Relocating in Northern Ireland
About Belfast
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and is situated at the head of Belfast Lough. The city was once famous for its shipbuilding industry, notably Harland and Wolff, who built the RMS Titanic. In the past Belfast was also the centre of the Irish Linen industry and had a thriving rope making industry. The population of Greater Belfast stands at approximately 600,000.
Today, Belfast remains a centre for industry, as well as the arts, higher education and business, a legal centre, and is the economic engine of Northern Ireland. The city suffered greatly during the period of disruption, conflict, and destruction called the Troubles, but latterly has undergone a sustained period of calm, free from the intense political violence of former years, and substantial economic and commercial growth. Belfast city centre has undergone considerable expansion and regeneration in recent years, notably around Victoria Square.
Belfast is served by two airports: Belfast International Airport to the north-west of the city, and George Best Belfast City Airport in the east of the city.
Belfast is also a major seaport, with commercial and industrial docks dominating the Belfast Lough shoreline, including the famous Harland and Wolff shipyard.
There is always lots going on in Belfast - find out more at www.gotobelfast.com
To work in Northern Ireland you need:
- A UK bank account for us to pay your monthly salary into. If you need help we can introduce you to our local bank and help you to open an account.
- A National Insurance number. If you are going to be employed for 6 months or more you will need a National Insurance number. This records a person's National Insurance contributions and credited contributions and acts as a reference number for the whole social security system. At induction gem will give you a temporary number until you receive your own. You will be able to work on your temporary number until you receive your own number. We will give you full details of how to apply for this when you join us.
- If you are a national, or married to a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) citizen there are no visa or work permit requirements, otherwise you need to get a current work visa. (The EEA comprises the EU - Austria , Greece, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Portugal, Finland, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom - and also Norway Liechtenstein, and Iceland).
- If you are not a national of the EEA, you need to get a work permit or Visa.
- An E111 form from your own country. If you are a EU citizen, this will provide access to our free National Health Service during your stay.
