It’s little wonder hordes of tourists, largely Irish Americans, descend on the Emerald Isle each year.
Movies such as The Banshees of Inisherin and Irish Wish depict the island on the westernmost edge of Europe as whimsical, charming and mythical to the point of being the epicentre of fairytales.
But there’s far more to this European nation than the stereotypes of red hair, potatoes, charming locals and bad weather.
Expats and those with Irish heritage flock to these wild shores for good reason.
Ireland offers innovative start-up opportunities, a highly educated talent pool and one of the best corporate tax rates in the world.
The Irish population increased by 97,600 in 2023, the largest jump since 2008.
This figure included 26,100 from other European Union (EU) nations, 4,800 British citizens and 29,600 returning Irish citizens – so something exciting is happening here.
Many expats choose Ireland’s entertaining and multicultural capital on the east coast, Dublin, as their home.
At Nomad Capitalist, we don’t believe in a ‘perfect’ country or offer one-size-fits-all solutions, but Dublin is one of our favourite picks for expats in Europe.
We’ve helped 1,500+ high-net-worth clients from around the world go to more than 31 different tax-friendly countries as part of their turnkey solution for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, asset protection and global diversification.
So, for any expats considering a move to Ireland or still deciding on your next destination, here’s what you need to know about living in Dublin.
Why Live in Dublin?
The name Dublin is derived from ‘Dubh Linn’, which translates to Black Pool in the Irish Gaelige language.
It refers to the dark, murky lake where the Vikings would dock their ships after navigating the River Liffey.
Ireland’s capital city is located on the east coast of the island, which sits on the westernmost edge of Europe. The capital’s population is just over 1,200,000, accounting for roughly 25% of the population.
English is the most widely spoken language in Ireland, with around half a million residents speaking a second language.
Including Polish, French, Lithuanian, German, Spanish, Russian and Romanian. Ireland’s mother tongue, Gaeilge is also spoken by about 39% of the population.
Europe’s capital cities, Mediterranean resorts and ski chalets are just a short flight away and Ireland is also relatively close to the USA, with a flight to New York taking just under seven hours.
Dublin Airport offers US pre-clearance facilities, the only ones of its kind in Europe, making travel between Dublin and the USA a breeze.
A Dublin home makes it easy to enjoy this rich and fascinating culture.
From traditional music and dance to local sports, such as GAA, its ancient Celtic mythology, world-famous literature and international cuisine.
Ireland is also known for being an incredibly open-minded and forward-looking nation, becoming the first to legalise same-sex marriage in the world.
Dublin is also rich when it comes to opportunity. Known as the tech capital of Europe, this is the fastest-growing economy on the continent.
Ireland’s ‘Canary Wharf’, the Dublin Docklands, is home to a thriving finance and tech hub with over 500 companies, including giants Google, Facebook and Twitter. Among its other accolades:
Expats looking to connect with others will feel at home in Dublin with locals (‘Dubs’ as the rest of the country knows them or ‘Dubliners’ as James Joyce made famous in this scribblings).
Locals are known for being extremely welcoming and approachable and it’s easy to strike up a conversation over a coffee or, even better, at your local pub over a pint.
Dublin is a hot spot for expats looking for a vibrant nightlife and a busy social life – home to over 700 pubs, hundreds of restaurants and numerous comedy clubs.
For the more cultured expat, Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature. This is no surprise, as it’s the home of famous poets and playwrights of the calibre of Oscar Wilde and James Joyce.
You’re unlikely to ever run out of things to enjoy in Dublin but if you do want to see the rest of the country the city is a great base.
From there, you can strike out for destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Killarney National Park, with plenty of private and public transportation links.
Closer to the capital, you can enjoy picturesque hiking trails along the Howth Cliff Walk or stroll along the tranquil gardens at Malahide Castle.
Living in Dublin – Work and Business
Ireland’s robust job market has a lot to offer, with solid projected GDP growth of 2.2% in 2024 and 3.8% in 2025.
Unemployment rates are expected to remain low in 2024, with the job market continuing to trend upward.
