Ireland Jobs for Doctors and Medical Professionals 

The Republic of Ireland is a fantastic and welcoming country to live and work. As part of the EU there is a diverse population and healthcare teams are very supportive of overseas doctors.

Head Medical's UK & Ireland Team helps Hospital Doctors (Consultant and in some locations
Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors) to work in Ireland on a fixed-term contract (usually 6 or 12–month contracts) or permanent basis, and in some services we also supply short term agency locums.

If you hold European specialist training, then we can assist you with the medical registration process and support you in choosing the most suitable job opportunity in Ireland. Internationally-trained doctors have a more complex registration process to go through, which may include examinations, and we would recommend you research this fully (including costs).

Salaries in Ireland are very competitive, alongside generous annual leave and study leave policies.

Ireland offers a high standard of living and excellent state schooling options – private schools are also available. Opportunities are available in cities such as Cork, Dublin, and Galway, or you can choose from more rural locations, including Donegal, Waterford, Wexford, or Mayo. We are highly experienced in helping doctors relocate to Ireland, often with children, and can support you throughout the full process.

What do I need to work as a doctor in Ireland?

All doctors intending to practice medicine in Ireland are required to be registered with the Irish Medical Council (IMC). Depending on where you trained and gained your experience, there are different routes on how you apply for registration.

General Registration – Doctors trained in the EU / EEA

If you have trained in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you will set up an account on the Irish Medical Council website.

You will need to complete an online application form and submit the following documents in support:

• Notarised copy of your passport
• Notarised copy of your original medical degree (and English translation if required)
• Certificate of conformity stating that your training is in accordance with the EU directive 2005/36/EC
• Certificates of Good Standing to be sent directly to the Irish Medical Council
• IELTS certificate dated within the last two years with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module

General Registration – Doctors trained outside of the EU / EEA

If you have trained outside of the EU or EEA, you will need to have your medical education credentials verified through the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) before you can apply for registration with the Irish Medical Council. EPIC is hosted by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). You can use the portfolio to add your qualifications, training, and registration which will enable you to apply for positions internationally.

Eligibility requirements:

• Doctors who have a higher qualification and have either worked in an internship for at least 12 months or have completed at least three years in an accredited training programme

• Doctors who have achieved a Certificate of Experience from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Sudan, Malaysia, the UK or Malta

• Doctors who aren’t eligible under the above routes, can apply for the Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) exam. Please see links for information on PRES and exemptions from PRES.

The following supporting documents will be required:

• Notarised copy of your passport
• Notarised copy of your original medical degree (and English translation if required)
• Certificate of conformity stating that your training is in accordance with the EU directive 2005/36/EC
• Certificates of Good Standing to be sent directly to the Irish Medical Council
• IELTS certificate dated within the last two years with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module (unless qualifications completed in English language)

Specialist Registration (Consultants) – Doctors who completed specialist training in the EU / EEA

If you have trained and you are recognised as a Specialist in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you will set up an account on the Irish Medical Council website and your qualifications will be automatically recognised as equivalent to Irish qualifications.

You will complete an online application form and submit the following documents to support your application:

• Notarised copy of your passport.
• Notarised copy of your original medical degree (including an English translation if required).
• Notarised copy of your original Certificate of Specialist Training (including an English translation if required).
• Certificate of conformity stating that your training is in accordance with the EU directive 2005/36/EC.
• Certificates of good standing to be sent directly to the Irish Medical Council.
• IELTS certificate dated within the last two years with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module (unless qualifications completed in English language).

Specialist Registration (Consultants) – Doctors who completed specialist training outside of the EU/EEA

If you have either trained outside of the EU or EEA or have gained part of your training and experience in the EU or EEA, you will need to apply for specialist registration. Please follow this link using route three of the application routes outlined.

You will be asked to supply the following list of supporting documents:

• Notarised copy of your passport.
• Notarised copy of your original medical degree (and English translation if required).
• Certificate of conformity stating that your training is in accordance with the EU directive 2005/36/EC
• Certificates of Good Standing to be sent directly to the Irish Medical Council.
• IELTS certificate dated within the last two years with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module (unless qualifications completed in English language).

Immigration and Visas

Do I need a visa?

If you are from an EEA or EU country you do not need a visa to visit or work in Ireland. If you not an EEA national then you will need a visa and work permit.

Do I need a medical exam as part of this process?

You will be required to complete an Occupational Health Screening Questionnaire prior to starting employment.  

Police clearance certificates will be required from all countries where you have lived for over 6 months, since birth. 

Please get in touch if you would like us to assess your qualifications for Irish medical registration and to discuss suitable opportunities for you.