How to Get a PPS Number When Moving to Ireland | Expat Taxes

How to Get a PPS Number When Moving to Ireland

A PPS number (Personal Public Service Number) is required to access most public services in Ireland, including tax registration, employment, healthcare, and social welfare.

If you are moving to Ireland as an expat, you will usually need to apply for a PPSN shortly after arrival to complete key admin tasks and get set up properly.

The process can be straightforward, but it depends on having the correct documents and meeting eligibility requirements – which is where many expats run into delays.

Below is a clear breakdown of how to apply for a PPS number in Ireland, what you need, and how to avoid common issues during the process.

What is a PPS Number (and Why Do I Need One?)

An Irish PPS number is a 7-digit number, followed by either one or two letters. The number generally acts as a unique personal identification number and is used to access: social welfare benefits, public services, and information through public service agencies.

For those without a PPS number, accessing applications and information from public authorities can be difficult. This can include Government agency Revenue, which is responsible for all customs and taxation matters in Ireland.

Additionally, not having a PPS number in Ireland can also cause difficulties for those dealing with employers and employment contracts. With many work-related matters in Ireland requiring you to have an Irish PPS number, it’s essential that expats in Ireland prioritise their application.

Examples of Work-Related Scenarios That May Require an Irish PPS Number:

• Setting up a bank account
• Getting set up with the Irish tax authority (and to receive tax credits)
• The ability for your employer to notify Revenue of your employment

If you’re wondering why an organisation might be requesting a PPS number, a list of state agencies that use PPS numbers can be found here.

Some of our clients struggle to obtain a PPS when setting up an Irish business (e.g. as a sole trader). A letter provided by a registered accountant/tax adviser can sometimes help with this i.e. to confirm that a PPS number is required to effect an income tax registration and to facilitate tax compliance.

Note: It’s not necessary to have a PPS number while searching for work in Ireland. This includes applying for jobs and accepting an offer of employment.

How Do I Get a PPS Number in Ireland?

You apply through the Department of Social Protection once you’re living in Ireland and can show a valid reason such as starting work, accessing healthcare, or registering for tax. Applications are usually completed online and supported with documents confirming identity, address, and purpose.

Processing times vary, and missing or unclear documentation is a common cause of delay.

In most cases, you must already be resident in Ireland before your application can be fully processed. This means you’ll need to provide proof of identity, an Irish address, and evidence of why the PPS number is required.

Some applicants may be able to start the process before arrival, but for the majority of expats, completion only becomes possible after moving and establishing the required documentation locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply online for an Irish PPS number?

Applications can be made through mywelfare.ie using a MyGovID account. You’ll be asked to complete an online form and submit supporting documents, including proof of identity, address, and your reason for needing a PPS number.

How long does it take to get a PPS number?

Processing times vary depending on demand and how complete your application is. Delays are common if documents are missing or unclear.

What are common issues with online applications?

Most delays happen at the MyGovID stage. A fully verified account normally requires an existing PPS number, a Public Services Card, and a verified phone number, which creates a challenge for new arrivals.

In some cases, a basic MyGovID account may allow you to start the application, but full processing is usually only possible once you are resident in Ireland.

For most expats, the application is best completed after arrival, when Irish address and documentation requirements can be fully met.

This is why as an expat planning a move to Ireland, it’s still best to initiate your application when you arrive in Ireland, whether you choose to submit it online or through this application form.

Is there a cost to get a PPS number?

No. Applying for a PPS number is completely free of charge when done through the Department of Social Protection. There are no government fees for submitting an application or receiving your PPS number.

What Documentation Do I Need to Obtain a PPS Number in Ireland?

In addition to the application form mentioned above, expats will generally need to supply a range of documents before they can obtain an Irish PPS number. In most cases, this will include the following documents:

Evidence of Your Address

This document must show your name and address and not be older than 3 months. Examples of documents you can use to provide this information include:

• A household utility bill
• An official letter or document (from an official authority)
• A bank statement
• A property lease or tenancy agreement
• Confirmation of address by an accepted third party (this may include a hotel or hostel administrator, a school principal or a property owner)

If you’re an expat staying with friends or relatives while setting up a life in Ireland, an original household bill from this property may also be accepted. In this case, a note from the bill holder confirming residency at that address will be required.

Note: For the bill holder confirming residency, they may be asked for further information to verify this claim.

2. Proof of Your Identity

If you’re an Irish citizen born in the Republic of Ireland, you’ll need to provide:

• Your birth certificate and photographic ID, such as your passport or driving licence.
• If you are an Irish citizen via naturalisation or Foreign Birth Registration, you will need to provide:
• Your current passport or Certificate of Naturalisation OR your Foreign Birth Registration certificate AND Irish or UK driving licence or Irish learner driving permit.
• If you are an Irish citizen born in Northern Ireland or a UK citizen, you will need to provide:
• A current passport OR your birth certificate showing your mother’s birth surname AND your current driving licence.
• If you are an EU/EEA citizen (other than Irish and UK), you will need to provide:
• A current passport or national identity card.
• If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need to provide:
• A current passport.

