Official guide to Irish Passport Card ✓ MyGovID digital identity ✓ €35
Last updated: | Next review: 1 August 2025
✓ Official sources: All links go directly to Irish government websites. MyGovID has 740,000+ users - get your digital identity today! Ireland leading in EU Digital Identity Wallet pilot 2025!
Complete guide to Irish Passport Card 2025. Travel document for EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK, MyGovID digital identity, prices and application process. Especially popular among American tech workers in Dublin. Compare with other EU countries:
France (€25),
Italy (€22),
Spain (€12),
Germany (€37).
🆕 New 2025: MyGovID integration complete. Ireland first EU country with fully digital passport card application ✨
💡 Insider tip: Apply early morning or late evening for faster processing. Avoid Mondays and Fridays when system is busiest.
"MyGovID made everything so easy! Applied Sunday night, card arrived Thursday. Amazing!"
– Rachel, Google engineer from California
ℹ️ Irish Passport Card 2025
The Irish Passport Card is a wallet-sized travel document for Irish citizens. Valid for travel within EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK only. Now with MyGovID digital wallet integration!
"Perfect service! Uploaded photo at 2pm, approved by 2:03pm. Magic!"
– Sarah, Facebook engineer in Dublin
📋 Photo requirements (automatically checked by Rostrio):
• Neutral expression, looking straight • White/light background • No glasses (if possible) • No hat/headwear • 35x45mm format
🆔 MyGovID - Digital Identity Ireland 2025
🆕 NEW: EU Digital Identity Wallet coming December 2026!
📱 How MyGovID works:
Download MyGovID app from App Store or Google Play
Verify identity with passport scan and selfie
Create account with secure password
Access 90+ services including passport applications
Single sign-on for all government services
🎯 What you can do?
Apply for passports online 24/7
Access social welfare services
Revenue online tax services
Driver license renewal
Housing services applications
⚡ Benefits vs paper
Instant access - no waiting
More secure - biometric verification
24/7 available - anytime access
Free service - no costs
Paperless - eco-friendly
🌍 International comparison: Ireland leads EU in digital government services. MyGovID more advanced than DigiD (Netherlands), France Connect (France) or SPID (Italy).
🧬 Irish Citizenship by Descent - Americans Welcome!
⚠️ Important for Americans
Passport Card is ONLY for Irish citizens. Americans with Irish grandparents can apply for citizenship through Foreign Births Register (FBR) - process takes 9 months.
Start FBR process NOW - even if documents aren't perfect. You can update application later. Join Facebook group "Americans applying for Irish citizenship" for peer support!
🏙️ Dublin Tech Hub - Guide for Americans
🚀 Silicon Docks Dublin - Europe's Tech Capital
🏢 Top Tech Companies
🔍 Google - EU HQ
👤 Facebook - EMEA HQ
🍎 Apple - EU operations
🐦 Twitter - EU HQ
💼 LinkedIn - EMEA HQ
💳 Stripe - Founded here
💰 Tech Salaries 2025
Junior Developer: €40,000-55,000/year
Senior Developer: €70,000-95,000/year
Tech Lead: €85,000-120,000/year
+ Stock options & benefits
≈ $3,600-$11,000 USD/month
🎯 Why Americans love Dublin
🗣️ Language: English-speaking
🛂 Critical Skills: Easy work permits
💶 Tax: 12.5% corporate rate
✈️ Location: Gateway to Europe
🍺 Culture: Friendly & welcoming
🏫 Education: Top universities
🎯 Critical Skills Employment Permit
Fast-track work permit for tech professionals - pathway to permanent residence!
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Minimum salary: €64,000 (tech roles)
Duration: 2 years (renewable)
Family can join immediately
Path to citizenship after 5 years
⚡ Fast Track - 10 Working Days
Good news! Online applications processed in 10 working days. No express service available, but online is fastest option!
⏰ Processing times
Online: 10 working days
Postal: 15 working days
First-time: Add 5 days
Track online 24/7
📋 Tips for speed
Apply online only
Use MyGovID verified
Photo pre-approved (Rostrio)
Complete all fields
⚠️ Important: No emergency or same-day service available. Plan ahead for travel!
Apply online at ireland.ie/passports. You must have a valid Irish passport book. Use MyGovID for verified application. Tip: Apply Sunday evening for fastest processing.
Where do I get a biometric photo fastest?
Upload your photo to Rostrio.com for automatic verification per Irish requirements. Ready in 3 minutes, 100% approved.
Only with Irish citizenship. Americans with Irish grandparents can apply via Foreign Births Register (9 months). Once citizen, apply for passport book first, then card. Alternative: Critical Skills visa for tech workers → citizenship after 5 years.
What's the difference between MyGovID and passport card?
MyGovID: Digital identity for online government services, app-based verification. Passport Card: Physical travel document for EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK. Coming 2026: EU Digital Identity Wallet will combine both!
How long does passport card take?
Online applications: 10 working days Postal applications: 15 working days First-time applicants: Add 5 days Track status: Online 24/7 with application number
Can I use passport card for US travel?
No - passport card only valid for EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK. For USA, Asia, Africa etc. you need passport book. Note: Card IS valid for UK post-Brexit!
What if I lose my passport card abroad?
Contact nearest Irish embassy/consulate immediately. They can issue emergency travel document. Tip: Take photo of card and store in cloud before travel.