A wee guide for moving to Northern Ireland

So, you’re thinking of coming (back) to Northern Ireland?

Whether you’re returning after a few years in Sydney, New York, Toronto or Dubai, or you’ve never set foot here and fancy making it your new home…

…we’re not biased (we are), but it will be the best decision you make!

However, making the move will require a wee bit more thought than just packing a suitcase and hopping on a one-way flight.

So, we’ve pulled together a handy guide of all the things you should consider before your plane touches down on that runway.

For our returning diaspora

First thing’s first, welcome back you legends.

If you were born in Northern Ireland and hold a British or Irish passport, you’re already flying. 

It means you have full rights to live and work in Northern Ireland – as well as across the UK and Republic of Ireland – yay for you!

But moving admin still exists (sorry) and there are some important things you’ll have to think about.

Tell HMRC 

They’ll need to know when you’re coming back to get you set up on the system.

You’ll need to do the same for your National Insurance, your pension and any benefits you might be entitled to, to ensure they’re transferred over.

Register for a GP and dentist

Proper adult things.

You’ll need to organise for your records to be sent to your new health providers here to make sure you can benefit from our free healthcare, courtesy of the NHS, straight away.

Contact the Education Authority

As much as the kids might beg you not to, their school places will need to be sorted.

Luckily, we have a great education system!

Northern Ireland is in the top 10 of the world’s primary school readers and our young people continue to perform highly compared to other education systems around the world.

Apply for jobs

As much as you might not want to, your career needs to be sorted as well – and where better than Northern Ireland?

We have a growing job market, good work-life balance and high standard of living, with Belfast keeping its top spot in PwC’s ‘Good Growth for Cities’ Index.

Fell in love while you were away? 

Your partner, if they’re not British or Irish, might be able to come here with you.

If you were born in Northern Ireland, you can apply for free to have your partner admitted under the EU Settlement Scheme, and if requirements are met you should be all good.

But if you weren’t born here, you’ll likely have to apply under UK immigration rules which means additional fees and stricter requirements.

The things we do for love, eh?

For the first time movers

Don’t have a British or Irish passport? 

Northern Ireland now operates a points system, which means you’ll need to accumulate a certain number of points to qualify for a visa to live and work here.

Not to worry, we’ll help break it down for you.

Get to know the different types of visas

• Skilled Worker Visa – if you have a job offer from a UK employer.
• Family Visa – if you have family members already in the UK.
• Student Visa – to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over.

Check if there are any that suit your circumstances here.

Language requirements

As part of your application, you’ll usually have to pass an approved English language test.

We can’t guarantee this will help you understand Northern Irish slang like “wee,” “baltic,” “scundered,” or “melter,” but we’re sure you’ll pick that up when you get here!

Job offer

For most work visas, you’ll need an offer from a UK-based employer who can give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

But if you’ve not got a job offer, it’s still possible to move here.

You’ll just need proof you have the financial means to support yourself and any dependants without having to rely on using public funds.

Other things to think about:

• You’ll need to undergo health tests, depending on where you’re coming from.
• You may need a criminal record check from any country you’ve lived for 12 months or more in 10 years (this is to make sure you’re not an international supervillain).

Where are you going to live?

We’re notoriously a friendly bunch here, but you should research neighbourhoods, rental prices and local services to make your transition smoother. 

Join local Facebook groups and start conversations to get a feel for what the community is like, and you’ll feel at home in no time!

Need some help making the decision?

Now that the moving admin is out of the way – what else should you know about your new home?

It’s the happiest place to live in the UK

Time and again, Northern Ireland ranks highly for wellbeing and life satisfaction and Belfast is often called one of the friendliest cities in the UK.

We’ve got a high quality of life, short commutes, access to nature within minutes, and a cost of living that’s more manageable than many other UK regions.

That’ll get you beaming from ear to ear!

The weather’s not that bad

Even though it rains a lot, bright evenings are always on the horizon.

Did you know that from March onwards, the sun doesn’t set in Northern Ireland before 6pm until late October?

And on the longest day of the year, we get a whopping 17 hours of daylight?

That means you’ve plenty of time in the evenings to explore local parks, wander along countless beaches or enjoy one of the many beer gardens on offer.

Bonus: We also get to experience all four seasons… 

…sometimes all in one day.

We’re steeped in history – but also hope!

Northern Ireland has had a complex past.

But today, it’s a place transformed.

A new generation is shaping a confident, creative, forward-looking society that embraces diversity, innovation and opportunity.

You’ll see it in our growing tech sector, our thriving arts and music scene and the warmth of our communities.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come!

So, is it the right move for you?

If you’re thinking about immigrating to Northern Ireland as a returning diaspora or as a brand-new adventure, we think it’ll be one of the best decisions you’ll make.

Yes, there’s paperwork and moving boxes and lots of admin…

…but when it’s all done, we’ll be waiting to welcome you with open arms.

N.B This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor.