Moving to Ireland: immigration, PPS, tax and first-month guide

Set the permission chain before travel

EU, EEA and UK nationals can live and work in Ireland under arrangements described by the Department of Justice; most other nationals need the correct immigration permission, and people coming for employment commonly need an employment permit as well. Check visa, employment-permit and residence steps separately.

Carry the approval, contract, accommodation address, relationship evidence and originals requested at the border or registration. Do not treat a visitor admission as a bridge to starting work. Give each family member an individual route and document row.

• Government of Ireland: how the immigration system works

Book immigration registration when your permission requires it

Non-EEA nationals granted permission to stay generally register and renew it through the State system. Use the current first-registration instructions and booking service; the office and evidence depend on where you live and the permission granted.

Keep the passport endorsement, appointment confirmation, Irish Residence Permit and renewal date together. Registration records an existing permission and its conditions; it does not cure a missing employment permit or authorise work outside those conditions.

• Government of Ireland: immigration registration information
• Government of Ireland: how the immigration system works

Use PPS and Revenue as two linked tasks

A PPS Number is used for employment, tax and public services. The application requires identity, address and evidence of why the number is needed. Government guidance accepts several forms of address evidence, including a tenancy or a host’s bill with confirmation where applicable.

After employment begins, register the job with Revenue through the current process so tax credits and rate band can be allocated. Give payroll consistent identity and PPS details; keep the Employment Detail Summary and payslips. A bank account or PPS application does not register the job for tax.

• Government of Ireland: get a PPS Number
• Revenue: starting your first job in Ireland

Make housing evidence do several jobs

Before paying, verify the landlord or agent, viewing, lease terms, deposit handling, utilities and commute. Ask which address document will be issued because immigration registration, PPS and banking providers may request different evidence. Never send money solely because a listing creates urgency.

Check HSE eligibility from your actual residence, work and family facts. Public-service eligibility, a medical card and private insurance are different questions; arrange suitable cover for any gap. For banking, compare providers by accepted identity/address evidence and salary needs rather than assuming PPS alone guarantees an account.

• Government of Ireland: get a PPS Number
• HSE: eligibility for public health services

Choose actions by status, not by a generic newcomer list

Use this triage before booking offices.

• Government of Ireland: how the immigration system works
• Government of Ireland: immigration registration information
• NDLS: exchange a foreign driving licence

Close the arrival loop

Set reminders for registration and permit expiry, Revenue review, lease notice, insurance renewal and driving-licence action. Notify the relevant agency of address or family changes rather than assuming one update flows everywhere.

For regulated work, contact the Irish professional regulator before practising. For children, contact local schools early with age, prior records and address. The practical finish line is lawful work, registered status where required, correct payroll tax, usable healthcare and a stable evidence trail.

If you move again, update immigration, Revenue, employer, bank and service records individually. Keep a single dated arrival folder because the same address or identity evidence may be requested in different formats long after the first appointment.

• Government of Ireland: immigration registration information
• Revenue: starting your first job in Ireland