Thinking of returning to Ireland?

The move back can be as complex as the move over. These organizations can help:

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade- Returning to Ireland
• Crosscare Migrant Project
• Safe Home Ireland
• Citizens Information
• Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas
• Department of Social Protection
• Moving2Ireland
• Minister Ross Announces New Driver Licensing Measures to Help Returning Emigrants and Others
• Minister Flanagan Announces A New pre-Clearance Process for Non-EEA De facto Partners of Irish Citizens
• Crosscare Migrant Project- Bringing Non-Irish Family Members

Returning to Ireland Guide from the Irish Times

Useful Links:

Returning to Ireland

Planning to return to Ireland? Here is everything you need to know

Returning to live in Ireland with a child? Here is everything you need to know

I’ve worked abroad for 44 years, am I entitled to an Irish pension?

Will I get Jobseeker’s Allowance on returning to Ireland?

10 Tips On Returning To Ireland From Our Friends at Crosscare

Are you planning a move home? Advice from others who have taken the plunge is usually the best place to start. 400 recently returned Irish emigrants gave us their top tips for making a successful return. Research, budgeting and preparing yourself emotionally all made the list.

1. Research & budget in advance:

• be prepared for a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy
• trial a short time stay in Ireland before moving back permanently
• apply for any relevant tax refunds
• keep foreign bank account open for tax return
• seek professional advice
• apply for schools before return
• it can take time to access help from public services, including social welfare
• bring all relevant documents
• keep contacts in case of returning to live abroad again
• be prepared for weather, move back in spring or summer

2. Arrange employment:

• try to arrange employment before return
• re-skilling may be necessary
• career opportunities may be limited
• wages may be lower

3. Have savings:

• the cost of living can be expensive, particularly in Dublin

4. Arrange accommodation before return:

• have a place to stay when you return, even if it’s with family
• accommodation in Dublin and other urban area can be very expensive so start your search as early as possible

5. Have realistic expectations:

• commit and prepare mentally
• make the right choice for you
• some former support networks may have moved on

6. It takes time to resettle

• allow time to readjust and settle back into the way of life in Ireland

7. Embrace changes:

• embrace the change in yourself, in Ireland as a country and in the culture
• see it as a new start
• enjoy getting to know the country again and travel

8. Be prepared for the emotional impact:

• it can be emotionally draining to leave established networks in an adopted home
• there may be a ‘culture shock’
• talk to others who have done it
• take time with the decision and think about the reasons for and against it
• know that it might be challenging
• make of a list of challenges and a mental note on how to respond to these
• have a prepared mind-set, keep positive, and have specific goals
• look after your mental health
• planning a trip back to the country of return can help with the transition

9. Shop around for car insurance:

• insurance can be expensive
• access can depend on experience and exchanging a foreign driving licence
• it can take 12 months to exchange foreign drivers licence
• try to arrange to be a named driver on an existing policy if possible

10. Reach out to family for support:

• speak to family and friends in Ireland about what life is like here
• reconnect with friends before you return and make time to make new ones

Find out more about moving back to Ireland here.