What you are up against
Ireland has strict anti-money laundering (AML) requirements that banks apply rigorously. The result is that opening a bank account — particularly as a new arrival, non-EU national, or someone without an established Irish address — can be surprisingly difficult.
The two main problems people encounter are: (1) not having a proof of address that the bank accepts, and (2) being turned away at branches for reasons that are often unclear. Both are solvable, but knowing how the system works in advance makes a significant difference.
The standard documents required
Identity
- Valid passport — preferred by all banks
- EU national identity card (for EU citizens)
- IRP card — accepted by most banks but not universally (passport is safer)
Proof of address
- Utility bill in your name — electricity, gas, broadband
- Bank statement from another institution (Irish or foreign)
- Official government letter — Revenue, DSP, or council — addressed to you at your Irish address
- Lease agreement — accepted by some banks, not all
- Must be within the last 3–6 months depending on the bank
PPS number
- Required by all Irish banks under tax legislation. You cannot open a current account in Ireland without a PPS number.
Step by step — opening a current account
- 1
Choose your bank
Not all banks are equally accessible to new arrivals or non-EU customers. AIB and Bank of Ireland are the two largest and most widely available. Permanent TSB is worth considering for people with limited documentation — their process is sometimes more flexible. See the full bank comparison guide.
- 2
Apply online first if possible
Most Irish banks now allow you to start an application online. This can be easier than walking into a branch — you upload documents and a video verification may be used. AIB and Bank of Ireland both have online application processes. Completing as much as possible online before visiting a branch reduces friction.
- 3
Visit a branch with your documents
Bring your passport, PPS number, and proof of address. If you are applying as a non-EU national, bring your IRP card as well. Call the branch in advance to confirm what documents they accept — branch staff discretion varies significantly.
- 4
Complete identity verification
Banks are required to verify your identity under anti-money laundering law. This may involve the branch staff examining your documents, or a video call. Some banks require a second visit after the initial application.
- 5
Receive your card and account details
Account details (IBAN) are usually available immediately or within a few days. Your debit card arrives by post, typically within 5–7 working days.
An Post Money account — the easiest option for many
An Post, the Irish postal service, offers a current account through An Post Money (formerly called the Basic Bank Account). It is significantly easier to open than a standard bank account — no proof of address required, no PPS number required initially, and available to non-EU nationals with valid ID. It is not the best long-term account but it gets you an IBAN quickly so you can receive wages, set up direct debits, and function financially while you establish Irish documentation.
More bank account guides
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