Note: In most cases, copies of certificates or documents will also not be accepted. Therefore, you must have the original copy of the document in your possession as part of the application process.

• The following documents are also not accepted as evidence of your identity:
• Baptismal certificates
• Employment identity cards or personal letters
• Expired documents (For Irish and UK citizens, passports expired within the last 12 months may be accepted but it’s always best to provide up-to-date documents)

3. Proof You Need a PPS number

For expats planning on working in Ireland, a PPS Number is usually an essential part of starting your new role. To do this, you should request an official letter from your employer confirming when your job is due to start or has already started. This letter should be:

• Printed on company-headed paper (with the employer’s contact details)
• Contain the employer or company’s registered number

As mentioned, you do not need a PPS Number to look for work in Ireland, or for an employer to make an offer of employment to you in Ireland. However, if you are already living in Ireland as a resident, a PPS number will still be required to access many services or entitlements. This can include:

• Applying for a driver’s licence
• Registering for school, college, or further education courses
• Applying for a social welfare payment
• To access medical services

Applying for a PPS Number as a Non-Resident in Ireland

Applying for a PPS number as a non-resident will only be possible under very limited circumstances. This is why in general, it’s easier to wait until your arrival in Ireland before initiating your application.

In the rare case that your application can be submitted as a non-resident from abroad, it may be necessary to involve a third-party representative (e.g. a solicitor or accountant) to act on your behalf. For this, a consent form will also be required.

In situations where an Irish PPS number is needed to acquire an inheritance, or for the sale/purchase/transfer of property (or for another exceptional reason) this questionnaire may also be necessary.

Unfortunately, even though a PPS Number Exceptional Application does exist and can be accessed online, there are no guarantees that your application will be successful. However, some examples of individuals that can at least enquire about submitting a PPS number under exceptional circumstances include:

• Non-residents
• Those incapacitated
• Those working abroad

Again, we advise to never rely on the success of this type of PPS number application unless you have spoken directly with someone from the Department of Social Protection handling your case.

The time it takes to obtain a PPS number can vary from case to case. However, some of our clients have reported that it can take an average of up to 8 weeks to obtain a PPS based on current processing times (as at January 2023).

Additionally, responses and additional requests for information from the Department of Social Protection can also be slow – something worth bearing in mind if you are planning a relocation to Ireland.

Overall, we recommend applying for a PPS at the earliest opportunity if one is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are usually required for exceptional PPS applications?

You’ll typically need:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Proof of why a PPS number is required (e.g. legal, property, or inheritance documents)
• Supporting paperwork from a solicitor, employer, or Irish institution if applicable
• Signed consent form if someone is applying on your behalf

Requirements vary depending on the reason for application.

Can a PPS number application be fast-tracked?

Unfortunately, no official fast-track service exists. All applications are processed in order of receipt by the Department of Social Protection, regardless of urgency.

Why are non-resident applications restricted?

The system is designed around residency because PPS numbers are linked to access to Irish tax, employment, and public services. This is why most applicants must first establish a verified link to Ireland.

Will a solicitor automatically guarantee approval?

No. A solicitor or representative can submit the application, but approval is still entirely decided by the Department of Social Protection.

Expert Tips from Expat Taxes and How We Can Help

With so much information to absorb, expats moving to Ireland can expect to undergo several steps before their PPS number application is accepted. Therefore, to ensure your application runs as smoothly as possible, our advice is to:

• Make sure you’re in possession of original and up-to-date copies of your documents. This can include a valid passport, an original copy of your birth certificate (if applicable), employment or educational records, and financial/residency documents
• Maintain clear communication with your employer if you are about to commence employment in Ireland and do not yet have a PPS number
• Ensure only your most recent contact information is provided across all relevant forms and applications
• Seek out professional advice relevant to your move

But what about the other aspects of your move?

The Expat Taxes team helps expats moving to or from Ireland get to grips with their tax obligations and entitlements, as well as helping them understand how authorities such as Revenue will handle their tax affairs before or after their move.

If you’d like to learn more about what Expat Taxes can do for you, you can book a consultation with a member of our expert team. We help simplify your move to or from Ireland and give you the peace of mind you need to focus on the more exciting parts of your move!

DISCLAIMER The material in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or taxation advice. Specific legal and taxation advice should be sought before acting or refraining to act. All information and taxation rules are subject to change without notice. No liability whatsoever is accepted by Expats Taxes for any action taken in reliance on the information in this article or any of the articles in our blog series