Highly sought-after critical skills occupations needed in Ireland currently include:
- Information technology professionals
- Telecommunications professionals
- Engineering professionals
- Production managers
- Directors.
And those are just the tip of the iceberg: Ireland’s tech sector employs close to 165,000 people and comprises ‘big tech’ players like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook, among others.
Ireland is one of the EU’s biggest spenders on research and development, underlining the fact that companies here are at the forefront of innovation.
This is largely thanks to government agencies working hard to attract foreign investment and foster collaboration between research institutions and private enterprise.
It’s an easy place to find like-minded people to work, network and socialise with. Expats from all over the world come to live and work here, so you can be sure to find people from your own country – if that’s what you’re after.
Ireland’s third-level education system is one of Europe’s best for expats looking to work and further their education at the same time.
It has seven universities, including the world-class Trinity College Dublin, and fourteen institutes of technology. Many of these schools also provide learning opportunities in the city’s workplaces.
Full-time employees in Ireland are entitled to four weeks of leave per year, in addition to any time off for public holidays, sick leave and maternity/paternity leave.
Living in Dublin – Tax in Ireland
What do Google, IMB, Airbnb, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Microsoft all have in common?
Yes, they are all world-renowned, highly profitable multinationals but that’s not the answer we’re searching for.
They also all call Ireland home for their European operations and they’re just a few of the many tech companies, finance and pharma giants based in Ireland.
Why?
Each takes advantage of the tax benefits and talent pool of the young, talented and well-educated workforce.
Although, unlike Monaco or the Cayman Islands, the island of Ireland is not a tax haven, it is a tax-friendly jurisdiction for corporations, allowing them to avoid Irish taxes on specific assets and intellectual property.
This means you can take advantage of a mere 12% corporate tax rate.
With pressure from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Ireland, along with 140 other nations, has signed up to the agreement to a global minimum effective tax rate of 15%.
However, the good news is that 99% of companies operating out of Ireland still enjoy the lower rate of 12.5% as they fall out of the scope (i.e. they’re businesses with revenues less than €750 million) of the new minimum tax.
The great benefit of tax residence in Ireland is its relatively unknown non-dom program, which means you’re only subject to tax on Irish-sourced personal income, and that is taxed at the average tax rate.
Foreign-sourced income will not be taxed if it is not remitted to Ireland. As long as you don’t transfer your assets to an Irish bank account or use your foreign credit card to make a purchase in Ireland, you will not be taxed.
What is a non-dom or non-domicile regime?
In order to be classified as a non-dom, you need to be a tax resident of Ireland. This means you must be physically present in Ireland for 183 days or more in a single tax year or for 280 days over two consecutive tax years.
To be considered non-domiciled, you need to maintain ties in your home country or origin, such as having property or other ties that indicate you plan to return to this country at some point.
You can benefit from the Irish non-dom regime if you can prove that even if you are a tax resident for now, you intend to return to your country of origin and still have ties there.
One thing to keep in mind is that after three years, you will become a normal tax resident of Ireland. For more on Irish tax, check out our comprehensive article on how to pay low taxes in Ireland as a non-dom.
Best Places for Expats to Live in Dublin
As with any other major city, deciding whether to buy or rent, and what type of neighbourhood you are looking for, is critical to living in Dublin.
Here are some of the best neighbourhoods in the outer suburbs of Dublin for expats and high-net-worth individuals.
Ranelagh
This fashionable south-side neighbourhood has something for every expat.
Known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant food scene offering a great selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, Ranelagh is the perfect spot for foodies.
Upmarket Ranelagh is also home to plenty of parks and green spaces – an abundance of outdoor space to enjoy.
Ballsbridge
Like Ranelagh, Ballsbridge. is also located on the south side of the River Liffey. Home to numerous embassies, the area is known for its luxurious Georgian properties and all the amenities an expat could need.
Ballsbridge has a more relaxed vibe than other Dublin neighbourhoods but it’s a hot spot for high-end shopping and boutiques.
For egg-chasers and oval ball enthusiasts, Ireland’s rugby home, the Aviva Stadium, can be found in the heart of the locale.
