Living and Working in Northern Ireland

On the Move
Rental or purchase of property are normally arranged through real estate agents. Northern Ireland has extensive agency networks to meet both commercial and residential needs.
Non-EU residents can obtain relief from customs duty and VAT on personal belongings, subject to certain conditions.
A motor vehicle can be imported free of duty and VAT, provided you have owned and used it for more than 6 months.

Bank Accounts
A non-resident may hold a bank account or credit card with a bank in Northern Ireland.
Opening an account is a simple procedure which will involve a request for photographic identification and confirmation of address (for example, a utility bill).

Medical Cover
All public medical services are essentially free to Northern Ireland residents. Living in the country for more than six months will qualify an individual for residency. Non-nationals may obtain a medical card by contacting the Central Services Agency.

Private health care plans are of course available as an option.

Schools
Northern Ireland offers a mix of religious, private and state schools at all levels delivering a common national curriculum.

The education system commences at age five. The primary programme is seven years in duration and culminates in a secondary level transfer paper at age 11. At around 16 secondary pupils will sit GCSE examinations in up to eleven subjects. The following year they will sit AS-level examinations, followed in the final year of school by A-level examinations. The latter will determine offer of a university place.

Each university evaluates applications for admission from non-nationals on their own merits. In the case of US applicants, SAT scores and high school diplomas will be relevant.

Social, Sport & Leisure
A largely rural and coastal country, Northern Ireland offers a fine family living environment with modern housing and shopping facilities, an unspoiled range of natural amenities, plus a rich cultural heritage extensively served by theatres, museums, concert halls and art galleries.

There is a wide variety of sports and leisure pursuits on offer, including:

There is a wide variety of sports and leisure pursuits on offer, including:

• water sports - fishing, rowing, sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing
• horse riding
• climbing and hill walking
• golf - with numerous high quality courses (including the championship standard Royal County Down)
• popular local sports include Gaelic football and hurling, rugby, soccer and field hockey.