Ireland (IE)

Non-EU/EEA nationals must carry a valid passport. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals may use a national identity card. Irish and UK citizens may travel between Ireland and the UK under the Common Travel Area with any identifying document. Passport should be valid for the duration of the intended stay.

Issued to non-EEA/non-CTA nationals granted permission to reside in Ireland for more than 90 days. Register at the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) office or a Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) office. Stamp categories include Stamp 1 (employment), Stamp 2 (student), Stamp 4 (long-stay with right to work) and Stamp 5 (without condition as to time). Carry the IRP card at all times.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens residing in Ireland for more than 3 months must register their right of residence with the Department of Justice under EU Treaty Rights within 3 months of arrival. The certificate confirms legal residence and builds the continuous residence record required for long-term status or citizenship applications.

Ireland's unique personal identifier — required for employment (employers must have it before paying you), Revenue registration, social welfare, healthcare, banking and education. Apply in person at a DEASP Intreo Centre with passport, proof of address and reason for need. Without a PPS number, emergency tax at the higher rate (40%) with no credits applies.

Required for IRP permit applications, PPS Number applications and Revenue tax registration. Non-EEA nationals typically need an Employment Permit (issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment) before starting work; the job offer letter is a key supporting document.

The Public Services Card (PSC) provides photo ID for government services. MyGovID (the verified digital identity) is required for Revenue myAccount, MyWelfare.ie and a growing range of online public services. Both require in-person identity verification at a Department of Social Protection office.

Required for registering children in school, accessing social welfare entitlements, applying for Irish citizenship and obtaining an Irish passport. Foreign birth certificates require apostille for Hague member country origins (Ireland is a Hague member), plus certified English translation if not in English. Irish birth registration is managed by the General Register Office (GRO).

Required for dependent spouse IRP registration, joint Revenue tax assessment, family reunification immigration applications and social welfare entitlements. Foreign certificates require apostille and certified English translation.

Required for regulated professions (medicine, nursing, teaching, law, architecture, engineering). Recognition is processed through QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) or the relevant professional body. Foreign qualifications may require apostille, sworn translation and a formal recognition application.

Required for PPS Number applications, bank account opening and most government registrations. Accepted documents: utility bill, bank statement, Revenue correspondence or official government letter — all dated within the last 3 months. A lease or rental contract is the most practical option for new arrivals.

EU/EEA driving licences are valid in Ireland and can be exchanged for an Irish licence without a test. Non-EU licences from countries with a bilateral agreement (including the USA, Australia, South Africa, Japan and others) can also be exchanged. All other non-EU holders must pass the Irish driving test administered by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). An International Driving Permit may be used temporarily alongside a non-EU licence.

Ireland applies specific EU pet travel rules with additional requirements for entry from non-listed third countries. Dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, rabies vaccination and an EU-format pet passport (from EU/listed countries) or third-country official health certificate. Dogs entering from certain countries also require tapeworm treatment. Confirm current requirements with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine before travel.