an immigrant
This page contains links to relevant information and publications by this Department and other useful links for persons coming to Ireland or returning to Ireland from other countries. Select the relevant section to access the information you are looking for.
The Personal Public Service number (PPS Number) is your personal reference number. It helps you to apply for benefits and to get information from public service agencies quickly and easily. This includes services such as Social Welfare, Revenue, Public Healthcare and Education
This section contains information about social welfare entitlements for persons coming to Ireland or returning to Ireland from:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (not a member of the EEA but the EEC Regulation applies), United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (excluding Isle of Man & Channel Islands).
Persons coming from non-EEA countries
There are no nationality conditions attached to Irish social insurance or social assistance schemes. However, a habitual residence condition applies for certain social assistance schemes and for child benefit. For jobseeker's payments a person must also be available for work – that is, have a work permit or visa which does not restrict them in obtaining employment.
In all other respects, nationals of other countries may be entitled to payment if they satisfy the same contribution and other conditions which apply to Irish nationals.
Countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement on social security
Ireland has social security agreements with the following countries covering entitlement to State Pension (Contributory), Widow(er)'s pension (Contributory), Guardians Payment (Contributory) and Bereavement Grant:
Australia
Austria
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
Quebec
The Republic of Korea
The Swiss Confederation
USA
There is also an agreement with the UK, including a wider range of benefits than above and covering persons who have worked in Ireland and in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. For more information on this see the Irish/UK Social Security Agreement - SW 123 Publication.
For more information see the Operational Guidelines on Bilateral Agreements.