Ireland is a small island nation in northwest Europe. The magnificent scenery of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline 2,000 miles wide expanse of coastline. This country is geographically isolated from the rest of the world which is why it boasts a unique cultural heritage and tradition.
This European island nation is popular for its wealth of folklore, ranging from tales of tiny leprechauns to that of a patron saint.
The green pastures, deep valleys, and pure water surrounding the island help in creating outstanding natural flavors. Ireland is famous for mouthwatering seafood and other local dishes that fascinate the foodies from far and wide.

Looking forward to moving to Ireland from US? Here is the comprehensive guide that contains all essential details that you should be well aware of before making a final move.
In general, relocating to Ireland is not challenging. There are no specific requirements to immigrate to the country other than the standard vaccination shots you receive as a child.
Our Ireland relocation guide ensures that you are prepared for your journey and get your plans in motion easily. Whether you are looking for moving costs, visa requirements to the country’s ranking, or citizenship details, we cover it all. Just keep scrolling and get to know everything to start new and exciting life in Ireland.
Can a US citizen become an Irish citizen?
Yes, absolutely. US citizens can apply for an Irish citizen in many ways.
- By birth or Descent
It simply means that you may need to register your birth to get entitled to become an Irish citizen.
- Through naturalization,
US citizens can become Irish citizens by applying through the naturalization process. Keep in mind that you can use this method if you have lived on the island for 3 out of 5 years.
- Foreign Birth Register
This method applies to those foreigners whose grandparents are born in Ireland but the person who is applying was born abroad. In such a case, you need to register your birth in the Foreign Birth Register to claim Irish citizenship.
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Visa
Getting an Ireland visa is a simple and straightforward process. All you need to do is check the requirements, apply for a specific visa with essential documents, and get it approved within a few days. Check the complete details here.
Ireland visa for US citizens
Americans can enter Ireland visa-free for tourism or business purpose and can stay for up to 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, otherwise, you might face trouble while entering this country. Also, you must have proof of funds to support your stay and a return airline ticket.
Ireland visa types
Find the list of Ireland visa types here and select the option that fits your requirements.
Study Visa | If you wish to study in Ireland for less than 3 months, you should apply for a ‘C Study Visa’. However, if your study extends more than 3 months, you should apply for a ‘D Study Visa’. |
Business Visa | A short stay C business visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for business or work. |
Employment Visa | Citizens can apply for an employment visa after they have obtained their employment permit. It should be applied for up to three months before your date of travel to Ireland. |
Ireland visa requirements for US citizens
Here’s the guide to the Ireland visa requirements for US citizens.
- Ireland visa application form
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized pictures
- Proof of you have paid the Ireland visa fee
- Proof of legal residence in the country from which you are applying
- Letter about your purpose of travel
- Proof of accommodation in Ireland
Ireland visa fee
Standard non-refundable visa application processing fees are:
Single Journey | €80 |
Multiple Journey | €100 |
Transit | €25 |
Do US citizens need a visa for Ireland? No. US citizens can visit Ireland for tourism and business purpose without any visa. They can also stay there for up to 90 days.
Can I live in Ireland as a US citizen? Yes, you can live in Ireland as a US citizen for up to 90 days. Once this period is over, you will have to apply for a specific visa to live there comfortably.
How much does it cost to get a visa for Ireland from the USA? The fee for Ireland visas depends on the type of visa you are applying for. US citizens have to pay $81 for a single entry visa and $136 for a multiple entry visa.
How long does it take to get an Irish visa? In general, you can expect a decision about eight weeks after the officials receive your documents.
Citizenship/ Immigration
Check out the complete information about Irish citizenship here.
How to get Irish citizenship as an American?
Yes, sure. An American moving to Ireland can get Irish citizenship in three ways.
- By birth or descent
You can automatically get Irish citizenship if you are born in Ireland or if your parents or grandparents were Irish, or if you were born outside but want to register your birth in Ireland.
- Through naturalization
Naturalization is the most common process through which foreign nationals can become Irish citizens. In order to apply through the naturalization process, an applicant must have lived in Ireland for at least three out of five years.
