To open a bank account in Ireland you usually need valid photo ID and a separate proof of your Irish address. Compare fees first with the free CCPC tool. If you have never had an account, you can ask for a basic bank account.
What you need
- Valid photo ID, for example a passport, driving licence or Irish Residence Permit
- A separate proof of address, for example a utility bill, an insurance policy, a letter from a government department or a Revenue document
- The same name on your ID and your proof of address
- A smartphone for the banking app (most banks expect one)
- Your PPS number if you have it (ask the bank whether they need it)
Step by step
- Decide what you need. Branch access, cash services, a card for paying with your phone, or just a cheap account for salary and rent.
- Compare accounts on the CCPC current account comparison tool. Look at the fees for the things you will do most.
- Check the provider is protected. Look for deposit protection of up to €100,000 per person, per bank, and check the Central Bank of Ireland register.
- Prepare your documents. One photo ID and one proof of address. One document cannot count as both.
- Apply online, in the app or in a branch. Many banks ask you to take a selfie and photograph your ID.
- Read the fee information document. The bank must give it to you before you open the account.
- Give your IBAN to your employer and set up rent payments. Keep records of every payment.
No proof of address yet?
This is the most common problem for newcomers. Citizens Information says proof of address is usually under 6 months old (12 months for an insurance policy). If you cannot provide the standard documents, contact the bank and ask what alternatives they accept.
Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has a guide to opening an account for international protection applicants, with translated versions. It is worth reading if you arrived under international protection.
Basic bank accounts and digital banks
- Basic bank account: if you do not have a bank account, you can open a basic bank account. Citizens Information says it has no fees for everyday banking in the first year.
- EU digital banks: many newcomers already use one. Fully licensed EU banks are covered by the EU deposit guarantee, up to €100,000 per account holder for each bank.
- Not every app is a bank. The CCPC warns that some fintechs offer payment services without a full banking licence. Check before you keep your savings there.
- Crypto is not protected. Deposit protection does not cover investments or crypto held with these providers.
Fees to watch
| Fee | What to check |
|---|---|
| Account maintenance | Monthly or quarterly fee, and whether it depends on your transactions |
| ATM and card payments | Charges per withdrawal or card payment |
| Non-euro transactions | Cost of paying or sending money in other currencies |
| Unpaid direct debits | Charge if a payment bounces |
| Overdraft | Interest and fees, especially an unauthorised overdraft |
Fees change, so check the current price list on the CCPC tool or the bank’s own fee document. Every year your bank must send you a statement of the fees you paid.
Do it faster with GetKG
- Loan Calculator — see the real cost of an overdraft or personal loan before you sign
- How to create a strong password — secure your banking app and email
- Crypto scams guide — learn the “investment” tricks that target new arrivals
- Merge PDF — combine your ID and address proof for an online application
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my bank account from home in Ireland?
Often you can for card payments, but check the fees for non-euro spending. For salary and rent, an account in euro with an IBAN is usually easiest.
Can one document prove both my identity and my address?
No. Citizens Information says you need at least one of each, and one document cannot be both.
Is my money safe in an Irish bank?
Eligible deposits are protected up to €100,000 per person, per bank, under the Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Check that your provider is a licensed bank.
Someone offered to open an account for me for a fee. Is that okay?
No. Never pay a stranger to open an account, and never let anyone use your account to move money. This is a common way criminals recruit “money mules”.
This page is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules can change, so always check the official sources above.
Next step: stay connected with our guide to phone and internet in Ireland.