Relocating to Ireland
Some personal administration will be required to ensure a smooth transition to Dublin. Please note that some of these formalities are time-consuming. Preparation is key. The following are key steps:
- Ensure you have applied for the correct visa, if required
- Review, sign, and return your Trinity Employment Contract
- Complete Garda vetting, this will be explained and managed via HR
- Arrange an appointment to register with Irish National Immigration Service after arrival to Ireland
- Register for a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, after arrival in Ireland
- Ensure your employment is registered with Revenue and that you have received a Tax Certificate (once you have your PPS)
Don’t plan your relocation before reading this
Below is the must-consider section for selected fellows before relocating to Dublin. Please read carefully.
You may want to familiarise yourself with Dublin City, Trinity College and Citizens Information as well as the information provided on this page.
Please be prepared for the climate and weather in Dublin (you will be arriving at the very end of the summer here). Please assess whether it is a better option for you to bring some warm, waterproof clothing with you or to purchase appropriate clothing when you arrive.
You will have already received your salary offer and may have signed your contract, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the Irish Tax System and if needed, learn how to calculate your tax in advance of being paid in the first month. We also recommend you familiarize yourself with your revenue requirements, as unfortunately, we cannot provide tax advice (each person’s situation is unique based on personal circumstances). The GBHI Operations Team in Trinity are here to help with your transition, however we cannot make personal decisions such as choosing the best accommodation or childcare option for you.
We have provided information about the program and some suggested preparatory reading. The program is delivered through English, it may be possible for some fellows to attend the English for Academic Purposes module in Trinity, we will reach out to you after your start date to confirm interest and availability.
You are certain to meet people from all over the world when you join us in Trinity as an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health. We ask that each person and culture is respected, and that you approach each other with a clean slate and an open mind.
Finally, I suggest that you do not take the experience for granted. Enjoy it as much as you can. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it. Do not let the little things get you down, just think how lucky you are to be in a study abroad program and how great the memories will be for the rest of your life.
Visas for Ireland
If a visa is required to travel to Ireland, please ensure you have all required documentation and ensure you have applied for the correct visa, see www.citizensinformation.ie. Please also refer to the Department of Justice Irish Immigration Service Website
If you are applying to travel with family ensure you apply for the correct visas and that you apply as a group.
Registering with Irish Immigration Service
If you are relocating to Ireland from outside the EU, UK, or Switzerland you must register with the Irish Immigration Service after your arrival. You can find details on how to do this here:
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) manages registration for everyone who lives in Dublin City or county. www.inis.gov.ie/
Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) manages registration for everyone who lives outside Dublin City or county. Regional registration offices are managed by An Garda Síochána (police) and located at their stations nationwide. http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/inis/pages/registration
Your Trinity Contract, Hosting Agreement, Letter of Employment and Staff Card
Your Trinity Contract and hosting agreement will be arranged via Trinity HR. Your staff card will be available for you to collect from Human Resources (HR) in your first week of employment. You can also request a letter of employment if needed; https://www.tcd.ie/hr/
When gathered, submit your Personal Public Service (PPS) number, tax credit certificate and bank account details to Trinity HR.
Your Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number to access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. Allocation of PPS numbers is done by face-to-face interview. However, you can book an appointment for a PPS number allocation interview before you move to Ireland. You should attend the PPS Number Allocation Centre in the county that you intend to live in. We recommend you make the appointment for one week after you have arrived to give yourself the opportunity to gather all the documentation needed.
To make the appointment;
- Create a MyGovID account; https://www.mygovid.ie/
- Book the appointment in a Dublin office (either D’Olier House or Intero Centre Parnell Street)
Different documentary evidence will be required, depending on your nationality. A complete list of documents required should be provided by the office ahead of your appointment, but you will likely need:
- Your contract or a letter outlining that you have a contract with Trinity
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
Please note you will need your employers registered PAYE Number; 0053370i and your social security number or equivalent in a country in which you were residing prior to Ireland.
Tax Certificate
Once you have your PPS number you can apply for a tax credit certificate. Details of how to apply can be found at the following link: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/starting_work_and_changing_job/starting_work/tax_and_starting_work.html
Information on the Irish tax system can be found here https://www.revenue.ie/en/jobs-and-pensions/
Bank Account
You will require a bank account with an EU based IBAN to receive your pay.
There are several banks with branches in the city center for you to choose from. There is a branch of the Bank of Ireland on campus in the Hamilton Building, close to the GBHI office. Some banks will require a letter from your employer in order to open a bank account. The contract of employment letter is usually sufficient. However, if you require a letter to open a bank account, please contact the HR Service Centre.
You may be able to apply for an account from abroad with Bank of Ireland or AIB, or open an account with an online bank, such as Revolut or N26. If you do open an online bank make sure that the IBAN is based in the EU.
