Health care in Ireland

NewLifeAhead25 Member

Member since 11 March 2025

NewLifeAhead25Member11 March 2025 15:55:35

Hello

I am English, living in UK but I have Irish citizenship & passport as have Irish family heritage.

I'd like to move from UK to Ireland to retire - the plan may be to work for 5-10 years online in the short term if I can, but then to retire.

I'm used to UK system of free NHS health care, free GP and hospital visits and care but on Google it suggests there is no similar free system in Ireland. Please can anyone confirm if this is true for an Irish citizen living in Ireland?

Also, does the fact I have citizenship and a passport mean I am entitled to buy a house and move to live in Ireland or would I need to obtain some grant of residence permit? If so, would this be a formality or could it be declined?

Many thanks for any help on these topics.

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Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert11 March 2025 17:31:41

8081

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Rather than me C&P a whole load of stuff, far better to point you to the Irish Government Citizens Information website; this link will take you straight to it. Also, concerning housing, the same website has an extensive section; if you need it, this link will take you straight there.

If you want to speak to somebody knowledgeable, the same website has a contact section with addresses and phone numbers; this link will take you straight to it.

I could summarise it all by saying that all things being equal, as an Irish passport holder, you have nothing to worry about.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team