Rathmines
Rathmines, located just south of Dublin’s city centre, is another highly desirable neighbourhood with a rich history and a great atmosphere.
Its beautiful Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets and easy access to the city centre via bus or ‘Luas’ (tram) make it a popular choice for expats.
For those looking for a strong community spirit, this is the ideal spot, with year-round local events and festivals.
Whether you are looking for a period home or a modern apartment, this suburb has some stunning properties with original features.
The Docklands
Nicknamed ‘Silicon Docks,’ the capital’s docklands area is a major hub and is considered one of the safest areas in the city.
It offers waterfront entertainment, attractions and high-end dining options along the River Liffey. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, visit the local Point Village or take in a concert at the 3Arena music venue.
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, the Docklands has become one of the most sought-after places in Dublin, especially for young professionals.
Howth
Sticking with the city’s north side, Howth is one of Dublin’s oldest and most historic suburbs.
This small village within a city is located on the peninsula of Howth Head, renowned for its natural beauty, walkable cliffs and fresh fish and chips.
For those looking for a bit more peace and quiet with easy access to Dublin’s business hubs, Howth may be ideal, as it’s a mere 30-minute train ride to central Dublin.
Although well connected, owning a car would be a good idea if you choose to move here as it’s a little further from the centre, especially given the unpredictable weather.
Howth is a safe and welcoming village with a strong sense of community, making it popular with expat retirees. Accommodation is a bit pricey, but with incredible views and nature, it may be worth it.
The Cost of Living in Dublin
A familiar story throughout Europe, Ireland is in the middle of a major housing crisis, with tens of thousands of new properties needed. Living in Dublin is on the more expensive end.
The general cost of living in Dublin is an average of around €3,500 for a single person and €6,000 for a family of four.
House prices in Dublin 6 (Rathgar, Ranelagh, Rathmines and other locations) are up 5%, with an average price of €1,050,000.
The demand for properties remains consistent across all types.
Two- or three-bedroom houses are in the €650,000 to €800,000 range. Three-bedroom semis are currently selling for around €1 million, depending on location and condition.
Given the expense of renting a home – average is around €2,500/month – in Dublin, many prefer buying a property as a more cost-effective and stable choice despite rising prices.
Do keep in mind, however, that if you want to take advantage of the non-dom tax incentive, the decision on renting or buying may impact your status.
Residence and Citizenship in Ireland
As with many other high-value European countries, pathways toward Irish residence and citizenship have become much tighter or even disappeared in recent years – for example, Ireland’s Golden Visa was discontinued in 2023.
Residence in Ireland
Thankfully, there are still options for those who want to live in the Irish capital.
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) was introduced by the Irish Government over ten years ago to allow innovative entrepreneurs to establish businesses and gain residence in Ireland.
STEP was established for non-EEA nationals to develop a High-Potential Start-Up business and, in return, gain residence along with their families in Ireland.
So, what qualifies as a High-Potential Start-Up?
The Irish Government wants a business capable of creating ten jobs and generating a minimum of €1 million in sales in the first four years. Applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- Their business is less than five years old
- Their business is headquartered and controlled in Ireland
- Their business develops innovative services or products that can compete in international markets
- Their business is under the administration of an experienced management team.
The following conditions must also be met in order for permission to be granted:
- Applicants must provide a Statement of Source of Funding (minimum €50,000)
- Applicants must establish the business as outlined in their application
- Applicants must work on this business full-time
- Applicants are not permitted to be employed in any other capacity
- Applicants must not become a financial burden on the Irish State
- Applicants must not be convicted of a criminal offence in any jurisdiction.
Successful STEP applicants are granted residence for two years, which they can then extend. However, they are not given any special pathway to Irish citizenship and can, after five years of residence, apply for naturalisation and citizenship, which must include one year of continuous residence.
Citizenship and the Irish Passport
Irish citizenship comes with the second-strongest passport in the world.
But what does that actually mean?
Holding an Irish passport means visa-free access to 173 countries. You can live and work anywhere in the 27 European Union nations and benefit from the special travel and economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland.
If you have the luck of the Irish on your side, Ireland’s citizenship-by-descent program is one of the easiest ways to get second citizenship through heritage.
