Your first 30 days in Dublin, a checklist

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Day 1 - save the emergency numbers

   Save 112 and 999 (Garda, ambulance, fire, coast guard), 116 123 (Samaritans) and the Pieta crisis line 1800 247 247. See Emergency numbers in Ireland.

2. 2

   Step 2: Days 1 to 3 - get a TFI Leap Card

   Buy and register a TFI Leap Card. In October 2026 an adult TFI 90 Minute Fare in Dublin costs €2.00, with caps of €6.00 a day and €24.00 a week. Tap on for every bus, and tap on and off on Luas, DART and commuter rail. See Public transport in Dublin.

3. 3

   Step 3: Week 1 - non-EU nationals book immigration registration

   If you are not Irish, British, or an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and are staying more than 90 days, log into your ISD Customer Service account and book your first registration appointment at the Registration Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Appointments can only be made after arrival, and over-16s must book their own. You must register within 90 days of arriving; the fee is €300 (2026) where it applies. Bring original documents, including proof of address. See Residence in Ireland.

4. 4

   Step 4: Week 1 - get proof of address

   Ask your accommodation for a written confirmation of your address, or keep an official letter or bill in your name. You need proof of address dated within the last 3 months for the PPS number, and banks accept documents up to 6 months old.

5. 5

   Step 5: Weeks 1 to 2 - apply for a PPS number

   With a basic MyGovID, apply on MyWelfare and book an appointment at a PPS Number Allocation Centre, such as D'Olier House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address and the reason you need the number, such as a signed job offer. See Getting a PPS number in Ireland.

6. 6

   Step 6: Weeks 1 to 2 - open a bank account

   Bring photo ID and a separate proof of address. If you have no current account, you can open a basic bank account with no maintenance fees for the first year. See Opening a bank account in Ireland.

7. 7

   Step 7: Before your first payday - register with Revenue

   Give your employer your PPS number, register for myAccount and add your job under PAYE Services. This avoids emergency tax. See Taxes in Ireland.

8. 8

   Step 8: Weeks 2 to 4 - find a GP and sort out health cover

   Contact GP practices near your home. Register for the Drugs Payment Scheme once you have PPS numbers, which caps prescription costs at €80 a month per household. If you want private health insurance, buying it within nine months of becoming resident avoids a later loading. See Healthcare in Ireland.

9. 9

   Step 9: Weeks 2 to 4 - find a long-term home

   View homes in person, check the RTB register, pay no more than one month's rent as a deposit, pay by card or transfer and get a receipt. See Finding a home to rent in Dublin and Tenant rights in Ireland.

10. 10

    Step 10: Weeks 2 to 4 - learn how bins and local services work

    Dublin City Council (01 222 2222, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) runs local services in the city; the rest of County Dublin is covered by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin county councils. Join your local library: Dublin City Libraries membership needs photo ID and proof of address dated within the last 6 months. Ask your landlord how household waste collection is organised in your building.

If you have children

If you are British, or an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Starting work without a PPS number and paying emergency tax.
• Leaving immigration registration until close to the 90-day limit.
• Bringing a proof of address that is too old.

Tips

• Keep paper and digital copies of your passport, permits, job offer, PPS letter and lease together.
• Learn your address and Eircode (Irish postcode); emergency call-takers ask for the exact address and Eircode.

Official links

In your plan

• Book your first immigration registration at Burgh QuayAdd to plan
• Apply for your PPS numberAdd to plan
• Find a long-term home safelyAdd to plan
• Register for myAccount and add your jobAdd to plan
• Save the emergency numbersAdd to plan
• Open a bank accountAdd to plan
• Apply for a school placeAdd to plan
• Find a GP and register for the Drugs Payment SchemeAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Feb 2027.