Ireland is an enticing place to relocate to.
That is an especially true statement for qualified pharmacists who come from another European Union country.
The reasons pharmacists love moving to Ireland are hard to deny.
Firstly, it is a beautiful country that is known for its friendly people and bustling social and cultural life. Secondly, it is the ninth highest paying country in the world for people in this profession.
That is according to research done by PharmacistMigration.com, who only list two other European Union member countries as providing a higher yearly salary than the Emerald Isle.
And thirdly, if you are from within the EU/EEA, it is a relatively easy process to relocate to Ireland as it is part of an area that allows free movement of peoples from those countries.
Therefore, you can start your Irish job hunt now.
However, you should know that there are a few steps which have to be taken before you start working as a pharmacist within the Republic of Ireland. There are also a few non-pharmaceutical related things you should know about living in this country on the Western edge of Europe.
Qualification Recognition
If you are a pharmacist from within the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland, you are welcome to work within the Republic of Ireland without any visa or work permit required.
However, you must be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland to practice as a pharmacist in Ireland.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland is the regulator for pharmacists’ education and training in Ireland and to work here, you either need to have your qualifications directly recognised by them or register for a European Professional Card in your home country.
Here’s a quick breakdown of methods for qualification recognition.
Directly with PSI
To get your qualifications verified directly with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, you will have to send an application directly to them. This application will have to be accompanied by your birth certificate, your passport or relevant ID, your qualification certificate, and a registration certificate where applicable. You will also have to meet English language competence requirements and the regulator in your home state will have to certify your professional status and send it directly to the PSI.
The final part of the registration process in this instance is to attend a scheduled application and review meeting.
European Professional Card
Ireland has a mutual recognition of qualifications with all other countries within the European Economic Area. You can register for your European Professional Card (EPC) when in your home country, which allows you to skip the qualification recognition process with the PSI.
The EPC card doesn’t automatically entitle you to work within the Republic of Ireland as a pharmacist. It is for qualification recognition only. To practice here you will still need to apply with the PSI for registration and ensure you meet the English requirements set out by the organisation.
Tax in Ireland
To work in Ireland, you will also need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number. This is for taxation and social insurance reasons. You can get this after you find your first job in the country. You can do this by contacting your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office and setting up a meeting.
When attending the meeting, you will need to bring along your passport, or ID card, proof of an Irish address and proof of employment.
In Ireland, the main income tax is Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
This works by taxing you at a standard rate of 20 percent up to a certain amount of your income and at 40 percent on all the income that is earned above that standard rate amount.
Your employer directly deducts this tax on behalf of the state. If your employer does not have all of the correct details, you may be put on ‘emergency tax’ which is at a much higher rate.
Health & Housing
In the Republic of Ireland, the public healthcare system is run by the Health Service Executive, or the HSE for short.
For members from countries that are part of the EEA, many public services are free, but in some cases, there may be a fee.
In regard to housing in the country, Ireland’s rental prices can be quite high in comparison to other European countries, with monthly rents under €1,000 particularly hard to come by. This is especially true in bigger urban areas.
Conclusion
Of course, there is far too much to touch on to give a full overview of Ireland as a country, but we hope this summary gives you an idea of what is required to work and live in Ireland.
It is an ideal location for a pharmacist looking for somewhere that has excellent social options, a high salary, and a relatively easy process of relocating.
If you’re interested in relocating to Ireland and finding a job here, contact us using the button below, and then check out our wide range of available jobs here.