Irish Citizenship by Descent
The Irish diaspora is huge and spread across the four corners of the globe.
In the United States alone, it is estimated that around 10% of the entire population are eligible to claim the benefits of Irish citizenship.
The lucky ones can bypass all the usual arduous requirements and fees if they can prove that their parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents are Irish citizens.
You’re probably thinking this all sounds great, but how do I qualify for Irish Citizenship by Descent (CBD)?
Unlike some of its European neighbours, Ireland has made the process pretty uncomplicated and transparent.
Applicants for Irish CBD must fit into one of the following categories:
- Were born on the island of Ireland to an Irish citizen
- Was born on the island of Ireland to non-Irish citizens who satisfied residence requirements at the time of their birth
- Was born outside Ireland to Irish citizens born in Ireland
- They were born outside of Ireland to Irish citizens who were also born outside of Ireland, and their grandparents were Irish citizens born in Ireland
- They were born outside of Ireland, their parents were born outside of Ireland but were registered on the Foreign Births Register before they were born, and their grandparents were born outside of Ireland to the great-grandparents who were born in Ireland.
- Were born in Northern Ireland before January 1, 2005, and are an Irish-born citizen
- Were born in Northern Ireland to either an Irish or British parent on or after January 1, 2005.
Answer a few ancestry questions on our CBD eligibility checker to see if you qualify for citizenship by descent here.
Unlike other programs, Ireland does not prioritise parents’ marriage, and it doesn’t matter whether the ancestor linking you to Ireland was alive when you were born. You can also go back as far as great-grandparents.
Other Routes to Citizenship
In 2023, Ireland discontinued its Golden Visa program, eliminating the option for citizenship by investment.
Although not the most accessible option, some other routes exist for investors and entrepreneurs to gain long-term access to Ireland:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: The Critical Skills Employment Permit is a type of Irish work permit designed for non-EEA citizens hoping to work in Ireland in a position listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List. Successful applicants obtain two years of residence and up to three years of renewal, leading to a potential for long-term residence in Ireland.
- Citizenship by Naturalisation: The naturalisation process in Ireland allows foreign nationals to become Irish citizens after a qualifying time has passed. This means hopeful citizens must have resided in Ireland for at least five years out of the preceding nine years before the application.
- Irish Dual Citizenship by Marriage: Are you married or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen? To acquire Irish citizenship through marriage, you need to live in Ireland with your Irish spouse/partner for approximately three years to be eligible to apply for a passport.
The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Dublin, Ireland: FAQs
Generally speaking, Dublin is a very friendly city for expats. In fact, there are a lot of expats who currently call this place their home, meaning not only will you have plenty of opportunities to meet friendly locals, but also mingle with other expats.
The cost of living has increased in Ireland over the past few years, but it still isn’t totally unreasonable for most Westerners. Most people can afford to live in Dublin for between €2,500 – €4,000 per month, though rent will make a big dent in that budget.
The high cost of living, particularly rent, is the most commonly cited reason why some people don’t choose to make this their home.
Yes. Ireland has a universal healthcare plan that you can avail of, if you meet the requirements.
There isn’t a huge difference in crime rates between the two cities, although Dublin has a slightly lower crime rate on average than London. Dublin is a pretty safe city, but of course, you should take proper precautions when travelling, especially at night.
Living in Dublin – The Right Way
As with all European citizenships, an Irish passport is not the easiest to acquire unless you are lucky enough to have Irish heritage and the documents to back up your claim.
But, if you persevere and find a way to move Ireland, you’ll find yourself in a nation that manages to combine the hustle and bustle of a European country with the tranquillity of a remote island in the middle of a large ocean.
The cost of living might be high but you get what you pay for and, in Ireland, you get residence in an English-speaking country, laden with opportunity and filled with culture, heritage and a lively expat community.
Ireland, with its high quality of life, tax benefits and the availability of citizenship for almost anyone with ancestral ties is an option worth considering.
Our Nomad Capitalist philosophy is to go where you are treated best by exploring the best combination of tax planning, dual citizenship and asset protection strategies.
