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Living in Ireland

Information for Fijians moving to Ireland or living in Ireland

Official sources are authoritative. Rules, fees and processes change, so always confirm the details on the linked official websites before you act.

First steps at a glance

  • Visa: Fiji is on the list of countries whose citizens do not need a visa to land in Ireland (Citizens Information). You still need permission from an immigration officer at the border, and staying longer than 3 months, or working or studying, needs the right permission.
  • Register with immigration: if you will stay more than 3 months, register and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
  • Get a PPS number so you can work, pay tax correctly and use public services.
  • Register with a GP (family doctor) close to where you live.

Health

Everyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland (living here, or intending to live here, for at least a year) can use public health services free or at reduced cost. Most adults pay to see a GP unless they hold a medical card or GP visit card.

  • Medical card: means-tested; gives free GP visits, public hospital care and some other services, with a small charge per prescription item.
  • Without a medical card: you pay for GP visits and prescriptions; the Drug Payment Scheme caps monthly costs for a household. Public hospital care is free or at a reduced charge.
  • Many people also take out private health insurance; it is optional.
  • Emergency services: call 112 or 999.
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Employment

Citizens of Fiji generally need an employment permit to work in Ireland (unless their immigration permission already allows work). Employment permits are issued by the Department of Enterprise; the immigration permission that goes with them is handled by the Irish Immigration Service.

  • The main permits are the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit; eligibility depends on the job, salary and occupation lists.
  • Once working, you have the same employment rights as Irish workers, including the national minimum wage, rest breaks, annual leave and a written statement of terms.
  • You will need a PPS number and should register your job with Revenue so tax is not deducted at the emergency rate.
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Government in Ireland

Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. The President is head of state; the Taoiseach (prime minister) leads the Government. The national parliament, the Oireachtas, is made up of the President, the Dáil (lower house) and the Seanad (Senate). Local services are run by city and county councils.

  • Who can vote depends on your citizenship and the type of election or referendum; check Registering to vote below to see what applies to you.
  • After a period of lawful residence you may be able to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation.
  • Many public services are online through gov.ie and MyGovID.
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Justice

Ireland’s police service is An Garda Síochána (the Gardaí). The legal system is based on common law, with District, Circuit, High, Appeal and Supreme Courts.

  • If you are a victim of crime, report it to your local Garda station; support services for victims are available.
  • Free or low-cost legal advice is available through the Legal Aid Board (means-tested) and Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC).
  • Help is available for domestic violence and abuse, including emergency barring and protection orders.
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Consumer

Irish and EU consumer law protects you when you buy goods, services and digital content. If something is faulty or not as described, you are usually entitled to a repair, replacement, price reduction or refund.

  • Complain to the seller first, in writing, and keep receipts.
  • The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) gives free information on your rights.
  • Check contracts carefully for phone, internet and utilities, and compare providers.
  • Every Irish address has an Eircode (postcode), which you will need for many forms and deliveries.
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Housing

Most newcomers rent privately at first. Demand is high, especially in Dublin, so start searching early and be wary of scams: never pay a deposit for a property you have not viewed or for a landlord you cannot verify.

  • Landlords must register tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which also resolves disputes between tenants and landlords.
  • You will usually pay a deposit plus rent in advance. Ask for a written lease and a receipt for all payments.
  • Tenants have rights to minimum standards of accommodation, privacy and proper notice before a tenancy ends.
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Money and Tax

Ireland uses the euro (€). Employees pay tax through PAYE (Pay As You Earn), plus Universal Social Charge (USC) and PRSI (social insurance), deducted from wages.

  • Apply for a PPS number (Personal Public Service number) — a 7-digit number followed by one or two letters — through MyWelfare.
  • Register for myAccount on Revenue and add your job so that your tax credits and rate band are applied. Otherwise emergency tax may be deducted.
  • Tax credits reduce the tax you pay; most employees get a personal tax credit and an employee tax credit.
  • To open a bank account you will normally need photo ID and proof of address.
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Travel

Citizens of Fiji do not need a visa to land in Ireland, but an immigration officer at the airport or port decides whether to let you in and for how long. Anyone staying longer than 3 months must register with immigration.

  • Irish Residence Permit (IRP): register with Immigration Service Delivery; the standard fee is €300 (some people are exempt). Keep it valid and renew it before it expires.
  • Ireland is not in the Schengen area. An Irish permission does not automatically let you visit other EU countries; check each country’s rules.
  • Driving: Fiji is not on the list of countries whose licences can be exchanged for an Irish one. Visitors may drive for up to 12 months with their Fiji licence plus an International Driving Permit; if you are staying longer you will need to go through the Irish learner permit and driving test process.
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Education

Irish education runs from early childhood (pre-school) through primary school (usually 8 years), post-primary/secondary school (Junior and Leaving Certificate) and further and higher education.

  • Children who live in Ireland can attend state-funded primary and post-primary schools; apply to schools early, as popular schools fill up and each has its own admission policy.
  • The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme provides up to 2 years of free early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age.
  • Third-level fees for non-EU students are generally higher; check fee status and eligibility for grants with each college.
  • Further education and training (FET), including English language classes, is available through local Education and Training Boards.
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