Opening a bank account in Ireland on a working holiday

Setting up finances in Ireland on a working holiday involves the same circular frustration you'll hear about in every English-speaking country: you need a bank account to get paid, you need a PPS number to register for tax, and you need an Irish address for both. The stakes here are particularly high — without a PPS number your employer is required to apply emergency tax, which in Ireland means 40% with no tax credits. Getting everything sorted in the right order in your first week is worth real money.

What a PPS number is and why you need it urgently

A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique seven-character identifier (format: 1234567A or 1234567AB) issued by the Department of Social Protection. It's your key to registering with Revenue for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax, claiming social welfare entitlements, and accessing most public services.

If you start work without a PPS number, your employer cannot register your employment with Revenue. The result is emergency tax: Revenue applies the higher rate of income tax (40%) with no tax credits and no tax-free allowance until your PPS number is on file. Emergency tax applies from the very first euro of pay, so even a few weeks of delay compounds into a meaningful amount — and while you can reclaim over-withheld tax at year end, that can be months away.

• PPS number format: 7 digits followed by 1 or 2 letters, e.g. 1234567A
• Without a PPS number: 40% tax rate, no credits, no allowances — on every euro earned
• With a PPS number and Revenue registration: standard rate (20%) up to the rate band, then 40% above
• Emergency tax refunds can be reclaimed but you must wait until year end or until Revenue issues a revised tax certificate
• You need a PPS number to register your employment in Revenue's myAccount portal

Opening a bank account and dealing with the address problem

Irish banks require proof of an Irish address to open an account. The main options are AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, and An Post Money (the postal service's current account). An Post Money is often the most accessible for new arrivals because you apply in a post office and the address requirements can be more flexible — but bring as much documentation as you have.

If you're staying in a hostel or short-term accommodation, ask the hostel manager for a signed letter confirming your stay. Many Irish banks accept this for WHV holders, though policies vary. App-based options like Revolut and N26 are available in Ireland under EU e-money rules and open with just your passport, making them a useful stopgap for immediate card access while you set up a full IBAN account.

• An Post Money — open at a post office counter, most flexible address policy for new arrivals
• Bank of Ireland and AIB — mainstream IBAN accounts; call ahead to confirm current WHV policy before visiting
• Revolut / N26 — passport-only opening, full Euro IBAN, instant virtual card; accepted by most employers for payroll
• Hostel letter confirming address is acceptable at many banks — get it signed and dated on hotel letterhead
• Bring your passport, WHV visa documentation, and any address evidence (email confirmation of booking counts)

Getting your PPS number

To apply for a PPS number you must be present in Ireland and have a reason to apply — starting work qualifies. Apply online through the Department of Social Protection's MyWelfare platform (mywelfare.ie), where you'll need a basic MyGovID account. You can create a MyGovID account with just your email address initially; full verification follows later.

You'll need to provide identity documents (passport), proof of your Irish address, and your reason for applying (employment). The application is processed by your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare office. If documents are in order, the PPS number is usually issued by post within a few days. Some centres offer in-person appointments for urgent cases — explain you've just started work and are being emergency-taxed.

• Apply at mywelfare.ie — you need a MyGovID account to start the online application
• Documents needed: passport, proof of Irish address, evidence of why you need the number (job offer letter works)
• Processing time: typically a few days by post once documents are verified
• Urgent cases: contact your nearest Intreo Centre and explain you're being emergency-taxed
• Once you receive your PPS number, register at Revenue's myAccount (revenue.ie) and add your new job under 'Jobs and Pensions'

How Tern helps

Tern lets you open a Euro IBAN account before you fly, using just your passport and WHV approval — so you have an Irish IBAN ready for your first employer on day one. Top up from your home currency at the real mid-market rate, swap currencies at a flat fee, and withdraw at Irish ATMs with no fees. Tern also walks you through the PPS number application steps in sequence once you land, and reminds you to register your employment with Revenue — so you never sit on emergency tax longer than necessary.