All You Need to Know for Relocating to Work as a GP in Ireland

You are strolling through the emerald fields with a stethoscope around your neck and enjoying the scenic drive – enjoyable, right? Relocating to work as a General Practitioner (GP) in Ireland can be a life-changing decision, offering you professional opportunities and cultural experiences.

But before you pack your bags and book your flight tickets, there are some things you must be aware of. From understanding the responsibilities and legal requirements to settling in Irish healthcare, there are several steps to ensure your relocation is successful. And we are here to help you with just that.

In this blog, we will help you understand the skills required, explain the registration process, and provide tips on finding GP jobs. So, keep scrolling:

Must-Have Skills to Become a GP

Commitment, creativity, responsibility, and competitive salaries well define the life of a doctor in Ireland. A GP must be able to offer effective medical treatment to patients and make an impact on society.

Here are some top skills you need to become a GP:

• Communication Skills
• Problem-solving Skills
• Detail-Oriented
• Professional Etiquette
• Business Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Decision-Making
• Career Advancement
• Patient Care Management

Tips to Consider for Relocating to Work as a GP in Ireland

Besides the fact that healthcare professionals are always in demand, there are several other reasons why doctors are heading to Ireland. Work-life balance, modern infrastructure, and higher salaries are some of the top reasons behind this.

If you want to relocate to Ireland for a GP job, you must acknowledge the below information to make your relocation easy:

Start Registration Process

All healthcare professionals must register with the Irish Medical Council (IMC) to work in Ireland. It’s the regulatory body governing Irish medical practitioners. Before planning your relocation, you must meet the eligibility criteria of IMC.

Consider the following details for eligibility and documents:

For Doctors Trained in the EU

If you have completed your medical training in the European Union (EU), you need to submit these documents:

• A notarized copy of your passport.
• A translated and notarised copy of your original medical degree.
• A Certificate of Conformity stating your training complies with the EU directive 2005/36/EC (not applicable if you trained in the UK).
• A Certificate of Good Standing sent directly to the Irish Medical Council from each medical council you have worked under in the past five years.

For Doctors Trained Outside the EU

If you are trained outside the EU, the process involves verifying your medical credentials through the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC), managed by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Doctors with a higher qualification who have either completed a 12-month internship or at least three years in an accredited training program.
• Doctors with a Certificate of Experience from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Sudan, Malaysia, the UK, or Malta.
• Doctors who do not meet the above criteria can apply for the Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) exam.

Required Documents:

• A notarized copy of your passport.
• A translated and notarised copy of your original medical degree.
• A Certificate of Good Standing sent directly to the Irish Medical Council from each medical council you have worked under in the past five years.
• An IELTS certificate dated within the last two years, with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in every module.

If you fit the eligibility criteria and have the documents ready, start by creating an account on the Medical Council website and fill out the application form. You will have to upload some credentials to prove your eligibility. Then, the council will review your application and verify the details.

The decision on the application takes about 6 weeks after your submission. You must complete the registration process before you arrive in Ireland.

Prove Language Proficiency

English is one of the two major spoken languages in the Irland, so you need to prove your English language proficiency if it is not your first language. You can consider taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.

The IELTS test will evaluate your English language skills in four parts: reading, speaking, writing, and listening. A good IELTS score will not only make you eligible to work in Ireland, but it will also increase your chances of getting a good employment opportunity.

Find Employment Opportunities

The Irish healthcare system offers various opportunities for general practitioners, including public health service roles, private clinics, and locum positions.

To begin, look for job listings on popular websites like CSE Connect. Networking is also crucial; connect with fellow GPs and healthcare professionals through LinkedIn and medical conferences to find out potential job openings.

Exploring locum jobs can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Locum positions are temporary roles that can provide flexibility and a chance to experience different work environments. Many GPs find locum work a great way to transition into the Irish healthcare system, as it allows you to build relationships with various practices and gain a deeper understanding of the local medical community.

Get Insured

For general practitioners (GPs) planning to relocate to Ireland, having insurance coverage is essential. Specifically, obtaining Professional Indemnity insurance is highly advisable for GPs practicing in Ireland. This type of insurance offers crucial legal protection in situations where a GP is held responsible or accused of errors or negligence while providing patient care.

While some employers may provide indemnity insurance as part of the employment package, it is wise to have a conversation with your potential employers regarding this coverage before accepting a job offer. In cases where employer-provided insurance is not available, you have the option to explore various professional indemnity insurance providers. 

Apply for Personal Public Service Number

When starting work as a GP in Ireland, obtaining a personal public service (PPS) number is crucial. Similar to a personal tax number, the PPS Number grants access to local services and facilitates the payment of your salary.

To apply for a PPS Number, visit the Local Social Welfare Office in Ireland upon your arrival. Once you have obtained your PPS Number, it is important to provide it to your employer to ensure that the correct tax deductions are applied to your salary. This process is essential for establishing your ability to access local services and receive payment as an employed GP in Ireland.

FAQs About Relocating to Work as a GP in Ireland

Conclusion

Ireland is a great place to work, especially for general practitioners (GPs). It offers a supportive environment for healthcare professionals to grow their careers while maintaining a good work-life balance.

If you’re thinking about moving to Ireland to work as a GP, it’s important to do your research. Learn about the country, explore different cities, job opportunities, taxes, and other essential details to help you plan your move effectively.

If you’re keen on starting a career as a GP in Ireland, reach out to us to explore various job openings. We can help you kickstart your journey to working as a GP in this wonderful country.