This is Part 1 of Stephanie's conversation with Lisa Quinn O'Flaherty - make sure you subscribe to be notified about Part 2!

The legal side of being an expat or repat is often more complicated than originally anticipated. (alongside the tax side, of course!)

In this episode, I sat down with Lisa Quinn O’Flaherty of Fitzsimons & Redmond LLP to talk about some of the most important legal considerations when buying property in Ireland, succession planning, and the complexities of wills and probate.

Lisa brings her wealth of experience as a solicitor to answer questions relating to some of the most common scenarios you might face, from navigating Ireland’s unique home-buying process to the importance of ensuring your will aligns with your wishes—especially if you own assets across multiple jurisdictions.

Whether you’re planning your first property purchase in Ireland or thinking about how to structure your estate for your family's future, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Main Topics discussed in this Episode:

• The Unique Irish Property Buying Process: Buying a home in Ireland can be a lengthy and sometimes unpredictable journey. From understanding the role of the solicitor to the importance of surveys and securing mortgage funds, being prepared is key to a smoother process.
• The Role of Wills in Irish Asset Ownership: If you own property in Ireland, having an Irish will is essential to ensure your wishes are clearly laid out and legally enforceable under Irish law.
• Cross-Border Estate Planning: For expats with assets in multiple jurisdictions, aligning wills across countries is crucial to avoid conflicts, unintended consequences, or tax inefficiencies.
• The Importance of Proactive Planning: Starting the process early—whether it’s securing life assurance, understanding tax implications, or engaging a professional—is the best way to avoid delays and complications.
• Tax and Legal Overlap: Effective estate planning often requires collaboration between solicitors and tax professionals, particularly when dealing with assets in Ireland and abroad. Understanding the tax treaties and laws that apply to your situation can help mitigate unexpected liabilities.

A special Bonus from Lisa:

If you'd like a free consultation with Lisa Quinn O'Flaherty about how she can help you with your legal requirements, contact her via law@fitzsimonsredmond.ie or head to https://fitzsimonsredmond.ie/, and mention Taxbytes when you do!

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/services-and-pricing/.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax...

This is Part 2 of a conversation with John Healy of Healys Insurances - if you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, we'd highly recommend it before jumping into this episode!

There's more to car insurance than claiming on accidents - it's about knowing when to use, which insurance to get and what you need to bring with you as an expat to save money on your premiums.

Talking more about Car Insurance in Ireland, I’m joined by John Healy of Healy’s Insurances, an expert with over 25 years of experience in insuring cars, homes and more. Healy’s Insurances is well-known in expat circles for helping people navigate the quirks of the Irish insurance market (though most notably for Mary Doyle, or “Mary of Healy’s!”).

In this Part 2, we dig deeper into the practicalities of insuring your vehicle in Ireland, including tips to avoid common pitfalls and how to ensure a smooth process when transitioning from foreign to Irish policies. John shares his wealth of experience, including why your no-claims bonus is invaluable, how car registration impacts your premiums, and what you need to know about imported cars.

We also bust some insurance myths, cover the pros and cons of bundling policies, and discuss what to do if you’re caught in the grey zone with your license or insurance timeline. Whether you’re planning your move or are already in Ireland scratching your head over insurance, this episode is packed with advice to help you make a plan that saves you money and gets into your car as soon as possible.

1. No-Claims Bonus is Key: Your no-claims bonus document from abroad is a must-have. Make sure it’s valid, canceled where necessary, and ready before you arrive in Ireland.
2. Car Registration Matters: Your car's reg impacts your insurance quote significantly, from its history (like past accidents) to its mileage. Check the car's insurance eligibility before buying.
3. License Logistics: Foreign licenses can work temporarily, but plan early to convert to an Irish license—especially if you’re from a country without a straightforward exchange process.
4. Imported Cars = Higher Costs: Be cautious when bringing in cars from outside Ireland, as niche models or past damages could hike up premiums or even make them uninsurable.
5. Claiming on Insurance: For minor damages, weigh the cost of paying out-of-pocket against claiming—especially if you’re a younger driver or lack bonus protection.

Contact Healys for Insurance today:

Email: info@healyinsurances.ie

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/services-and-pricing/.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

It’s hard enough to get yourself organised to fly back to Ireland, but you need to start thinking about buying a car almost before anything else! The insurance, licensing, and timing it just right… there’s so much to think about!

Over the next two episodes, I’m joined by John Healy of Healy’s Insurances, an expert with over 25 years of experience in insuring cars, homes and more. Healy’s Insurances is well-known in expat circles for helping people navigate the quirks of the Irish insurance market (though most notably for Mary Doyle, or “Mary of Healy’s!”).

In this Part 1 episode, we chat about everything from the importance of your no-claims bonus, how to handle foreign licenses, and what you need to know about timelines for securing car insurance when you move to Ireland. It’s the best starting point for anyone who hasn’t bought or insured a car in Ireland, and you’ll have even more to look forward to in the next episode!

1. Your No-Claims Bonus is Key: This one-page document detailing your claims-free driving history is essential for securing competitive insurance rates in Ireland. Start organizing this early, as the policy must be canceled in your home country before the bonus is issued.
2. You Can Drive Temporarily on a Foreign License: Expats can use a foreign license for up to 12 months, but you'll need to exchange or replace it with an Irish license if you’re staying longer. The process varies based on your country of origin—U.S. license holders, for instance, face additional steps.
3. Budget for Licensing and Driving Lessons: If you're coming from the U.S., you'll need to pass a theory test and complete six driving lessons before taking the Irish driving test. Lessons can cost €40–€70 per session, depending on your location.
4. Timelines Matter: Insurance renewals can become tricky if you haven’t secured your Irish license within the first 12 months. Be proactive—schedule your licensing appointments as soon as possible to avoid delays.
5. A Tailored Approach to Insurance: Irish insurers often specialize in certain customer profiles. Expats with foreign licenses may find fewer insurers willing to quote, but brokers like Healy’s can help navigate these nuances and secure the best deal.

Contact Healys for Insurance today:

Email: info@healyinsurances.ie

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/services-and-pricing/.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!