- By foreign birth register
This method is applied to those Americans whose grandparents were born in Ireland but the person who is applying is born outside. In that case, foreign nationals need to register their birth in the Foreign Birth Register to claim Irish citizenship.
Irish Citizenship Requirements
Check the complete Irish citizenship requirements before moving to Ireland from US.
- You are 18 years or older.
- You must have lived 3 out of 5 years in Ireland before you submit your application.
- Meet the relevant conditions for residence
- You are of good character with no criminal record
- Birth Certificate
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Will attend a citizenship ceremony and make a declaration of fidelity
How to Apply?
The step-by-step process to apply for Irish citizenship is mentioned here.
- Check the eligibility criteria.
- Complete the application form. The current application forms are
- Form 8: for a person 18 years or over
- Form 9: for a minor child of a naturalized Irish citizen
- Form 10: It must be completed by parents of a minor child of Irish descent.
- Form 11: It should be completed by parents of a minor child who is not entitled to get Irish citizenship at birth.
- Gather your documentation.
- Make a statutory declaration. It is a written document to claim that everything mentioned in the application form is true.
- Send your application and pay the fee of €175 to apply.
Is it hard to get Irish citizenship? No. Getting Irish citizenship is not difficult but takes a bit longer than expected.
Can I get Irish citizenship if my great-grandmother was Irish? Yes. If your great-grandmother was Irish but you were born abroad, then register your birth in the Foreign Birth Register and claim Irish citizenship.
Does Ireland allow dual citizenship? Yes. Ireland allows dual citizenship which means that you can become an Irish without compromising the nationality of your parent country. However, before applying for dual citizenship in Ireland, make sure to check the citizenship rules of your country to avoid the last-minute hassle.
Can an American get Ireland citizenship? Yes, of course. There are three ways in which Americans can get Ireland citizenship, including by birth, by naturalization, or by registering in Foreign Birth Register.
Taxes
The taxes in Ireland are higher as compared to the rest of the developed world. It has the sixth-highest average Income Tax rate in the OECD at 34.6%. Find out more details on the taxation system of this island nation here.
Taxes in Ireland
The different types of taxes in Ireland are:
Income Tax (PAYE) | 20% – 40% | It is applied on the income of an individual |
Corporate Tax (CT) | 12.5% | This tax applies to the worldwide profits of companies in Ireland. |
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) | 33% | This tax is imposed on the gains arising on the disposal of chargeable assets worldwide |
Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) | 33% | It is applicable on gifts and inheritances. |
Standard Value Added Tax | 23% | It is applied to the price of the product at each stage of production. |
Local Property Rate | Based on the market value of the property on the date of valuation | It is charged on residential properties in Ireland. |
Taxes in Ireland vs the USA
Check the tax comparison table here before relocating to Ireland from USA.
Metrics | Ireland | USA |
Income Tax | 20% – 40% | 10% – 37% |
Corporate Tax | 12.5% | 21% |
CGT | 0 – 20% | 33% |
How does the tax system work in Ireland? Income tax in Ireland is due at the rates of 20% and 40% which means that a portion of your income will be taxed at 20% and the remainder will be taxed at 40%. An employed individual should apply for a Certificate of Tax Credits and Standard Rate Cutoff Point. It allows the income tax due each pay period to be determined by considering the personal tax credits of the individual and the tax bands.
Is it more expensive to live in Ireland or the US? Living in Ireland is about 19.6% more expensive than in the USA. It is recently ranked #4th in the list of most expensive countries to live in the world.
Are taxes high in Ireland? Yes. This island nation has the sixth-highest average income tax rate in the OECD.
Housing
Finding accommodation in Ireland is the first thing you should sort out to get settled in this island nation. Housing in Ireland is fairly competitive and most Irish cities are facing a housing shortage. Check out the details here to make an easy transition.
Renting Property in Ireland
An American moving to Ireland should find a short-term rental first to understand the housing prices and local property tax etc., and then plan further to buy a property. Here’s the step-by-step process of renting a property in Ireland.
- Find the accommodation online. There are various portals where you can easily find Irish rentals.
- Gather the essential documents such as
- A valid passport and a copy of an Irish visa.
