Before you start

Passport
PPS number, in practice
Proof of Irish address for the traditional banks

Step-by-step

1
Open a digital account before or on arrival
Revolut and N26 operate under EU passporting and can generally be opened without an Irish utility bill. Revolut in particular is close to universal in Ireland for peer-to-peer payments.
Mobile appWho: YouSame day
2
Assemble proof of address for a traditional bank
A tenancy agreement, utility bill or an official letter such as a Revenue or Department of Social Protection document. Banks vary on what they accept — ask before booking an appointment.
In personWho: You
3
Open a current account with a pillar bank
AIB, Bank of Ireland or PTSB. Some allow the process to start online with in-branch verification.
In personWho: You
4
Provide your PPS number
Banks require it for tax reporting and it is effectively expected for account opening.
In personWho: You
5
Set up direct debits for utilities and rent
Irish landlords and utilities generally expect SEPA direct debits from an Irish IBAN.
Mobile appWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Passport
PPS number
Proof of Irish address
Employment contract or letter, sometimes requested

Things most newcomers don’t know

The proof-of-address requirement is genuinely circular in Dublin.

You need an address for a bank account, and landlords increasingly want an Irish bank account and Irish references. Digital banks break the loop — open one first, use it for the deposit, then convert to a pillar bank once you have a tenancy agreement.

Source: community-reported, near-universal experience

Revolut functions as social infrastructure here.

Splitting bills, paying friends and even some small merchants runs through it in Ireland to an unusual degree. It's not a stopgap — most residents keep it permanently alongside a bank account.

Source: community-reported

The market has fewer players than you expect.

Ulster Bank and KBC both exited the Irish retail market, so the choice is narrower and switching offers are thinner than in comparable European countries. Don't plan around a bank that has left.

Source: Central Bank of Ireland market changes

Ask what counts as proof of address before you queue.

Acceptable documents vary between banks and even branches. A five-minute call saves an appointment spent being turned away over a document type.

Source: community-reported

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming you can open a pillar-bank account on arrival without an Irish address.
Not opening a digital account before you fly, when it would have solved the deposit problem.
Bringing a proof-of-address document the specific bank doesn't accept.
Planning around Ulster Bank or KBC, which no longer serve Irish retail customers.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.