Living in Ireland
If you are unfamiliar with working and living in Ireland, it is recommended you consult your local Irish Embassy or Consulate and the Citizen’s Information websites.
Please also see Induction to Trinity College Dublin, https://www.tcd.ie/hr/assets/pdf/trinity-staff-induction-booklet.pdf, as it also contains helpful information about living in Ireland.
For information about the health system in Ireland, click here.
Although the ‘Student Life’ pages of the Trinity website contain information about the ‘Trinity Experience’ for students, it also contains information that you may find useful, such as: Accommodation, Moving to Ireland, Finance (Opening a Bank Account) Getting Connected (Mobile phone and internet) How to get around Dublin See: https://www.tcd.ie/students/living-dublin/
Accommodation
There are a number of websites online that you can search in order to view available properties in Dublin, including:
- www.daft.ie
- www.myhome.ie
- www.rent.ie
- www.collegecribs.ie
- www.tcd.ie/Secretary/Communications/Noticeboard/ac_notices.html
- www.property.ie
- www.airbnb.com
- www.housinganywhere.com
It is recommended that you become familiar with your rights and obligations:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/tenants_rights_and_obligations.html
Ireland's National Police Service (An Garda Síochána)
An Garda Síochána (abbreviated to Garda or Gardaí) is the Irish Police force.
In case of emergency you can ring either 999 or 112.
In a non-emergency situation, you should ring your nearest Garda station if you need assistance. The nearest Garda station to Trinity College Dublin is on Pearse Street (phone: +353 (0)1 666 90 00).
Campus Security
In the event of an emergency, dial Security Services on extension 1999
Security Services provide a 24-hour service to the college community, 365 days a year. They are the liaison to the fire, Gardaí and ambulance services and all staff and students are advised to always telephone extension 1999 (+353 1 896 1999) in case of an emergency.
Local Transport
Public Transport in Dublin
Dublin’s public transport includes:
- LUAS (light rail transit - https://luas.ie)
- DART (Dublin’s suburban rail system - http://www.irishrail.ie)
- Dublin’s bus routes (https://www.dublinbus.ie)
- Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail all have useful apps for timetables and real-time information.
- Trains depart from Connolly Station to the North West and North (Belfast); and from Heuston Station to the West, South, and South West.
For more information on trains please visit: http://www.irishrail.ie
National buses depart from Busaras in addition to many private buses departing from other central locations.
For more information on the national buses please visit: http://www.buseireann.ie
+ PUBLIC TRANSPORT – PAYING BY LEAP CARD
A Leap Card is a reusable smartcard that can be used instead of cash to pay for transport in Dublin. A Leap Card offers the flexibility to utilise Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail services around Dublin. The fare for using your Leap Card is cheaper than paying the equivalent fare by cash. Visitor Leap Cards for 1-, 3-, 7-day(s) are also available.
For further information on the Leap Card please see: www.leapcard.ie
+ BICYCLE SHARING
DublinBikes is a bike-sharing scheme, allowing you to collect a bicycle from any DublinBikes stand and return it to any other stand. Annual membership is offered at low cost.
For further information on the scheme, please see: www.dublinbikes.ie
For information on parking your bicycle on Trinity Campus see https://www.tcd.ie/collegehealth/promotion/travel/Bike%20Security.php
+ CAR SHARING
GO CAR is a car sharing scheme, allowing you to reserve a car from multiple locations across the city, paying a fixed price per hour which includes insurance, fuel, city-centre parking etc.
For further information on GO CAR please see: https://www.gocar.ie
+ TRAVELLING
To and from GBHI at Trinity
Trinity’s central location makes it accessible for all forms of public transport.
GBHI is located in the ground floor of the Lloyd Institute, close to several bus routes. The nearest DART (Dublin’s suburban rail system) is Pearse Station; the closest LUAS (light rail) is the Trinity Luas Stop.
The Transport for Ireland website can assist with planning your journey https://www.transportforireland.ie
+ TO AND FROM MISA AT ST. JAMES’ HOSPITAL
The Mercers Institute for Research on Ageing (MISA) is on the campus of St. James’ Hospital. The closest LUAS (light rail) is the James’ Luas Stop, on the red line. Details on travelling to St. James’ Hospital is outlined on http://www.stjames.ie/Patients/Gettinghere/.
+ TO AND FROM TALLAGHT HOSPITAL
The closest LUAS (light rail) is the Hospital Luas Stop, on the red line. Details on travelling to Tallaght Hospital is outlined on http://www.tuh.ie/Adult-Services/How-to-find-us/
+ TO AND FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT
Details on travelling to Dublin Airport by bus is outlined on https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-bus
Both the Aircoach and the AirLink buses have stops within walking distance to GBHI at Trinity College Dublin; with a one-way ticket costing approximately €7. A metered taxi costs approximately €30.
