Irish, they say are fun and friendly. There can be no better truth than this. After being ranked the 21st-best country in the world, Ireland has surged above Portugal and Belgium to become the most friendly country in Europe. They play supportive to ex-pats and help new ones get settled.  It is easy to make friends on grocery shopping and over some bottles of Guinness. The pub life is the but it’s better not to drink to the point of mentioning Ireland's loose ties with the UK.

Unlike Belgium’s seriousness toward appointments,  It’s a cultural thing for the Irish to be late for business and social events. The 'Irish time' can vary from person to person and event to event. So, it's a good idea to add a few extra minutes of waiting time when scheduling meetings – Guess what? That’s also you embracing a slice of Irish culture.

In Ireland, Belgians should prepare to pay double the prices in Brussels as the cost of living in Dublin is higher. Dublin in turn takes pride in living a more expensive life than the UK's big cities. Groceries are considered luxuries and accommodation in Dublin may cost up to two kidneys. Students usually tend to rent a studio apartment other than the university provision and can be shared with 3 people. Relatively, all in Dublin is costlier than in Brussels, and we’ll just give you the monthly average estimate. 

Ireland is known for its stunning landscapes, including green countryside and picturesque coastlines. Its tourist mark makes it a top pick for holiday living.  In Belgium, you need no invitation to shop for a good life, but It’s important to keep cards in deep pockets and avoid flash purchases and uncalled math quizzes in Ireland.

Transportation may be a major difference between moving from Ireland to Belgium. While public transport is readily available to take you anywhere in Belgium, you will need a private car to reach some areas in Ireland. The cost of owning a car and maintaining it can also be a huge determinant in its cost of living.

As a citizen of the European Union, moving to Ireland is pretty simple. You are free to live, work, and study without needing a visa for it. That is because Ireland and other European countries are beneficiaries of agreements that support easy migration in and out. EU citizens can also bring their family members to live with them in Ireland. Thanks to the reunification treaties.

Pros:

• Ireland is one of the world's safest places to live. The country enjoys a low crime rate in general.
• There is free healthcare for many residents.
• English is the primary language so there is little demand for English from expats.
• The pub life serves as a great home for people after long work hours. It is easy to make friends over a cup of tea there.
• Ireland attracts a high number of international students due to its renowned universities.

Cons:

• Traffic in major cities like Dublin can get very hectic. It is important to factor that into meeting up for appointments.
• The cost of living is high.
• Cites are crowded and you are encouraged to protect what’s yours, especially your wallet.
• The job market is competitive.

Ireland operates a healthcare system called the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE is free and open for both citizens and expats having their medical card. However, EU citizens with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can also access the free healthcare provision.

VHI Healthcare, Irish Life Health, and  Laya Healthcare are likewise top private health insurance that residents use instead of public health. Users seek private options for faster service delivery and personalized treatment.

Ireland is home to many prestigious universities and is known for their academic excellence and discoveries. International students move to Ireland to take advantage of this high-quality education. Dublin has the largest number of universities in the country. The interaction of the locals and students produces interesting day scenes and beautiful nightlife. Among the popular ones are Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC), and so on. 

Although it is small in size, Ireland keeps a vast economic structure to home the headquarters of some of the world’s industries. It has well-defined labor laws and protection, therefore employees have an excellent work-life balance. As a job seeker, you can find employment in industries including banking and distribution. Technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering can be attractive destinations for expatriates seeking career advancement. Getting a desired job is also not a hard nut. All you need to do is to make the internet your friend and have good networking knowledge.

Belgium operates a complex tax system. Ireland is quite straightforward, reaching up to 45% payable on income over €70,044. There is a 20% deduction on Income up to €35,300, and a 40% removal on income from €35,301 to €70,044. A corporate tax rate of 12.5%. 

When moving to Ireland from Belgium as an ex-pat, it is advisable to use strategies that prevent your income from being taxed twice by Belgium. Fortunately, both countries have tax treaties in place to prevent double taxation and offer tax benefits to both residents. For a comprehensive understanding of your tax responsibilities, please consult with a tax advisor.

Ireland pays higher wages to match its higher cost of living. That said, the quality of life in Ireland is ranked 3rd, higher than in Belgium which is placed 17th. The country keeps a growing multicultural environment of people with different backgrounds. You can see that from the menu list you get when you hop into a restaurant.  

Belgium and Ireland are both popular destinations and offer unique experiences for people looking to relocate. Moving from Belgium to Ireland represents a transition from Belgian waffles and chocolates to Irish stews and 3-times distilled whiskey. Many people also choose to cross-move for job opportunities and experience each other's cultural heritage and attractive landscapes.

Retirees will need to meet certain requirements to live well in Ireland. It is required to provide evidence that their pension income is sufficient to meet day-to-day expenses and purchase private healthcare if necessary. Retirees with business in Ireland can also use it as proof of financial capacity.

Ireland offers an interesting stay for all the reasons for moving. However, personal fear based on past experiences may put one in doubt. If you are afraid of what to come with moving to Ireland, taking a short tourist visit to your intended relocation area can prove helpful. While on this journey, live and interact with the locals. Seek answers to your concerns. Doing this will raise your spirit on whether to go pack your bags or reconsider unpacking them.

Just like anywhere else, adjusting to a sudden lifestyle change can be challenging, but with time, it becomes easier, and the change may drift like it never happened. To enhance your experience of living in Ireland, here are some helpful tips:

• Make friends and be the social type.
• Network and seek advice from ex-pats who have made the move.
• Do not act negatively to what is generally accepted.
• Play the safe cards and be careful with late-night walks

Are you ready for your move to Ireland? To facilitate a smooth transition, Moovick links you with excellent movers for stress-free and real-time moving.

Based on projects, we offer tailored services to suit customers of all kinds. We give space for option picks of the service to optimize cost. Contact us to explore the Moovick advantage.