Landing in Ireland is just the beginning of your professional adventure. To truly function within the state—whether that’s getting paid, accessing healthcare, or exchanging a driving licence—you must engage with the Irish public service infrastructure. The two most critical pillars for any new arrival are the Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). At Recruitroo, we guide you through these bureaucratic steps so you can focus on your new role.
The PPSN: Your Key to the Irish State
A PPS Number is a unique reference number that allows you to access social information and services in Ireland. Crucially, your employer cannot correctly register you for tax without it. While you can start work before your PPSN arrives, you will likely be placed on "emergency tax"—a higher rate that is eventually refunded once your PPSN is processed and linked to Revenue.
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Online Application: In 2026, most PPSN applications are handled via the MyWelfare.ie portal. You will need to create a MyGovID account to begin the process.
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Proof of Requirement: You must prove why you need a PPSN. For our candidates, a signed employment contract or a letter of offer from their Irish employer is the standard evidence.
Registering for Healthcare (HSE)
Ireland operates a mix of public and private healthcare. As a resident, you are entitled to use the public HSE system, but the process of "onboarding" yourself is essential for long-term health management:
- Finding a GP: Unlike some other countries, GPs in Ireland are private practitioners who provide public services. You must find a local doctor who is "accepting new patients."
- Medical Cards vs. GP Visit Cards: Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a card that reduces or eliminates the cost of a doctor’s visit.
- Private Health Insurance: Many Irish employers offer private health insurance as a benefit. This allows you to bypass public waiting lists for non-emergency procedures.
The Public Services Card (PSC)
Once your PPSN is issued, you will often be invited to an in-person appointment at an Intreo centre to have your photograph taken for a Public Services Card. This card is an easy way to verify your identity across various government departments and is increasingly used for digital services. It is a handy document to have in your wallet alongside your IRP card.
Relocation Advice: "Apply for your PPSN the moment you have a permanent address in Ireland. The lead times can vary, and getting your tax status sorted early means more take-home pay in your first few months." — Sarah Murphy, Relocation Advisor.
Recruitroo’s Local Support
We don't expect you to navigate the Department of Social Protection alone. Recruitroo provides localised guides for every major city in Ireland—from Dublin and Cork to Limerick and Galway—listing GPs who are currently accepting international patients and providing step-by-step MyWelfare instructions. We ensure that the "social" side of your relocation is as smooth as the professional side.
Starting your Irish journey? Explore our candidate opportunities or book a demo to see how we support workforce integration. Visit Recruitroo.com for more.