Yes, you can open a bank account in Ireland, but the process depends on whether you live there

If you live in Ireland, you can open a bank account with any of the major banks or credit unions operating there. The main banks are Bank of Ireland, AIB (Allied Irish Banks), Permanent TSB, and Ulster Bank. You can also bank with An Post (the postal service), which offers basic accounts, or join a credit union if you live in an area with one. The process is straightforward: you bring proof of identity and proof of address to a branch, and most accounts open the same day or within a few days.

If you do not live in Ireland but want an Irish bank account — perhaps you work remotely for an Irish company or plan to move there — the path is more limited. Most Irish banks will not open accounts for non-residents online or by post. You will need to either visit a branch in person or use a specialist service, and even then, options are fewer. Some banks may ask why you need the account and what your connection to Ireland is.

Key Takeaways

  • Residents of Ireland can open a current or savings account at any major bank by visiting a branch with proof of identity and proof of address.
  • Non-residents cannot open most Irish bank accounts remotely; you will need to visit in person or use a specialist international banking service.
  • An Post and credit unions offer accounts with fewer requirements than traditional banks, though availability depends on your location.
  • You will need a Personal Public Service Number (PPS number) if you plan to work in Ireland; some banks ask for this before opening an account.
  • Opening an account typically takes one to five business days once you have submitted all documents.

What documents you need to open an account as a resident

Irish banks require two types of proof: identity and address. For identity, bring a valid passport, national ID card, or driving licence. For address, bring a recent utility bill (electricity, gas, water, or broadband), a rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a council tax bill. The address document must be dated within the last three months. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, some banks will accept a letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement from another country showing your Irish address.

If you are opening an account to work in Ireland, the bank may also ask for your Personal Public Service Number (PPS number). This is a nine-digit identifier issued by the Irish government for tax and social security purposes. You can explore for one at your local Intreo office (the employment and welfare service) or online through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Getting a PPS number takes about two weeks, so explore early if you know you will need one.

Opening an account as a non-resident

If you do not live in Ireland, your options narrow significantly. The easiest route is to visit a branch in person and bring the same documents a resident would bring — but you will need to show a document proving your connection to Ireland, such as a job offer letter, a property deed, or proof of study. Some banks will ask questions about why you need the account and how long you plan to use it.

A few Irish banks offer accounts to non-residents through specialist international banking services or partnerships with overseas banks, but these are rare and often come with higher fees or minimum balances. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut both offer Irish IBAN numbers (the account identifier used in Europe) to non-residents, though these are not traditional bank accounts — they are payment and money transfer services. They work well if you need to send money to Ireland or receive Irish payments, but they do not offer the full range of services a bank account does, such as overdrafts or loans.

Credit unions and An Post as alternatives

If you live in Ireland but find it hard to open an account at a traditional bank, a credit union may be easier. Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives, and most have fewer requirements than banks. You typically need to live or work in the area the credit union serves, bring proof of identity and address, and pay a small membership fee (usually €5 to €20). Many credit unions will open an account on the same day. The downside is that credit unions offer fewer services — no overdrafts at most, and limited online banking — but they are reliable for saving and basic payments.

An Post (the Irish postal service) also offers bank accounts called Post Office Savings Accounts. These are designed for people who want a straightforward savings account without the complexity of a full bank account. You can open one at any post office with proof of identity and address. An Post accounts do not come with a debit card or cheque book, so they are best if you mainly want to save money or receive payments by transfer. An Post also offers bill payment services and can help you send money abroad.

Timeline and what happens after you explore

Once you submit your documents at a branch, the bank will check them on the spot. If everything is in order, you will usually walk out with a debit card and online banking access the same day, or within one to three business days. Some banks may take up to five business days if they need to verify your address or run additional checks.

You will receive a welcome pack by post with your PIN (the code you use at cash machines), your account number, and information about online banking. Set up your online banking password as soon as you receive it — this is how you will check your balance, make transfers, and pay bills. Most Irish banks also offer a mobile app, which you can read once your account is active.

What to expect from Irish bank accounts

Irish bank accounts work similarly to accounts in other European countries. You will have an IBAN (a 22-character code starting with IE) instead of a sort code and account number. This IBAN is what you give to employers, landlords, or anyone sending you money. Most accounts come with a debit card, online banking, and the ability to set up standing orders (regular payments) and direct debits (payments that vary, like utility bills).

Monthly fees vary by bank and account type. Some banks charge €5 to €15 per month for a current account, while others offer free accounts if you meet certain conditions, such as receiving your salary by transfer. Savings accounts are usually free. Overdrafts (borrowing money when your account is empty) are available at most banks, but they come with interest charges that vary. Ask about fees and overdraft rates before you open an account, as they differ between banks.

Moving to Ireland and opening an account before you arrive

If you are moving to Ireland and want to set up banking before you arrive, contact the bank's international team or visit their website to see if they offer a pre-arrival service. Some banks will let you open an account online if you can provide proof of your move — such as a job contract, a rental agreement, or a university acceptance letter — but this is not may provide. Your safest option is to plan to open an account within your first week of arrival, when you can visit a branch in person.

Until your account is open, you can use your existing bank card or a travel card to withdraw money from Irish cash machines. Most machines charge a small fee (€1 to €2) for withdrawals from foreign cards, so having an Irish account will save you money if you plan to stay longer than a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PPS number to open a bank account in Ireland?

Not always. If you are opening a savings account or a basic current account, most banks will not ask for a PPS number. However, if you are opening an account because you work in Ireland, the bank may ask for one. You can explore for a PPS number at your local Intreo office or online, and it takes about two weeks to arrive.

Can I open an Irish bank account without visiting in person?

If you live in Ireland, yes — some banks now offer online account opening, though you will still need to verify your identity, usually by video call or by uploading documents. If you do not live in Ireland, most banks require you to visit a branch in person. Wise and Revolut offer Irish IBANs to non-residents without a visit, but these are not full bank accounts.

What if I do not have a utility bill to prove my address?

Bring another recent document with your name and Irish address on it, such as a rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a council tax bill, or a letter from your landlord. If you have just arrived and have none of these, ask the bank what alternatives they accept — some will take a letter from your employer or a recent bank statement from another country.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

Most banks give you a temporary card or online access on the day you open your account. Your permanent debit card arrives by post within five to ten business days. You can usually start using online banking and transfers when ready, even before the physical card arrives.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders need to visit the branch together with proof of identity and address. Joint accounts are common for couples, business partners, or family members who want to manage money together. Ask the bank about the rules for withdrawals and transfers — some require both people to sign off on large transactions, while others allow either person to access the full balance.