You apply for a PPS number online on MyWelfare.ie, then go to a short in-person appointment with your ID and proof of address. You need a basic MyGovID account first. Your number arrives by post when the process is complete.
What you need
- A current passport (non-EU citizens) or a passport or national ID card (EU/EEA citizens)
- Proof of address with your name, dated within the last 3 months (for example a utility bill, bank statement, official letter or tenancy agreement)
- If you stay with friends or family: an original household bill plus a signed note from the person who pays it
- A reason you need the number, such as a job offer, a social welfare claim or access to public services
- A basic MyGovID account (only an email address is needed)
- You must be 18 or older to apply online for yourself
Step by step
- Arrive in Ireland first. You cannot apply from abroad if you are planning to move here. Apply after you arrive.
- Create a basic MyGovID account. It takes a few minutes with an email address. See our MyGovID guide.
- Gather your documents. Scan or photograph your ID, proof of address and proof of why you need the number.
- Apply on MyWelfare.ie. Log in with MyGovID and fill in the PPS number application form.
- Book your appointment. You book an in-person appointment at a PPS Number Allocation Centre as part of the online application. You must attend to finish the process.
- Attend with your original documents. Bring the same ID and proof of address you used online.
- Wait for the letter. Your PPS number is sent to you by post. Keep the letter in a safe place.
Special cases
- Arrived from Ukraine under Temporary Protection: gov.ie says you should not apply online. Contact a PPS Number Allocation Centre directly instead.
- Children: a child born in Ireland usually gets a PPS number when the birth is registered. For a child born abroad who now lives here, a parent or guardian with a PPS number applies (form REG1M or online).
- Paper application: you can also use the REG1 form, but online through MyWelfare is the normal route for people living here.
The proof of address problem
Many newcomers get stuck here. You need proof of address for a PPS number, and banks also want proof of address. If you are in short-term accommodation, ask your landlord or host for a tenancy agreement or an official letter early. If you live with friends, the household bill plus a signed note from the bill holder is accepted.
Make sure the name on your proof of address matches your passport. A small spelling difference can cause delays.
Common mistakes
- Uploading an old document. Proof of address must be dated within the last 3 months.
- Missing the appointment. Without it, your application is not finished.
- Giving your PPS number to anyone who asks. Only certain organisations are allowed to ask for it. Employers should ask only when you actually start work.
- Paying an agent or website to “get your PPS number faster”. The application is made through MyWelfare, and the official pages do not mention any fee.
Cost and timing: the official pages do not list a fee or a fixed processing time. Appointment availability varies by centre, so check MyWelfare for current dates.
Do it faster with GetKG
- Image Compressor — shrink phone photos of your documents before you upload them
- Merge PDF — put your ID, address proof and job letter into one tidy file
- JPG to PNG — convert a scan if a form does not accept your file type
- How to write a CV in Ireland — get ready for the job your PPS number unlocks
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
What does a PPS number look like?
It is always 7 numbers followed by one or two letters. You will find it on your PPS letter, your Public Services Card and tax documents.
Can I start work before I have a PPS number?
You can accept a job, and the job offer can be your reason for applying. Without a PPS number your employer cannot register you correctly with Revenue, so you may pay too much tax at first. Apply as early as you can.
Can I apply before I move to Ireland?
No. If you are planning to move to Ireland, you apply after you arrive. Applications from abroad are only for people who need the number to deal with an Irish body, not for people moving here.
I lost my PPS number. What now?
Check your Public Services Card, payslips or tax documents. If you still cannot find it, ask staff at an Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
This page is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules can change, so always check the official sources above.
Next step: set up your online government login with our guide to MyGovID.