- Reference from your previous landlord
- Employer’s reference if you have arrived in the country on a work visa.
- Bank details and proof of funds
- Sign a rental contract.
- Pay the deposit and move to your new home.
Can an American buy property in Ireland?
Yes, absolutely. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Ireland and this is applicable to both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals. However, the process is quite complicated and Americans might face a little difficulty while buying a property. You may need to submit multiple documents which itself is a tricky task.
The steps to buying a property in Ireland are:
- Apply for a mortgage before you start looking for properties in Ireland.
- Find your desired property.
- Make an offer
- Hire a surveyor to inspect the property
- Ask the lawyer to prepare the Deed of Conveyance document.
- Get a Contract of Sale from the sellers’ lawyer.
- Complete other formalities and pay the amount to complete the process.
What is the average rent in Ireland? The average rent in Ireland varies from one city to another. Rental prices in Dublin hover around 1500 – 1600 EUR.
What is the average price of a house in Ireland? The average price of a house in Ireland is about 258,000 EUR.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Ireland? Sure. There are no legal restrictions to owning a property in Ireland as a foreign national.
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Jobs
According to the 2020 index, The Emerald Isle has the sixth freest economy in the world with a score of 80.9. Since this island nation boasts one of the flourishing economies in Europe, it offers ample work opportunities with a stable job market. Check more details here.
The job market in Ireland
While the Irish market has innumerable jobs for both foreigners and locals, however, it attracts great competition which makes it difficult to fetch a job. Work-life in Ireland is similar to other European nations, with an average salary of around 40,000 EUR.
Jobs in Ireland for Americans
One of the areas where Americans can easily find jobs in Ireland is the technology sector. The Irish technology market has grown threefold in recent years. The small island is now a hub for several technology behemoths, including Google, Apple, Microsoft, and more.
The American moving to Ireland can find the following job opportunities here.
IT Manager | 84,000 EUR |
Senior Quality Analyst | 84,000 EUR |
Product Manager | 86,000 EUR |
Lawyer | 86,764 EUR |
Physician | 90,000 EUR |
What jobs are in demand in Ireland?
Find out the list of most demanding jobs in Ireland here.
Director of Operations | 130,000 EUR |
Finance Director | 139,000 EUR |
Dentist | 91,000 EUR |
Baker | 84,000 EUR |
Technical Artist | 103,000 EUR |
Commercial Manager | 92,000 EUR |
How can I get a job in Ireland? There are several ways in which you can get a job in Ireland, including Irish job websites, Irish job agencies, Irish newspapers, social media, and more. You can utilize any of these methods to get a job in Ireland.
Is it easy to get a job in Ireland? No. Although this island nation offers ample work opportunities, finding a job in Ireland might be difficult. However, you can make this task simpler by understanding the job market and preparing yourself accordingly.
How can a foreigner get a job in Ireland? Expats can use the Irish job websites and agencies to find a job in this island country. However, foreigners must have to apply for an employment permit to work in Ireland.
Health
No matter how thrilling you are about moving to Ireland from US, it is essential to learn about the healthcare system of this island country before making a move.
The Healthcare system in Ireland
Ireland has a comprehensive, government-funded public healthcare system. It is ranked #13 out of 195 countries in terms of healthcare facilities with a score of 88.4. However, you need to meet certain requirements to access the universal healthcare of the country. Since the free medical facility is available to medical cardholders only, statistics shows that only 30% of Ireland’s population benefits from free healthcare.
Public vs Private Healthcare
While public healthcare is offered through HSE and voluntary hospitals, the private system operates independently of the state health services. If you prefer choosing private healthcare systems, then you must pay for the cost of the medical care, either directly or through health insurance.
Ireland Healthcare Vs the US
Although Ireland offers excellent healthcare facilities, it is still behind America in terms of healthcare. Before relocating to Ireland from US, it is important to compare the medical services of both countries.
