How to Apply for a PPS Number in Ireland – Complete Guide

What is a PPS Number?

The Personal Public Service Number is a unique reference number issued by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). It’s used for employment, social welfare, tax, healthcare, and even banking purposes. Without it, you may not be able to get paid by your employer, claim benefits, or register for certain public services.

Why You Need a PPS Number

You will need a PPS Number for employment in Ireland to get taxed correctly by Revenue. It’s also required for:

• PPS Number for Social Welfare – access welfare payments and allowances.
• PPS Number for Tax – ensure correct tax deductions and compliance.
• PPS Number for healthcare – register for medical cards and health services.
• PPS Number for banking – open an Irish bank account.
• PPS Number for benefits – claim state supports.
• PPS Number for students – register for education programs or student grants.

PPS Number Requirements

Before starting your application, make sure you meet the PPS Number requirements:

1. Proof of identity – passport or national ID card.
2. Proof of address in Ireland – recent utility bill, rental agreement, or official letter.
3. Reason for application – job offer, college acceptance, social welfare claim, or other valid purposes.

How to Apply for a PPS Number

1. Book a PPS Number appointment online through MyWelfare.ie.
2. Gather all required documents (PPS Number requirements), such as proof of identity, proof of address, and evidence of your need for a PPS Number.
3. Complete your PPS Number registration process either online or in person.

PPS Number Requirement for Company Directors and Shareholders in Ireland

Under Irish law, all company directors of Irish limited companies must apply for a PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number) before they can carry out certain statutory and tax obligations. Likewise, individual shareholders who receive dividend payments are also required to obtain a PPS Number for accurate tax reporting.

At TAS Consulting Limited, we specialise in helping company officers and shareholders complete their PPS Number application quickly and efficiently. Our team ensures you meet all PPS Number requirements and guides you through the full PPS Number registration process — saving you time and avoiding unnecessary delays.

A PPS Number Ireland is a unique national identification number, similar to a Social Security Number in the United States. It is used for taxation, social welfare, and other official purposes. The format typically consists of seven digits followed by one or two letters.

If you’re a company director, a non-resident shareholder, or an overseas investor, TAS Consulting can arrange your PPS Number appointment, assist with PPS Number verification, and ensure that your application is completed without complications.

Who Needs to Have a PPS Number in Ireland?

A PPS Number Ireland (Personal Public Service Number) is legally required for certain individuals involved with Irish-registered companies. You must apply for a PPS Number if:

• Irish company directors who own more than 15% of the company’s shares or receive a salary from the company.
• Anyone receiving a salary from an Irish-registered company, whether resident or non-resident.
• Individual shareholders who receive dividend payments from an Irish-registered corporation.

If you do not already have a Personal Public Service Number, you must apply through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The PPS Number registration process may take several months due to high demand and application backlogs, so it’s important to start early.

The PPS Number for tax purposes is essential to ensure proper reporting to the Revenue Commissioners and to avoid payment delays. Whether it’s for employment, dividends, or shareholding obligations, securing your PPS Number is a critical step in Irish company compliance.

PPS Number Applications for Non-Residents and Cross-Border Workers

If you live outside of Ireland but need to engage with an Irish company, government agency, or other official entity, you will still need to apply for a PPS Number Ireland. This includes situations where you require a PPS Number for employment, tax, social welfare, or other legal purposes.

If you are based in Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom and work in Ireland as a cross-border worker, the process is the same — you must complete the standard PPS Number registration process through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

Whether you are an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen, the PPS Number requirements for non-residents typically include proof of identity, proof of address (in your home country or Ireland), and evidence of why you need the number. Applying early is essential, as PPS Number verification and approval may take several weeks.

PPS Number Requirement for Beneficial Owners in Ireland

Under Irish company law, any beneficial owner who holds more than 25% of the shares in an Irish company must be registered with the Central Register of Beneficial Owners (RBO).

If the beneficial owner is also a shareholder and receives dividend payments, they are required to apply for a PPS Number Ireland. This Personal Public Service Number is essential for correct tax reporting to the Revenue Commissioners and for meeting compliance obligations.

The PPS Number for shareholders ensures that dividend income is properly recorded, tax is deducted where applicable, and the company remains fully compliant with Irish tax law. Non-resident beneficial owners can complete the PPS Number registration process through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, with specific documentation requirements depending on whether they are an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen.

What’s the Next Step?

If you need help with your PPS Number Ireland application, whether for employment, tax, social welfare, shareholding, or beneficial ownership, our experts at TAS Consulting Limited are here to guide you through the entire PPS Number registration process.

We can assist with:

• PPS Number requirements for EU and non-EU citizens
• PPS Number online application and appointment booking
• PPS Number for company directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners
• PPS Number verification and updates

📞 Contact our team today to get your PPS Number quickly and avoid delays in starting work, receiving dividends, or meeting your Irish compliance obligations.