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Papers · Ireland
Updated September 2026

🔢 I just moved here — how do I get the national ID / tax / social-security number?

Direct answer

Everything — a job, a bank account, a doctor, a rental — needs the national identification number, so it is the first appointment after arriving. In Ireland you get it from Department of Social Protection — PPS number / Civil Registration Service (0818 927 999) when you register your address or, for non-residents, from Revenue — appeals and phased payment (Tax Appeals Commission) (01 738 3660). Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (a rental contract or a host's declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, the residence permit or visa from Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) / Citizenship (01 616 7700). Appointments fill up: book before you arrive if the portal allows.

Ireland has no address registration. 'Registering' means getting a PPS number from the Department of Social Protection, then telling Revenue, your GP and the electoral register.

Call firstDepartment of Social Protection — PPS number / Civil Registration Service
Report toRevenue — appeals and phased payment (Tax Appeals Commission)
If that failsImmigration Service Delivery (ISD) / Citizenship

🗣️ What to say

"I moved to Ireland on [date] and live at [address]. I would like to register and obtain my [national number / tax number / social-security number]. I have [passport/ID, rental contract / host declaration, permit]. Which documents do you need and can I book an appointment?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Book the registrationAt Department of Social Protection — PPS number / Civil Registration Service: address registration and the number usually come together. Online booking where it exists; otherwise early morning in person.
  2. DocumentsPassport or ID, proof of address, birth certificate (sometimes with apostille), marriage certificate if relevant, permit or visa for non-EU citizens.
  3. Non-resident number: Revenue — appeals and phased payment (Tax Appeals Commission)For work or tax before you have an address — the tax office issues a provisional or non-resident number.
  4. Non-EU: Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) / Citizenship firstThe residence permit or the registration certificate may be a precondition; check the order for your case.
  5. Then everything elseBank, health insurance, employer, GP — all take the number. Keep the letter with it safe.

📇 All contacts

Department of Social Protection — PPS number / Civil Registration ServicePPS number, birth/marriage certificatesOn arrival and for certificates📞 0818 927 999🔗 www.gov.ie/en/service/12e6de-get-a-personal-public-service-pps-number
Revenue — appeals and phased payment (Tax Appeals Commission)Appeal an assessment within 30 days; phased payment arrangementsWithin 30 days of the notice📞 01 738 3660🔗 www.revenue.ie
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) / CitizenshipResidence permissions, citizenship applicationsFor residence and citizenship📞 01 616 7700🔗 www.irishimmigration.ie
Your city or county councilNuisances, roads, waste, lost property, environmental complaintsFor anything the council handles🔗 www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/1a5c8-local-authorities

❓ Frequently asked

I have a job offer but no address yet

Ask the employer for a hosting letter or use the non-resident route at Revenue — appeals and phased payment (Tax Appeals Commission); the number can be converted when you register an address.

How long does it take?

Same day in some countries, weeks in others. The appointment is the bottleneck, not the processing.

EU citizen — do I need to register at all?

Yes, after three months in most countries (sooner in some), and for the number you need it anyway.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “national id number new arrival Ireland”
  • “register address get number Ireland”
  • “tax number foreigner Ireland”
  • “social security number apply”
  • “moving to Ireland first steps”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🚚Register your address→⏳Residence permit delay→📜Apostille→🎓Diploma recognition→

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