Welcome to Ireland.
Your step-by-step guide from acceptance in Kuwait to feeling at home in Ireland — written by students who have done it.
Tap items to tick them off — your progress isn’t saved.
Before you leave Kuwait
Post-acceptance procedures, in order.
Part 1 — start with these
Part 2 — then complete these
| Governorate | Center | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Al-Saqr Specialist Center | Adailiya, block 4 |
| Hawalli | Rawdat Al-Bashair | Bayan, block 1 |
| Farwaniya | Al-Shalahi Health Center | Ishbiliya, block 4 |
| Ahmadi | Abu Halifa Specialist Center | Abu Halifa, block 2 |
| Jahra | Al-Jahra Specialist Center | Jahra, behind Awtad complex |
| Mubarak Al-Kabeer | Al-Adan Specialist Center | Al-Adan, block 7 |
The medical-exam form is drawn from the Deera (الديرة) system.
Flights: There are no direct flights from Kuwait to Ireland — plan to have a connecting flight.
Housing
How to secure it, and the documents you need.
Accommodation is found mainly through Daft.ie — search early, shortlist, and have your documents ready before you contact landlords.
Documents required to rent
If you are under 18, additionally:
- •Father's passport.
- •Father's employment reference + bank statement (3 months).
- •Proof of property ownership (title deeds or mortgage statement).
VERY IMPORTANT: photograph your entry stamp into the Republic of Ireland and send it to your academic supervisor at the Cultural Attaché.
First things to do
Four things, in order, once you land.
- 1
SIM card
- 2
IRP (Irish Residence Permit)
If you're staying more than 90 days you need to register your immigration permission — aim to do it within 90 days of arriving. First-time registration is handled nationwide by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), and first-time appointments take place at the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin. Create or sign in to your ISD Customer Service account to book your appointment. Always confirm the current steps on the official ISD page below, as procedures change.
irishimmigration.ie — first registrationFirst-time appointments: Burgh Quay Registration Office, 13–14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70What you need
Bring every required document to the in-person appointment — registration can't be completed without them. If you can't get an appointment within the 90 days, your permission isn't automatically cancelled — keep trying to book. After you register, your IRP card is posted to the address you gave, normally within about 10 working days.
- 3
Bank account
Book an appointment at a branch (or apply online). Use the branch-finder on the bank's site to find your nearest one.
What you need
Revolut is easy for everyday transactions and fully online — BUT the government allowance (الإعانة) cannot be deposited to it. Use BOI or AIB for the allowance.
- 4
Student Leap Card
Apply online — it's your discounted transport card.
leapcard.ieWhat you need
If you're 18 or over, get a STUDENT card. If under 18, get a CHILD card.
Taxi & delivery apps
Get around and get fed from day one.
Groceries
Supermarkets and halal markets.
Halal markets
- Nour's Food — Nourfoods — Online halal meat and food supplier
- Ingredients — Asian & Middle-Eastern grocery with a halal butcher — Stillorgan (Old Dublin Rd).
Key contacts
Who to reach when you need help.
Kuwaiti Embassy in Ireland
Contact details will be added soon.
Cultural Attaché / Cultural Office
Contact details will be added soon.