Why proof of address is hard for new arrivals
Irish banks require a document proving you live at an Irish address — typically a utility bill, bank statement, or official letter. But utility bills are often in a landlord's name or a main tenant's name. Bank statements from other Irish banks require you to already have an Irish bank account. Official letters from Revenue or DSP require you to already be in the system.
This creates a circular problem: you need an address to get an account, but many of the documents that prove your address are only generated once you already have an account or are established in the system.
Solutions — from easiest to harder
1. An Post Money — no Irish address proof required
An Post Money does not require proof of an Irish address to open an account. You open it at any An Post office with valid ID. You will need to provide an address but do not need a utility bill or bank statement to prove it. This is the fastest solution for most people and gives you a full IBAN within days.
2. N26 or Revolut — open from abroad or day one
N26 and Revolut are digital banks that can be opened entirely on your phone, often before you even arrive in Ireland. They require ID and a selfie — no proof of Irish address needed. They give you an IBAN immediately. See the N26 and Revolut guide for the full comparison.
3. Letter from your employer
Most banks accept a letter on company headed paper from your employer confirming your name and address in Ireland. This requires you to already have a job and an address. Some banks are fussy about the format — the letter should state your full name, your address, your employment start date, and be signed by an authorised person in the company.
4. Letter from a solicitor, accountant, or GP
A letter from a regulated professional — solicitor, accountant, or GP — confirming your name and address is accepted by most Irish banks. You need to be registered with them at your address. This is more useful for people who have been in Ireland a while but have bills in a landlord's name.
5. Revenue or DSP correspondence
Once you have a PPS number, contact Revenue to update your address. Within a few weeks you will receive correspondence at your address. A Revenue letter — tax credit certificate, correspondence about your tax — is accepted by all banks as proof of address. This takes time but is the cleanest long-term solution.
6. Credit union
Local credit unions often apply more flexible standards for proof of address than commercial banks, particularly for people in their local community. A letter from a community organisation, priest, or local official is sometimes sufficient. Worth approaching your local credit union directly to explain your situation.
Practical sequence for a new arrival
Day 1–7: Open An Post Money or Revolut/N26 immediately — get an IBAN to receive wages. Week 2–4: Apply for your PPS number. Week 4–8: Wait for Revenue correspondence to arrive at your address. Month 2–3: Use Revenue letter to open a full current account at AIB or Bank of Ireland.
More bank account guides
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