Pre-Departure & Arrival Guide for Students Travelling to Ireland

Prepare Before Departure

Before travelling from Pakistan:

• Obtain a Police Character Certificate (PCC), if required.
  • Punjab: punjabpolice.gov.pk
  • Islamabad: islamabadpolice.gov.pk
  • Karachi: sindhpolice.gov.pk
• Arrange an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive.
  • Punjab Traffic Police – International Driving Licence: Apply / details
  • Islamabad (ICT Administration) – International Driving Permit: Apply / details
• Save digital copies of your academic and professional documents.
• Carry essential medicines with relevant prescriptions.

University Enrolment & Registration

Download and save your university enrolment letter. Complete registration, collect your student ID and attend the university’s orientation programme after arrival.

Irish Residence Permit (IRP)

Non-EEA students staying in Ireland for more than 90 days must register their immigration permission within 90 days of arrival.

Brief process:

1. Create an account on the official ISD Customer Service Portal after arrival.
2. Book an IRP registration appointment.
3. Attend the appointment with your passport, landing stamp, enrolment evidence, Irish address and required documents.
4. Pay the registration fee of €300, where applicable.
5. Receive your IRP card by post.

Check the latest requirements and appointment instructions on the official Irish Immigration website.

Opening a Bank Account

Common banking options include:

• AIB (Allied Irish Banks)
• Bank of Ireland
• Permanent TSB
• Revolut (digital banking option)

You can apply through the bank’s website or mobile app, or visit a branch. Requirements vary, but students are generally asked for:

• Passport
• Proof of Irish address
• University enrolment or student-status letter
• Immigration documents, where required
• Irish mobile number, if requested

Ask your university’s International Office for a student bank letter if needed.

PPS Number, Tax & Public Transport

Apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number through MyWelfare when you have a valid reason, such as employment.

Apply For PPS

For 2026

• Income Tax generally applies at 20% and 40%, depending on income and tax bands.
• The maximum Employee Tax Credit for qualifying PAYE income is €2,000.
• Register your first job through Revenue’s myAccount to avoid Emergency Tax.
• USC and PRSI may also apply, depending on your circumstances.

Public Transport – Leap Card

The Leap Card can be used on public transport services, including buses, Luas and DART. Students may be eligible for a Student Leap Card or Young Adult Leap Card, depending on their age and eligibility. Check the latest fares, eligibility and application details on the TFI Leap Card website.

Finding Part-Time Jobs

Start looking for suitable jobs before travelling to Ireland. This can save you time after arrival and help you understand the available opportunities in your area.

Students on Stamp 2 can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during June–September and 15 December–15 January.

Common Jobs

• Retail & supermarket assistant
• Café & restaurant staff
• Hotel & hospitality roles
• Customer service & warehouse jobs

Job Search Platforms

• Jobs.ie
• IrishJobs.ie
• Indeed Ireland
• University career portals
• Local employers

Important: Part-time work should supplement your finances; students must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay without relying on casual employment.

Important Travel & Emergency Contacts

Before travelling, students should save their university emergency contact, Embassy/Consulate contact, and FIA Immigration Helpline on their phone and keep a written copy.

• Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Karachi: +92 21 3589118183
• FIA Immigration Helpline: 1991 | 051-111-345-786
• FIA Travel & Immigration Information: Official FIA Website