Principal Financial (PFG) S-3ASR Automatic shelf registration

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Principal Financial Group, Inc. for the registration of the securities identified therein and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 12, 2014, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Principal Financial Group, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Principal Financial Group, Inc., included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa

May 6, 2014