Metrics | Ireland (Ranks) | USA (Ranks) |
World Ranking in Healthcare | 13 | 11 |
Healthcare System Index | 46 | 23 |
Speed in delivering reports and examinations | 44 | 14 |
Modern Equipment | 39 | 11 |
Short waiting times | 43 | 10 |
Skills and competence of medical staff | 42 | 16 |
Does Ireland have a good healthcare system? Yes. Healthcare in Ireland is considered one of the best in the world with public satisfaction ratings of 90% for outpatient and 85% for inpatient treatments.
Is healthcare free in Ireland? Yes. Since Ireland has a universal healthcare system, it is available for free or at a reduced to the citizens.
Do ex-pats get free healthcare in Ireland? Yes. Expats are eligible for using public healthcare services, either free or subsidized.
Education
Ireland provides students with one of the best education systems in the world. Check more details on the same here.
The Education system in Ireland
Education in Ireland is mainly divided into four levels – Primary Education, Post Primary Education, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education.
The National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ), a national entity, specifies the standard of Irish education qualifications. It allows the students to move from one study level to another as long as their visa requirements are fulfilled.
Ireland is home to some of the top-ranking universities in the world, including the National University of Ireland, University of Cork, Trinity College Dublin, etc.
Ireland’s education system for international students
Ireland is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe. Its universities and colleges offer first-class education to students. Moreover, Ireland is one of the safest countries hence, it is easy to settle here to complete the studies. Moreover, it offers free undergraduate degrees for students from Switzerland and EU/ EAA countries.
Education in Ireland facts
Some of the must-known education in Ireland facts are given here.
- It has one of the most educated workforces in the world.
- Education in Ireland is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16.
- It has world-class universities with quality education and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
What is Ireland’s education system like? The education system in Ireland comprises four different levels – Primary, second-level, third-level, and further education. It is mandatory for children between 6 and 16 years to attend school.
Is education in Ireland free for international students? Undergraduate degrees for students of Ireland, Switzerland, and EU/EAA countries are free. The cost is covered by Higher Education Authority (HEA). However, students from other countries will have to pay the fees while studying in Ireland.
Is education free in Ireland? Yes. Bachelor’s or undergraduate degrees are free for citizens of Ireland, EU/EEA countries, and Switzerland. However, not all courses are free and you should check the list of the free courses before taking enrolling in the universities.
Cost of Moving
Wondering about how much does it cost to move to Ireland? It depends on various factors, including the weight of the container, distance from source to destination, and the moving company. Check the complete details about the price of moving to this island nation.
Cost of moving to Ireland from the US
Moving overseas is not easy as you have to adjust to different cultures, laws, and undertake the herculean task of moving your personal belonging during an international relocation. Most expats tend to underestimate the cost of moving overseas. You should aware of the factors that can affect the cost and overall shipping solutions.
One such factor is the number of belongings you want to take while relocating to Ireland from US. Additionally, you should choose a moving company that has prior experience in overseas shipping to avoid last-minute surprises.
Most international moving companies charge the price according to the volume. The one-bedroom house costs an average of $1,618 in a city while the same costs an average of $1,187 outside the city. The average cost of moving your stuff to a three-bedroom house is $2,698 in the city while it is reduced to $1,942 outside the city.
However, there are several ways in which you can reduce the cost of moving to Ireland.
- Relocation can be stressful as there are plenty of things involved in the whole process. One such is the documentation and paperwork. Having proper documentation can reduce the stress and cost of moving to this island country.
- Packing your stuff is yet another crucial factor that can affect the moving cost. Carry the stuff that matters to save a few bucks.
Cost of Shipping
The cost of shipping your items from the USA to Ireland mainly depends on the size and weight and how quickly you need them to arrive. You can ship your stuff to this island nation in as little as 1-3 business days with an expedited courier or as long as 10-16 days with economy service. Planning to immigrate to Ireland from US? Learn about the shipping cost first to make a smooth transition.
Cost of a shipping container from the USA to Ireland
The shipping cost from the USA to Ireland varies from one moving company to another and depends on various elements. The average cost of shipping your items from the major cities of the US to Ireland is given here.
New York – Dublin | $1,416 |
Norfolk – Cork | $1,230 |
Los Angeles – Cork | $2,541 |
Chicago – Dublin | $1,359 |
Norfolk – Dublin | $1,424 |
New York – Cork | $1,230 |
Long Beach – Dublin | $2,626 |
Savannah – Dublin | $1,424 |
What is the cheapest way to send the parcel to Ireland?
