Getting Started in Ireland

The more you prepare before landing, the faster everything moves. Several actions — particularly opening a digital bank account and gathering your documents — can and should be done from abroad.

Documents to carry in hard copy

• Passport (valid, ideally with at least 12 months remaining).
• Job offer letter from your Irish employer — letter-headed, dated, and confirming your start date and Irish address if known.
• National ID card (EU/EEA citizens) as a backup to your passport.
• Signed tenancy agreement or accommodation letter — even a temporary address confirmation from a friend or employer is useful.
• Birth certificates for any children you plan to enrol in school.
• Previous insurance or pension records from your home country (for health insurance continuity claims and pension transfers).

Actions to take before landing

• Open a Revolut account from abroad. You get a euro IBAN immediately and can use it for online payments, rent deposits, and salary while you wait for an Irish current account. Almost every Irish employer will pay salary to a Revolut IBAN.
• Book temporary accommodation — even two to four weeks in a serviced apartment gives you time to view rental properties without the pressure of arriving homeless.
• Set up Daft.ie alerts for the areas you are targeting. New listings in popular areas go within 24 to 48 hours. Being alert from day one matters.
• Non-EU nationals: confirm your employment permit conditions before leaving. You must have a valid permit before starting work in Ireland.

The first two days are about getting the immediate practical foundations in place. Do not rush everything at once — but a few actions will unlock everything else.

Your PPS number unlocks everything else. Revenue registration, bank accounts, school enrolment, and access to public services all depend on having one. Make it your first major task.

Applying for your PPS number

You have two routes:

• In person at an Intreo centre — same-day issue. Bring your passport, proof of Irish address, and a document showing why you need a PPS (your job offer letter is ideal). Find your nearest centre at gov.ie.
• Online via MyWelfare.ie — available once you have a MyGovID account. Takes 5–10 working days. Scan and upload all documents clearly; blurry scans are rejected.

Documents needed for PPS application

• Valid passport or national ID card (EU citizens).
• Proof of Irish address: signed tenancy agreement, employer letter, or utility bill at your Irish address.
• Evidence of why you need a PPS: job offer letter, employer letter, or letter from a school if enrolling children.

Notify your employer's payroll immediately

The moment you receive your PPS number, provide it to your employer's payroll team in writing. Emergency tax at 40% income tax plus USC applies to every payslip until this is done. Refunds are automatic but can take two to three payslips to come through — better to avoid the problem entirely.

See our full PPS, IRP and Revenue guide for step-by-step detail on the application process.

Opening an Irish bank account

Irish banks require a PPS number, proof of address, and sometimes a minimum opening deposit. The realistic sequence for new arrivals:

• Revolut or N26 — open instantly with no PPS required. Use for salary and everyday spending while waiting for your traditional account. Nearly all Irish employers accept a Revolut IBAN for salary.
• AIB, Bank of Ireland, or PTSB — apply once you have your PPS number and proof of address. These are the most widely used banks with the broadest ATM networks. Apply online or visit a branch in person.
• Credit unions — more flexible than traditional banks for new arrivals. Present in every town. If traditional banks reject your application due to address requirements, a local credit union is often willing to open an account.

For a full breakdown of each bank's requirements and how to navigate the PPS–address catch-22, see our dedicated bank account guide for new arrivals.

Registering with Revenue

Register through myAccount at ros.ie as soon as you have your PPS number. You need your PPS number, date of birth, Irish mobile number, email, and home address.

Once registered, your employer can apply your tax credits. The standard package for 2026 includes the Personal Tax Credit (€1,875) and the Employee Tax Credit (€1,875) — a combined reduction of €3,750 in annual tax liability.

Deciding on health insurance

Ireland operates Lifetime Community Rating. If you are over 34 and have not held continuous Irish private health insurance, a 2% annual loading applies to your premiums for up to 10 years. Joining within your first few weeks eliminates this penalty permanently.

Use the HIA comparison tool to compare every plan side by side. Entry-level plans start at approximately €700–€900 per adult per year. The main providers are VHI, Laya Healthcare, and Irish Life Health.

See our full health insurance guide for a comparison of providers and what each plan covers.

Registering with a GP

Many Dublin GP practices are closed to new patients. Start your search early — ideally in week two. Use the HSE GP finder to identify practices near your home or workplace.

As a private patient (the default until you qualify for a medical card or GMS card), a GP visit costs €60–€80. If your household income is below the medical card threshold — approximately €600–€750 per week for a single adult in 2026 — you may qualify for a medical card, which covers GP visits at no cost. Apply through hse.ie.

While finding a GP, walk-in clinics (Centric Health, Boots Healthcare, Citywise) operate in most cities for non-emergency care at similar private rates. Our GP registration guide covers how to find an accepting practice in each city, what to expect at first registration, and current medical card income thresholds for 2026.

Enrolling children in school

There is no central enrolment system in Ireland. Contact schools directly. Bring birth certificates, previous school records, and proof of your Irish address. Apply to multiple schools simultaneously. Primary and secondary state education is free, though most schools request voluntary contributions of €100–€150 per year.

See our school system guide for a full breakdown of school types, how enrolment works, and Gaelscoileanna options.

IRP card registration (non-EEA nationals)

If you are from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must register with Immigration Service Delivery and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.

• Register within 90 days of arriving.
• In Dublin, book online at burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie. Slots fill quickly — book within your first week.
• Outside Dublin, visit your local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) station.
• Bring: passport, employment permit, proof of Irish address, PPS number, and a passport photo.
• Fee: €300 per adult. The IRP card is valid for the duration of your permission to remain.

See the IRP registration section of our visa guide for the full list of documents and what to expect on the day.

Once the immediate priorities are handled, these are the milestones that matter across your first twelve months.