UK Nurses Moving to Ireland: From NMC to NMBI
A short move, a big change.
Thousands of nurses move between the UK and Ireland. If you are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the move to Ireland is simpler than for most international nurses, but there are still important steps. This guide explains them.
Who this guide is for
This page is for nurses trained and registered in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, and for internationally educated nurses currently working in the UK who want to move to Ireland. The process differs depending on your citizenship and where you trained, so read each section carefully.
Right to live and work: the Common Travel Area
Under the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements between Ireland and the UK, British and Irish citizens can live and work in either country without an employment permit or visa. If you are a British citizen, you only need NMBI registration to work as a nurse in Ireland.
If you are not a British or Irish citizen, for example an Indian, Filipino or Nigerian nurse working in the NHS on a UK visa, your UK immigration status does not give you the right to work in Ireland. You will need an Irish employment permit, usually the Critical Skills Employment Permit, and possibly an Irish visa. Read our nurse visa guide.
NMBI registration for UK nurses
Every nurse must register with the NMBI before practising in Ireland, including NMC-registered nurses. The route depends on where you trained:
- Trained in the UK. Since Brexit, UK qualifications are no longer assessed under EU automatic recognition rules. The NMBI assesses UK-trained nurses through its process for qualifications obtained outside the EU. UK programmes are generally close to Irish standards, but check the current NMBI guidance for UK applicants.
- Trained outside the UK and EU. You apply through the standard overseas route, with documents from your original training country plus NMC good standing. Your UK experience strengthens your application, but compensation measures may still apply.
Documents
- Nursing qualification and transcript with theory and clinical hours
- Verification of qualification from your university
- Certificate of current professional status from the NMC and any other regulator
- Certified passport copy and proof of name change
- English language evidence if required for your route
- Details of your employment history
Our NMBI document checklist covers each item.
English requirements
Nurses who trained in the UK in English are usually exempt from English testing. Internationally educated nurses who passed IELTS or OET for the NMC may need to meet the NMBI’s own requirements, which can differ in scores and validity rules. Check whether your existing results are acceptable before booking a new test.
Pay: Ireland vs the NHS
HSE staff nurse pay in euro is generally competitive with NHS Agenda for Change Band 5 pay, and senior grades compare well too. Premiums for nights, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays work differently from NHS unsocial hours enhancements. Compare total pay after tax, not just basic salary. Ireland’s tax system, including income tax, USC and PRSI, also differs from UK income tax and National Insurance. Use our take-home pay calculator to compare. See our nurse salary guide.
Pensions and service
Moving from the NHS Pension Scheme to an Irish public service pension involves separate schemes. Your NHS pension remains yours, but service usually does not transfer automatically. Seek independent financial advice before deciding. Ask Irish employers how your NHS experience will be recognised for incremental credit on the pay scale.
Practical differences
- Health system. Ireland has a mixed public and private system; GP visits usually involve a fee unless you qualify for free care.
- Housing. Rents in Dublin are among the highest in Europe; consider regional hospitals for lower costs.
- Driving. UK driving licences can be exchanged for Irish licences.
- Banking and tax. Get a PPS number, open an Irish bank account and register with Revenue.
- Northern Ireland border. Some nurses live in Northern Ireland and work in the border counties, or the reverse. Cross-border workers should seek tax advice.
Why UK nurses move to Ireland
UK nurses often cite family links, a better work-life balance, smaller hospitals, career progression, EU membership and Irish culture. Irish nurses who trained or worked in the UK also return home in large numbers, bringing valuable NHS experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UK nurse work in Ireland without a visa?
British citizens can live and work in Ireland under the Common Travel Area. Non-British nurses working in the UK usually need an Irish employment permit.
Is NMC registration valid in Ireland?
No. You must register with the NMBI before practising in Ireland.
Do UK nurses need IELTS for Ireland?
Nurses trained in the UK in English are usually exempt. Others should check NMBI requirements.
Is nursing pay better in Ireland than the UK?
It is generally competitive, but compare total pay after tax and living costs.
Start your NMBI application
See the full registration process step by step.