How to open a bank account in Ireland

Opening a bank account in Ireland is easier than you think. Whether you’re a new resident, an international student, or just exploring new banking options, setting up a bank account in Ireland is your gateway to seamless financial management. We’ll walk you through the process of how to open a bank account in Ireland and answer all the important questions like who can open an account, if it can be done online, and what documentation you need. 

If you’re in Ireland to work or study, you need to set up a bank account to manage your money. Without a bank account in Ireland, you will not be able to handle everyday banking, direct debits, receive the payments from your salary, or set aside savings for the future.

Opening an Irish bank account is possible for everyone who’s Irish and for all citizens with an EU or EEA passport. Another general requirement is a minimum age of 18. Usually, you can choose to open either a current account or a deposit account with an Irish bank. The two types of accounts differ in regard to available services, the amount of interest paid, and the access you have to the account in general. 

These are the basic steps of how to open a bank account in Ireland:

• Choose a bank and the account type that you would like to open

• Complete the application process with your bank online, over the phone, or at a bank branch

• Submit any missing documentation or follow-up information if requested by the bank

Yes, it is possible to open a bank account online in Ireland. However, it always depends on the bank’s processes and procedures. In some cases, potential customers must meet specific criteria to be able to open a bank account completely online. In other cases, however, an in-person visit to the bank branch is required to complete the application. Usually, most banks still need the documentation to be submitted by post after completing the online application.

Banking in Ireland is changing, though. There are currently more and more digital banks offering so-called digital bank accounts. These banks have no high-street presence and therefore allow you to set up digital bank accounts exclusively online. Since their whole presence is online, they usually provide a user-friendly app for customers to open, access, and manage their accounts.

You don’t need to be an Irish resident to open a bank account in Ireland. You can open a bank account as a foreigner, but each bank has specific requirements and policies regarding non-residents. Generally, every non-resident has to provide the same documentation when applying to open a bank account in Ireland. Other than that, they might need to present some additional information such as a reason for opening the account, proof of employment, or an Irish visa. The process of opening a bank account in Ireland is more complicated for non-EU citizens.

The time between opening a bank account in Ireland and receiving the bank account number can vary widely. Some banks have a quicker set up – especially when all documentation and verification can be done online – while others take from a few days up to a week. In this case, they often need to verify your documents in person.

If you’re a non-resident, the process generally takes longer since the circumstances of the application are more complicated.

If you want to open a bank account in Ireland, you need to provide some documentation. This can vary from bank to bank, but you always need to prove your identity and address. It is not possible to open a bank account in Ireland without presenting a proof of address. 

If you apply as a non-resident, your address outside of Ireland may be accepted, depending on the bank and the account type. If you plan to move to Ireland, note that you need a bank account to rent an apartment. Therefore, it is advised to look for a bank that allows you to open a bank account with an address outside of Ireland. 

There are different ways to prove your identity and address:

Proof of identity:

• a valid passport

• national ID card for EU citizens

• Irish driving licence

• Immigration card if you’re a non-EU citizen

Proof of address:

• a recent utility bill (electricity, gas, water, etc.)

• a rental agreement

• credit card or bank statements

• Tax certificate or notice

PPS stands for Personal Public Service Number. It is similar to a social security number in other countries. In Ireland, the PPS number is a unique identification assigned to every resident to help them access public services and benefits.

If you want to open a bank account in Ireland, it is not necessary to have a PPS number. However, some banks may ask for it to prove your identity.

Opening a current account is usually free of charge. However, most banks will charge fees for certain transactions, services, or maintenance of the account. For example, typical fees include the following:

• Account maintenance fees: Most banks charge you a monthly maintenance fee, which ranges from €4 to €6 for a current account.

• ATM withdrawal fees: Sometimes you can be charged for ATM withdrawals, especially if you use non-partner ATMs or withdraw outside the Eurozone.

• Foreign transaction fees: If you want to use your card abroad or make any international transfers, you will usually be charged a small fee of 2-3%.

Now that you know how to open an Irish bank account, you can start looking for the perfect account for you or complement your current account. Discover a wide range of high-interest fixed term and demand deposit accounts on the Raisin Bank marketplace. This is a simple method to grow your savings while accessing some of the best interest rates in Ireland and Europe. Just register for free, choose a deposit account from our partner banks, and start earning interest. Raisin Bank offers you a great option to enhance your savings alongside your Irish bank account.