Visa, PPS Number &
IRP Registration
Whether you're moving from the EU or outside it, here is exactly what you need to get your legal status, PPS number, and Revenue registration in place.
1. EU and EEA nationals: your right to live and work in Ireland
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA member state (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) or of Switzerland, you have the right to live and work in Ireland without a visa or work permit under EU free movement rules. You do not need to apply for permission to enter or remain.
You will, however, need a PPS number before you can start work, open a bank account, access public services, or register with Revenue. There is no registration requirement equivalent to IRP for EU nationals, but you should apply for your PPS as soon as possible after arriving.
UK nationals post-Brexit: UK citizens retain the right to live and work in Ireland under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. No visa is required. PPS number rules are the same as for EU nationals.
2. Non-EU nationals: work permits and visa requirements for Ireland
Non-EU nationals (excluding those from EEA countries and Switzerland) require a valid employment permit before they can work in Ireland. The two most common routes for skilled workers are:
Critical Skills Employment Permit
Available for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List. No labour market needs test required. Allows you to bring family members and apply for Stamp 4 (permission to work without a permit) after two years. This is the most direct route for tech workers, healthcare professionals, engineers, and others on the eligible list.
General Employment Permit
Available for roles not on the Critical Skills list. Requires a labour market needs test (employer must have advertised the role for a minimum period) and the role must meet a minimum annual salary threshold. Renewable and can lead to Stamp 4 after five years.
Other permits
Intra-Company Transfer, Internship, Contract for Services, Exchange Agreement, and Sport & Cultural Activity permits are also available for specific circumstances. Consult the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the full current list and salary thresholds.
3. Applying for your PPS number
A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number that identifies you for tax, social welfare, and other public services. You need one to start work, use public services, open a bank account, and register with Revenue.
How to apply online
- Create a basic MyGovID account at mygovid.ie.
- Once verified, apply through MyWelfare and select "Apply for a PPS Number".
- Upload identity documents: valid passport or national ID card (EU citizens) or passport + visa/permit (non-EU).
- Provide proof of your Irish address: a utility bill, bank statement, or signed lease agreement.
- Confirm your reason for needing a PPS number (starting work, accessing services, etc.).
You must be living in Ireland to apply online. If you are applying before moving, you may need to attend an Intreo Centre in person. The application is processed by the Department of Social Protection.
Proof of address: Many new arrivals find this is the most difficult document to obtain. A signed lease agreement, a letter from your employer confirming your address, or a bank statement are the most reliably accepted forms. Keep a copy of your tenancy agreement from day one.
Source: gov.ie: Apply for a PPS Number
4. IRP registration
If you are a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss national and you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you must register your immigration permission and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This is a credit-card-sized biometric card that confirms your permission to reside in Ireland.
Registration is handled by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and must be completed within 90 days of your permission being granted. Delays can result in your permission being queried, so prioritise this as soon as you arrive.
Registration process
- Book an appointment through the ISD online portal at burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie (Dublin) or your local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) office outside Dublin.
- Attend in person with: valid passport, employment permit or other permission document, proof of address, and the registration fee (currently €300 for most categories).
- Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be taken.
- Your IRP card will be issued, typically within a few weeks.
5. Registering with Revenue
Once you have your PPS number, register with Revenue Ireland so your employer can apply the correct tax credits and deductions to your salary from your first payslip.
Register online through myAccount at Revenue using your PPS number, date of birth, phone number, email address, and home address. If you start work before registering, your employer must withhold emergency tax (46% + USC), which you can claim back after registering.
Do this on day one: Register with Revenue as soon as you have your PPS number. Emergency tax is significant and can take several payslips to fully refund. The sooner you register, the sooner your employer has the correct tax credits applied.
6. MyGovID & MyWelfare
MyGovID is Ireland's digital identity platform. It gives you secure online access to government services. A basic MyGovID account is all you need to apply for a PPS number online. A verified account unlocks additional services including Revenue's myAccount.
MyWelfare is the Department of Social Protection's online portal. You use it to apply for the PPS number and to manage social welfare entitlements later in your stay.
Create your MyGovID at mygovid.ie. You will need an Irish mobile number and email address to complete verification.
Frequently asked questions
- Do EU citizens need a visa to move to Ireland?
- No. EU and EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Ireland without a visa or work permit. You should register your presence if staying long-term and will need a PPS number to work and access public services.
- Can UK citizens live and work in Ireland?
- Yes. The Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement gives UK and Irish citizens reciprocal rights to live, work, and access public services in each other's countries. UK citizens do not need a visa or work permit to move to Ireland.
- What work permit do non-EU citizens need?
- Non-EU citizens typically need either a Critical Skills Employment Permit (for in-demand roles earning €38,000+) or a General Employment Permit for other roles. Your employer usually initiates the application. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.