Obtaining a PPSN for Ukrainians in Ireland: New Procedure and Required Documents

Ukrainians residing in Ireland under temporary protection status must obtain a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). In 2026, the registration procedure has changed: new arrivals can no longer submit applications online via the MyWelfare portal. A personal visit to the relevant centre with a package of documents is now mandatory. This is reported by the Irish Department of Social Protection.

Purpose and Consequences of Lacking a Number

The PPSN is a unique identifier required for interacting with state bodies, processing social benefits, employment, and accessing certain services. Although lacking a number does not prohibit working officially, it may result in additional financial costs.

If an employee does not have a PPSN, the employer will not receive a Revenue Payroll Notification from the Revenue tax authority. In such cases, the Emergency Tax system applies, which entails withholding 40% tax from the salary and an additional Universal Social Charge (USC).

In addition to employment, a PPSN is required for obtaining a Medical Card, receiving child benefits, and opening certain bank accounts. Meanwhile, as explained by the Health Service Executive (HSE), lacking a number does not deprive individuals of the right to emergency medical care, as patients can be identified by other means.

Registration Procedure and Cost

A special procedure applies to people who have recently arrived in the country and hold temporary protection status. Documents are submitted at regional PPS Number Allocation Centres. During the visit, staff assist with identity verification and data entry into the system.

The service is free of charge. Creating a MyGovID account is no longer required for initial registration.

Required List of Documents

Adult applicants must verify their identity, temporary protection status, and address of residence in Ireland. For this purpose, they must submit:

• a foreign passport or Ukrainian ID card;
• an official letter granting temporary protection (Temporary Protection Permission letter);
• a document confirming the address of residence in Ireland.

Proof of address can be a tenancy agreement, a utility bill (issued within the last three months), or written confirmation from the owner of the premises where the applicant is temporarily residing.

Obtaining a PPSN for Children

If a child was born outside Ireland, the application is submitted by one of the parents or a legal guardian. An important condition: the adult registering the child must already have their own PPSN.

Registration requires a birth certificate, documents confirming the family relationship, and a statement of the purpose for obtaining the number. One of the most common reasons is applying for Child Benefit.

Validity Periods and Status Changes

There is no single processing time for applications; the duration of the process depends on the workload of the specific Intreo centre. There is no online service for tracking application status, so information should be clarified directly with the local Department of Social Protection branch.

An assigned PPSN is valid for life. It does not need to be changed upon relocation, job termination, or re-entry into Ireland. The number will remain valid for those Ukrainians who transition from temporary protection to Stamp 4 immigration status in 2026 under the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme.

It is worth noting that the acceptance of applications under the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme, which allows transitioning to Stamp 4 status based on duration of residence, employment, and a set income level, began on 30 September 2026.