There are various ways to ship your parcel to Ireland at a budget-friendly price.
- DPD Direct is one of the cheapest ways to ship parcels to this island nation. It delivers your parcel in around 4 to 5 working days and charges up to £14.61. However, it can send a shipment of up to 5kg only.
- Parcelforce Dropoff or DPD Pickup Classic is also available to book at some extra cost, reducing the delivery time by two days. The cost for this is around £15.29.
- DHL Express is the fastest way to ship a parcel to Ireland and get it delivered in just one working day. It is ideal for urgent deliveries.
Living
While relocating to Ireland from US, there are plenty of facts that expats should be aware of to make an easy move. One such factor is the living cost. Check the complete cost of the living index along with the pros and cons of moving to Ireland here.
Living in Ireland
Foreigners will be surprised to know that the cost of living in Ireland is more expensive than 95% of countries in the world. It is the second-most expensive country in Europe to live in. The living cost in Ireland is slightly expensive than the EU’s average, with its housing cost being the most expensive in the EU.
Moreover, it has been ranked second-highest in the world for quality of life.
This country is full of employment opportunities for skilled and talented individuals. The average salary in Ireland is about 40,283 EUR.
Cost of Living in Ireland vs the US
An American moving to Ireland must know that the cost of living in this country is way more than the United States. So, it’s good to compare the cost before make a transition.
Metrics | Ireland | US |
The cost of a single person without the rent | $958 | $934 |
The cost for a family of four persons without the rent | $3,417 | $3,311 |
Transportation (monthly taxi pass) | $5.62 | $3.00 |
Basic utilities | $178.77 | $162.52 |
One liter of gasoline | $1.71 | $0.67 |
Monthly rent of a three-bedroom apartment | $1,967.44 | $1,728.98 |
Living in Ireland as an American
Living in Ireland as a US Citizen is possible as this island nation allows Americans to stay for up to 90 days or 3 months without any visa. All you need is a valid American passport, returning flight ticket, and proof of funds supporting your stay in Ireland. However, you need to apply for preclearance before you travel to this European country if you want to immigrate to Ireland.
Pros and Cons
Check the list of pros and cons here if you are planning to immigrate to Ireland from US.
Pros | Cons |
Excellent quality of living | The cost of living in Ireland is fairly high. |
World-class education | Unpredictable weather conditions |
Univeral and excellent healthcare facility | It is challenging to buy a property in Ireland |
Less crime rate | |
It allows dual-citizenship |
Is it expensive to live in Ireland? Yes, absolutely. Since Ireland is an island country, a majority of goods need to be imported into the nation which increases the cost of living. It is the second most expensive country in Europe to settle in.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Ireland? A family of four requires an average amount of 6,000 EUR per month to live comfortably. This includes the price of everyday living expenses, transport, and housing.
Can I live in Ireland as a US citizen? Yes, absolutely. Ireland allows US citizens to stay in the country for up to 90 days or 3 months
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Best Places to Live in Ireland
Moving to Ireland from US? Here is the rundown of the best places to live in this beautiful island nation.
Dublin
It is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and is located on the east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin is famous for historic castles and the national museum that showcases the Irish culture and heritage.
Waterford
It is a seaport in southeast Ireland and is located in the province of Munster. It is best known for the Waterford Crystal, a legacy city’s former glass-making industry.
Cork
Located in the southwest of Ireland, Cork is the second-largest city in the country. It is also known as the culinary capital of Ireland and is renowned for being safer than most European countries.
Galway
It is a harbor city on the country’s west coast and is mainly situated where River Corrib meets the Atlantic ocean. Galway is mainly referred to as the cultural heart of Ireland.
Limerick
Situated in the province of Munster, Limerick is one of the country’s oldest cities. It is ideal for history buffs and peace lovers.
Belfast
It is northern Ireland’s capital and is the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. Belfast is one of the safest places in Europe and boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country.
Wexford
It lies on the south side of Wexford’s Harbor and is known for its medieval lanes and opera festival. With the shimmering coastline, this city is ideal for beach fanatics.
