🇮🇪EUDI Wallet Ireland: What We Know So Far

What We Know About Ireland's EUDI Wallet

Ireland, with a population of 5 million, is preparing to implement the European Digital Identity Wallet as required by the eIDAS 2.0 regulation. While specific details about Ireland's EUDI Wallet implementation have not been officially announced, several facts are clear based on EU law and Ireland's existing digital infrastructure.

Legal Requirement (🟢 Verified)

Under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation (EU) 2024/1183, which entered into force in May 2024, all 27 EU member states must provide a European Digital Identity Wallet to their citizens by December 31, 2026. This is a binding legal requirement, not optional. Ireland must comply with this deadline.

Existing Authentication System (🟢 Verified)

Ireland currently operates MyGovID, a national digital authentication system that enables citizens to access government services electronically. MyGovID provides secure login for tax filing, social security, healthcare, and other public services. The EUDI Wallet will likely build upon or integrate with this existing MyGovID infrastructure, using years of established digital identity experience.

Regulatory Deadline (🟡 Confirmed by Regulation)

The December 31, 2026 deadline is set by EU law. Ireland must provide a wallet that meets the technical specifications defined in the Architecture and Reference Framework (ARF) version 2.7.3, which standardizes functionality across all EU member states.

What Is Not Yet Known

We believe in being honest about what information is not yet available. The following details have not been officially announced by Ireland authorities:

Official Wallet Name (⚠️ Not Yet Announced)

Ireland has not announced the official name for its EUDI Wallet. While "MyGovID Wallet" is a logical name, this is speculation, not official confirmation. The wallet may integrate directly into the existing MyGovID system or be branded separately.

Exact Launch Date (⚠️ Not Yet Announced)

Beyond the December 2026 regulatory deadline, Ireland has not provided a specific launch date, pilot schedule, or rollout timeline. Some countries announce phased launches (pilot first, then gradual rollout), while others plan immediate availability—Ireland's approach remains unclear.

Setup Process (⚠️ Not Yet Announced)

The activation process—how Ireland citizens will set up their digital wallet—has not been disclosed. It will likely require existing government-issued credentials (ID card, passport, or MyGovID account), but the specific steps are unknown.

Expected Functionality Based on EU Standards

Even without Ireland-specific announcements, we know what functionality Ireland's EUDI Wallet must provide, because all EU member states must comply with the same technical specifications (ARF 2.7.3):

Core Features (🟢 Verified from ARF Specifications)

• Identity Verification: Store and present digital identity for government services, banking, and age verification
• Banking KYC: From January 1, 2027, all banks and financial institutions must accept EUDI Wallet for customer identification (mandatory)
• Government Services: Access tax filing, healthcare, social security, business permits, and other public services
• Age Verification: Prove age for restricted purchases without revealing full birth date
• Cross-Border Recognition: Ireland digital credentials recognized in all 27 EU member states
• Qualified Signatures: Sign legally binding documents digitally with the same legal force as handwritten signatures

What Should Ireland Citizens Do Now?

While waiting for official announcements, Ireland citizens can take the following steps:

1. Ensure you have a valid Ireland ID card or passport — these will likely be required to activate the digital wallet
2. Familiarize yourself with MyGovID — Ireland's existing digital authentication system may be integrated with the EUDI Wallet
3. Monitor official sources — Check www.gov.ie for government announcements
4. Don't worry about missing the deadline — The wallet is optional; you can continue using physical documents

Ireland's Digital identity space: MyGovID and the PSC

Ireland has built a mature digital identity ecosystem over the past decade, centred around two key pillars: the Public Services Card (PSC) and MyGovID. Understanding this existing infrastructure is essential for anticipating how the EUDI Wallet will be integrated.

MyGovID: Ireland's Government Authentication Hub

Launched in 2019, MyGovID is Ireland's single sign-on system for accessing government services online. It was developed by the Department of Social Protection and provides verified digital identity to millions of Irish residents. MyGovID authenticates users at different assurance levels: a basic account allows access to general information, while a verified account (linked to PSC registration and SAFE Level 2 identity proofing) unlocks full access to services like Revenue Online Service (ROS), welfare.ie, medical card applications, and the National Driving Licence Service. The fact that Ireland already has a functioning identity verification gateway at scale positions the country well for EUDI Wallet integration.

The Public Services Card (PSC) and SAFE Registration

The PSC is a physical smart card issued by the Department of Social Protection after in-person identity verification through the SAFE (Standard Authentication Framework Environment) process. Over 3.5 million PSCs have been issued. The SAFE Level 2 registration involves presenting identity documents (passport, birth certificate) at a government office, where biometric data (photograph) is captured. This rigorous identity proofing process aligns closely with the "high" level of assurance required by eIDAS 2.0 for EUDI Wallets. Irish citizens who already hold a PSC may find the EUDI Wallet activation process streamlined, as their identity has been verified to a standard that meets or exceeds EU requirements.

Ireland's National Digital Strategy and DPER's Role

Ireland's approach to digital government is guided by "Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework," which outlines the country's ambitions for digital transformation across public services, the economy, and society. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPER) plays a central coordinating role in digital government policy, including identity infrastructure.

DPER oversees the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), which is responsible for the technical architecture of government IT systems, including digital identity. The OGCIO has been actively involved in EU-level discussions about the EUDI Wallet Architecture Reference Framework and is expected to lead Ireland's technical implementation. This institutional backing provides confidence that Ireland's EUDI deployment will benefit from established governance structures and cross-departmental coordination.

Revenue Online Service (ROS) and Financial Integration

Revenue Online Service (ROS) is one of Ireland's most widely used digital government platforms, serving approximately 800,000 businesses and self-employed individuals for tax filing, VAT returns, and employer PAYE submissions. ROS currently uses its own digital certificate system alongside MyGovID authentication. The EUDI Wallet regulation mandates that all public services accept the wallet by 2027, which means ROS will need to integrate EUDI Wallet authentication.

For Irish taxpayers, this could simplify the current multi-credential environment. Instead of managing separate ROS certificates, MyGovID logins, and physical PSC cards, the EUDI Wallet could serve as a unified digital credential for all interactions with Revenue, Social Protection, the HSE, and other government bodies. Additionally, from January 2027, Irish banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, and others) must accept the EUDI Wallet for Know Your Customer (KYC) verification when opening accounts, applying for mortgages, or conducting other regulated financial activities.

Cross-Border Impact: Northern Ireland and the UK

Ireland's unique geographic and political situation, sharing a land border with Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom, which is not in the EU), raises specific questions about the EUDI Wallet's cross-border utility. While the EUDI Wallet will be fully recognized across all 27 EU member states, its acceptance in the UK will depend on future bilateral agreements. Irish citizens who regularly cross the border for work, healthcare, or education may find the wallet's utility limited in Northern Ireland. However, for travel and services within the EU and EEA, the wallet provides smooth cross-border identity verification, a significant benefit for the large Irish diaspora community across Europe.

Reassurance: All EU Countries Must Comply

If you're concerned about whether Ireland will deliver an EUDI Wallet, remember this: the December 2026 deadline applies equally to all 27 EU member states. Ireland is legally obligated to provide a wallet, just like every other country. The lack of public announcements does not indicate Ireland won't comply—many countries are developing wallets without extensive public communication until closer to launch.