Whether you are from the EU or outside it, you can get a PPS number in Ireland — but the documents required differ by nationality. Here is what each group needs.
Citizens of EU and EEA countries (including Germany, France, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and others) can apply using any valid EU national identity card or passport. UK citizens after Brexit are treated similarly — a valid British passport is required.
You do not need an IRP card if you are from an EU/EEA country. Your national ID card or passport plus proof of Irish address and reason for the number is sufficient.
If you are from a country outside the EU/EEA, you need both:
You must also have an Irish address and a reason for needing the PPS number (job offer letter, lease agreement, Revenue or DSP correspondence).
Non-EU nationals must wait until their IRP card is issued before applying for a PPS number. If you have just arrived in Ireland and are waiting for your GNIB/IRP appointment, you cannot yet apply. In urgent cases (e.g. imminent job start), contact DSP directly to explain — they may be able to advise on exceptional options.
Need help with your PPS number or tax registration? D'Emilia Accounting assists immigrants in Ireland — PPS application guidance, Revenue registration, and emergency tax recovery. We serve clients in English, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.
Visit D'Emilia Accounting →If you are relocating to Ireland from another country — whether as an EU expat, a non-EU expat, or a returning Irish national — the process is the same: you must apply in person at a DSP Intreo Centre after you arrive and have an Irish address.
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Arrive in Ireland and secure accommodation | Before applying |
| Get proof of address (utility bill or bank letter) | Week 1–2 |
| Book Intreo Centre appointment at mywelfare.ie | As soon as you have an address |
| Attend appointment with all original documents | Depends on waiting times — can be 2–4 weeks in Dublin |
| Receive PPS number by post | 7–10 working days after appointment |
In Ireland, employers need your PPS number to process payroll correctly through Revenue. If you have just arrived and do not yet have your PPS number, your employer must apply emergency tax to your wages — a higher deduction that you can reclaim once your PPS number is set up and your tax credits are allocated. This is normal and fully recoverable.
Contact D'Emilia Accounting if you need help recovering emergency tax overpayments or setting up your tax record with Revenue after getting your PPS number.
Yes. Any person living in Ireland who needs to access a public service can apply for a PPS number, regardless of nationality. EU/EEA citizens, UK citizens, and non-EU nationals with permission to work or reside in Ireland can all apply at a DSP Intreo Centre.
EU/EEA citizens: valid passport or national identity card. Non-EU nationals: valid passport AND a current Irish Residence Permit (IRP card, formerly GNIB card). Revenue or DSP will not accept expired IRP cards. Bring originals — photocopies are rejected.
Non-EU nationals must have an IRP card to apply. If you have recently arrived and your IRP card is still being processed by GNIB/INIS, you must wait until you have the card before you can apply for a PPS number. Exceptions may apply in urgent cases — contact DSP directly.
Contact your employer and explain the delay. Employers can start processing payroll using emergency tax credits while the PPS number is pending, but this results in higher tax deductions. You can reclaim overpaid tax once your PPS number is active and your tax credits are allocated.
Yes. Non-EU nationals — including Brazilians, Ukrainians under the temporary protection directive, and others — can apply for a PPS number if they have permission to reside or work in Ireland and hold a valid IRP card. The process is the same as for all applicants.
No. Your PPS number is assigned for life and never changes — not when you become a citizen, change your name, or change your address. If you naturalise, the same PPS number follows you as an Irish citizen.
Disclaimer: General information only. Not legal advice.
D'Emilia Accounting assists immigrants in Ireland with PPS number applications, tax registration, and all Revenue processes. We serve clients in English, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.
Visit D'Emilia Accounting →