Irish IPN Number for non-EEA Residents (VIF Form)

Table of Contents

Who should read this?

This article is for international entrepreneurs and business owners from outside Ireland who are looking to establish a company presence in Ireland.

Key Takeaways

Ireland offers a low-bureaucracy, English-speaking gateway into the European market for international entrepreneurs
Non-Irish directors and shareholders of Irish companies need an Irish identification number
The VIF process provides a relatively straightforward path to obtaining an Identified Person Number (IPN)
The IPN application can be completed during the company incorporation process
Our service handles the VIF process for a fee of €75 + VAT per person
The IPN is a lifetime identification number that can be used for future business in Ireland
The incorporation process includes obtaining IPNs for all relevant stakeholders

VIF / PPSN / IPN - What does it all mean?

First, let’s deal with the confusing jargon:

PPSN: Personal Public Services Number - This is a number given by the Irish government to Irish citizens and Irish residents (think of it like a social security number).
IPN: Identified Person Number - this is the number that you need to get if you don't have a PPSN - it it a much easier number to get and is needed to open an Irish company.
VIF: Verified Identity Form - this is the form you complete to obtain the IPN.

Company Formation and the ID Number Requirement

While setting up an Irish company is relatively straightforward, there is one preliminary requirement: all directors and shareholders (if they have over 25%) of an Irish company must have an Irish identification number.

This is essential for tax compliance, company registration, and regulatory purposes.

Most Irish citizens and residents are issued a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which serves as their national identification.

For non-Irish residents, obtaining a traditional PPS number takes around 6-8 weeks and so there is a better alternative to help you set up your Irish company quickly.

During our company registration process, we will get IPNs for anyone in your team that needs them.

The IPN Solution: A Simpler Alternative

Thankfully there is a much more accessible alternative to the PPS number - the Identified Person Number (IPN).

This special identification number serves the same purpose for company registration but is significantly easier to obtain.

The IPN is acquired through what is known as the VIF (Verified Identity Form) process.

This streamlined procedure is specifically designed for non-resident directors and shareholders, eliminating many of the hurdles associated with obtaining a full PPS number.

Starting an Irish company is not about your nationality or citizenship - it’s about where you reside! Someone on your team needs to be resident in the EEA (there are exceptions).

How the VIF Process Works

The VIF process is relatively quick and simple compared to other identification procedures.

It involves completing a straightforward form with personal information and providing basic documentation to verify identity.

The application does not require physical presence in Ireland, making it ideal for international entrepreneurs.

The process typically includes:

Completion of the short VIF through the Open Forest incorporation platform
Submission of identification documents (typically a copy of your passport)
You will have to visit a Notary Public in your town/city who will verify your ID and then watch you sign the VIF form
You then upload the notarised form into Open Forest
Open Forest will make the IPN application to the Companies Registration Office on your behalf
Issuance of the IPN upon approval
You can then continue with the incorporation process through Open Forest.

This process usually takes 2-3 business days on top of the normal company registration timeline.

The Company Registry recently changed their process - online / remote notarisations are no longer allowed. You must visit the offices of a Notary Public in your town and get them to witness you signing the VIF form, and they must countersign in pen and stamp the form.

Obtaining Your IPN During Incorporation

If you need to obtain an IPN for yourself or any directors/shareholders of your new Irish company, you can do so during our incorporation process.

We have integrated the VIF application into our company formation service, with the exception of getting the form stamped in your local Notary Public's office.

This number can then be used for all other Irish companies.

Our Service and Fee Structure

We handle the entire VIF process on behalf of each applicant (with the exception of the document notarisation - because it can't be done online), ensuring all forms are correctly completed and submitted.

For this service, we charge €75 + VAT (if applicable) per person requiring an IPN.

This fee is charged separately during the process to the individual. However, we also offer the flexibility for the company to cover these costs if preferred.

The IPN can be used for any future business activities in Ireland, making it a valuable long-term asset for international entrepreneurs.

Next Steps to Establish Your Irish Company

To begin the process of obtaining IPNs for your company's stakeholders, simply start the incorporation process with us. Our integrated system will guide you through each step, identifying which individuals need IPNs and facilitating their applications.

We handle all the complexities, allowing you to focus on your business while we ensure full compliance with Irish identification requirements.

If you have any questions about the VIF process, Irish company formation, or how to get started, please don't hesitate to reach out to our expert team.

About the Author:

Connect:

Stuart Connolly is a corporate barrister in Ireland and the UK since 2012.

He spent over a decade at Ireland's top law firms including Arthur Cox & William Fry.

Incorporation

February 2026

Irish Companies for non-Residents - IPN Numbers & VIF Forms

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a PPS number and an IPN?

How long does it take to obtain an IPN through the VIF process?

Can I use my IPN for multiple Irish companies?

Do all shareholders need an IPN, even minority shareholders?

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