Everyone who is in paid employment in Ireland is required to make Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. To do so, you will need a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number, which will also be required if you apply for any state benefits or state services. Before starting work in Ireland you should apply for this from your local Social Welfare office, showing proof of identify such as your passport.

EU nationals are entitled to claim benefits and services in Ireland on the same basis as Irish nationals. The social security scheme covers pensions, redundancy and unemployment pay, sickness and disability benefits, maternity and child benefit payments.

If you are a national of a country with which Ireland has a reciprocal social security agreement, and you continue making payments in your home country, you may be exempt from contributing to the Irish scheme. In this case, any benefits payable will be paid in your home country. Ireland has social security agreements with all other EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and with Austria, Canada, Australia, the USA and New Zealand.

If you are from a country with which Ireland has a reciprocal agreement, your pension rights in your home country will be protected while living and working in Ireland, and social security contributions made both in your home country and in Ireland will be taken into account in calculating your pension rights. EU/EEA nationals coming to live in Ireland should bring completed forms E301 and E104, as well as any other documentation as advised by the Social Welfare Department in their home country.

Applications for social security benefits must be made via the local social welfare office, where information will be provided on your eligibility.