Kilkenny
It is a medieval town in southeast Ireland and is known for its buildings and castles. Kilkenny has been referred to as Marble City for centuries.
Drogheda
Located on the south coast of Ireland, Drogheda is an industrial town in the country that offers ample work opportunities to both locals and foreigners.
Sligo
Known for its literary heritage and rugged countryside, Sligo sits beautifully in the north of Ireland where River Garavogue meets Sligo Bay.
Culture and Climate
It’s important to understand the culture and climate of Ireland if you are planning to make a move to this island nation.
Culture
The culture of Ireland includes literature, music, art, folklore, cuisine, and sport associated with Irish people. It is influenced by Anglo-Norman, English, and Scottish culture. Since a large number of immigrants relocate to Ireland, the country’s culture and festivals.
Ireland is known as the mystic country laden with legends and tall tales of fairies. This European nation boasts characterful culture and is full of unique traditions and customs.
Climate
Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate which means that it is mild, humid, and changeable with abundant rainfall, a bit of wind, and a lack of temperature extremes. The country enjoys all four seasons, including spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
It is neither very hot nor very in Ireland and the temperature varies from 3°C minimum to 28°C maximum.
What are the Irish Traditions?
Check the list of some popular Irish traditions here.
- The mountain climb in an honor of Ireland’s patron, Saint Patrick, takes place on the last Sunday of July every year.
- Celtic pagan festivals are celebrated every year to support ancient Irish advocacy. The famous festival of Imbolc signifies the beginning of Spring.
- This country is best known for its wealth of artists, ranging from music, film to literature.
- Potatoes are the unofficial mascot of the Irish food scene.
How old is Irish culture? Ireland’s first inhabitants landed between 8000BC and 7000BC. The Irish have been primarily a Gaelic people.
Does Ireland have four seasons? Yes, Ireland enjoys all four seasons, namely Spring (March to May), Summers (June to August), Autumn (September to November), and Winters (December to February).
How cold is Ireland? The temperature in Ireland stays slightly above freezing during the night while it can range from 7 to 8°C in Inland areas to 8 to 10°C along the coasts.
Ranking
Located to the west of the British Isles, Ireland is a small island nation celebrated for its relentless charm and enhancing mysticism. It is counted amongst the best countries in the world to live in and thus attracts expats from all around the world. Check out the rankings of this European country in terms of different factors and then immigrate to Ireland from US.
Ranking in the world
Ireland is ranked #23 in terms of the Best Country Rankings 2021 by US News. According to the Global Peace Index 2020, this country is listed amongst the top 15 safest countries across the globe with low crime rates. It is the second-most expensive country in Europe to live in. The cost of living in Ireland is more than 95% of countries in the world.
This island nation is ranked #13 out of 195 countries in terms of healthcare by the new global ranking of the healthcare system worldwide with a score of 88.4 out of 100. The new Human Development Index from the UN has ranked Ireland as the second-best country out of 189 countries in terms of quality of life. This ranking is based on health, education, and income.
Conclusion
This is it!! We hope that your relocation guide has answered your question – about how to move to Ireland and will help you in making the hassle-free move.
Ireland is a popular destination for expats worldwide and is known for its rich Irish culture and traditions. This island nation in the Atlantic Ocean is a perfect place for people who love isolation and looking forward to enjoying a peaceful life away from the chaos and hustle.
It is nicknamed an Emerald Isle for its watershed grasslands, Ireland is famous for its mouthwatering delicacies, including Soda Bread, Shellfish, Irish Stew, Black and White Pudding, and more.
This country is an ideal destination for those who love enjoying pub culture and lively night-outs. Whether you are looking for a small pub with a handful of patrons or shout-over-the-noise options, Ireland has endless pubs to spice up your nightlife.
Moreover, this island nation is full of ample job opportunities and foreigners can easily find work here. The cost of living in Ireland is way more than most countries in the world but the excellent education, health facility, and higher salaries make everything worth it.
So, what are you waiting for now? Apply for an Irish visa, pack your bags, find a professional moving company to immigrate to Ireland from US, and get ready to enjoy new and exciting life.
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