread over the first four weeks; most steps take an hour or two plus waiting for appointments Emergencies Five minutes to save the numbers
Who needs permission (and who does not, including British citizens under the Common Travel Area), stamps, registering at Burgh Quay, renewals, Critical Skills and General Employment Permits, and the route to Stamp 4.
Residence and visas First registration takes about 30 minutes at the appointment, plus the wait for an appointment; renewals are online and ISD reports a queue of several weeks Employment Apply at least 12 weeks before the start date; on 8 October 2026 DETE was processing Critical Skills applications received on 1 October and new General Employment Permit applications received on 2 September
Your PPS number and MyGovID, a bank account, registering your job with Revenue, and a Leap Card.
Registration About 30 minutes online, plus an in-person appointment; the number then arrives by post Banking Usually under an hour online or in a branch once you have the documents Taxes About 30 minutes to register for myAccount and add your job; an hour to review your tax credits Transport A few minutes to get and register a Leap Card
Finding a home in Dublin, avoiding scams, deposits, the 2026 rent control and security of tenure rules, and where to get help.
Housing Often several weeks; start looking from temporary accommodation if you can Housing About 30 minutes to read; disputes take longer
Looking for work, getting qualifications compared, employment permits and your rights as an employee.
Jobs Ongoing; plan several hours a week Employment About 20 minutes to read Employment Apply at least 12 weeks before the start date; on 8 October 2026 DETE was processing Critical Skills applications received on 1 October and new General Employment Permit applications received on 2 September
The HSE, GPs, medical cards and GP visit cards, the Drugs Payment Scheme, hospital charges and private health insurance.
Healthcare An hour or two to find a GP and decide on insurance; medical card applications take longer Emergencies Five minutes to save the numbers
Banking, PAYE, USC and PRSI, tax credits including the Rent Tax Credit, and what housing costs.
Banking Usually under an hour online or in a branch once you have the documents Taxes About 30 minutes to register for myAccount and add your job; an hour to review your tax credits Housing Often several weeks; start looking from temporary accommodation if you can
Leap Card fares and caps, Luas, DART and buses, bikes on trains, and exchanging a foreign driving licence.
Child Benefit, ECCE preschool, the National Childcare Scheme, school patronage and applying for a school place.
Neighbourhoods on the map
Select a pin to read about a neighbourhood.
Map of neighbourhoods in Dublin