Your PPS number is the key that unlocks work, tax credits and public services in Ireland, and we secure it first time.
€0
Application fee
0 to 4 weeks
Typical allocation
MyGovID
Online route
Work + tax
Required for
The Personal Public Service number is the single identifier that connects you to payroll, tax credits, healthcare and social services, and without one your first wages are taxed at the emergency rate.
Ref PNA-05, typed for the wall
€0
There is no fee to apply for a PPS number, it is issued free of charge by the Department of Social Protection.
A PPS number is completely free from the Department of Social Protection.
Your PPS number is the key that unlocks work, tax credits and public services in Ireland, and we secure it first time.
Entry 01 · registered
We confirm you have a valid reason recognised by the Department of Social Protection, such as a signed job offer, college enrolment or a claim for a benefit, since the reason is what most applications turn on.
Entry 02 · registered
We create or verify your MyGovID login and assemble your photo identity, proof of Irish address and evidence of need, checking each against the current upload rules.
Entry 03 · registered
We complete and lodge the application on MyWelfare and book an in-person appointment at a PPS allocation centre only where your identity cannot be verified online.
Entry 04 · registered
If a caseworker requests clearer evidence, we respond promptly on your behalf so the file is not parked or refused for a fixable reason.
Entry 05 · registered
Your PPS number issues by post or online, ready to give to your employer and to register your job with Revenue before your first payday.
Balance · application fee, all entries included
€0
The €70 Book Consultation cost is separate.
0to0
weeks to a decision
Two ways to apply, and when each fits
| Criteria | Online via MyWelfare | In person at an allocation centre |
|---|---|---|
| Where you apply | From home | At a PPS allocation centre |
| MyGovID needed | Basic or verified MyGovID | Not required |
| How identity is checked | Uploaded scans reviewed by a caseworker | Documents seen at the appointment |
| Best for | Most first-time applicants | Applicants who cannot be verified online |
| Typical wait | 2 to 4 weeks | By appointment, then 2 to 4 weeks |
Register your account
1wk
Submit identity and reason
1wk
Allocation and letter
2wk
Assess your reason to apply
Set up MyGovID and gather proofs
File through MyWelfare
Manage any queries
Receive your number
You can start work without one, but your employer needs it to register your job with Revenue, and until it is on file you are taxed at the emergency rate. We move quickly so the number lands before your first payslip is finalised.
No. A PPS number is issued free of charge by the Department of Social Protection. Anyone charging to obtain one, or selling appointment slots, is a scam or an unnecessary middleman.
No. You must be living in Ireland and able to show a genuine, current reason, such as employment or study here, before a PPS number can be allocated. We prepare everything in advance so you can file as soon as you land.
A basic MyGovID account is enough to start the online application. Where your identity cannot be verified digitally, we book an in-person appointment at a PPS allocation centre and prepare your documents for it.
The commonest cause is a weak reason to apply. A signed job offer, college letter or tenancy in your name is far stronger than a general statement that you have moved to Ireland, and we make sure your evidence proves the need.
Once your PPS number arrives and your job is registered with Revenue, the correct tax credits apply and any over-deducted emergency tax is refunded automatically through payroll.
Get a PPS number, official gov.ie page
Read the eligibility rules and the exact evidence of identity, address and need you must upload.
gov.ie
MyWelfare, apply online
Submit the PPS number application itself and book any in-person appointment through the Department of Social Protection portal.
mywelfare.ie
MyGovID, create your login
Set up the MyGovID account you need to sign in to MyWelfare, a basic account is enough to start the PPS application.
mygovid.ie
Starting your first job, Revenue
Register your new job with Revenue as soon as the PPS number arrives so your employer gets a correct tax credit certificate.
revenue.ie
Emergency tax, how it works
Understand why your first payslip may be heavily taxed and how registering your job triggers an automatic refund.
revenue.ie
Citizens Information, moving to Ireland
See where the PPS number fits among your other arrival tasks, banking, healthcare and housing.
citizensinformation.ie
Once your PPS number arrives and your job is registered with Revenue, the correct tax credits apply and any over-deducted emergency tax is refunded automatically through payroll.
Ref VW-BOOK, typed for the wall
Figures on this page are indicative and depend on your circumstances and current DETE and ISD rules.
