Irish Immigration Stamps Explained: Stamp 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (2025)

Irish immigration stamps determine what you can and cannot do while living in Ireland. Understanding which stamp you have—or need—is crucial for working, studying, or settling permanently in Ireland, as each stamp type comes with specific rights and restrictions.

This guide explains all Irish immigration stamp types, what they allow, how to get them, and how they affect your ability to work, study, and eventually settle in Ireland. Whether you’re arriving on a work permit, as a student, or as an EU citizen’s family member, you’ll understand exactly what your stamp means and what you need to do.

What are Irish immigration stamps?

Immigration stamps are endorsements in your passport that show:

• Your permission to stay in Ireland
• How long you can stay
• Whether you can work
• What conditions apply to your stay

Key points:

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals need stamps
• Stamps registered with immigration authorities
• Different stamps have different rights
• Your stamp type determines what you can do in Ireland

Physical stamp:

• Placed in your passport
• Shows stamp number (0, 1, 2, etc.)
• Shows expiry date
• Shows any conditions

Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card:

• Separate card issued alongside stamp (since 2017)
• Contains same information
• Used as proof of permission
• Must carry with you (not passport)

Quick reference: All stamp types

Stamp	Main Use	Can Work?	Can Study?	Path to Citizenship?
Stamp 0	Non-EEA family of Irish citizen	No	Yes	Yes (after 3 years)
Stamp 1	Work permit holders	Yes (specific job)	Yes	Yes (after 5 years)
Stamp 1A	Accountancy trainees	Yes (training only)	Yes	Usually no
Stamp 1G	Graduate scheme	Yes (any employer)	Yes	Time counts if continue on Stamp 1/4
Stamp 2	Students	Limited (20 hrs/week)	Yes	No (time doesn’t count)
Stamp 2A	Students (non-degree)	No	Yes	No
Stamp 3	Dependants of Stamp 1/4 holders	No	Yes	Via main applicant
Stamp 4	EU family members, refugees, long-term residents	Yes (any job)	Yes	Yes (after 5 years total)
Stamp 5	Permanent residence	Yes (any job)	Yes	Yes (counts toward citizenship)
Stamp 6	Dual Irish citizens or special cases	Yes (any job)	Yes	Already Irish

Stamp 0: Non-EEA family of Irish citizens

What is Stamp 0?

Stamp 0 is for:

• Non-EEA spouses of Irish citizens
• Non-EEA civil partners of Irish citizens
• Non-EEA de facto partners of Irish citizens (in some cases)

Not for:

• EU/EEA/Swiss family members (they get Stamp 4)
• Family of non-Irish residents
• Children (they usually get Stamp 3 or citizenship)

Rights and conditions

What you can do:

• Live in Ireland
• Study at any level
• Apply for Stamp 4 after 3 years
• Eventually apply for citizenship

What you cannot do:

• Work (any employment)
• Set up a business
• Be self-employed

Key restrictions:

• Completely prohibited from working
• Must be financially dependent on Irish citizen spouse
• Can be economically difficult

Duration and renewal

Typical duration:

• Initially: 6 months to 1 year
• Renewal: 1-2 years
• After 3 years: Eligible for Stamp 4

Renewal process:

• Apply before expiry
• Prove relationship continues
• Show Irish spouse’s employment/income
• Fee: €300

Path to work permission

Options to get work rights:

1. Wait 3 years → apply for Stamp 4

   • Most common route
   • Full work rights
   • After 3 years on Stamp 0

2. Apply for own work permit

   • Get job offer
   • Employer applies for permit
   • Switch to Stamp 1
   • Independent of spouse

3. Apply for Stamp 1G (if recent graduate)

   • Irish degree required
   • 2-year work permit
   • Then regular employment

Path to citizenship

Timeline:

• 3 years on Stamp 0 + 2 years on Stamp 4 = eligible
• Or 5 years continuous legal residence
• Stamp 0 time counts toward citizenship
• See path to Irish citizenship for complete information

Applying for Stamp 0

When you arrive in Ireland:

1. Register within 90 days
2. Go to Immigration Registration Office
   • Dublin: Burgh Quay
   • Outside Dublin: Local Garda station
3. Bring required documents
4. Pay €300 fee
5. Receive IRP card and stamp

Required documents:

• Valid passport
• Marriage certificate (or civil partnership certificate)
• Irish spouse’s passport or birth certificate
• Proof of relationship (photos, correspondence)
• Proof of Irish spouse’s employment/income
• Proof of address in Ireland
• €300 registration fee

Stamp 1: Employment permit holders

What is Stamp 1?

Stamp 1 is for:

• Critical Skills Employment Permit holders
• General Employment Permit holders
• Intra-Company Transfer permit holders
• Contract for Services permit holders
• Other employment permit types

This is the main work permit stamp for skilled foreign workers.

Rights and conditions

What you can do:

• Work for specified employer only
• Study part-time
• Bring family (they get Stamp 3)
• Apply for Stamp 4 after qualifying period
• Count time toward citizenship

What you cannot do:

• Change employer without new permit
• Set up business (usually)
• Work for anyone other than sponsor
• Claim social welfare (most benefits)

Job-specific restrictions:

• Tied to specific employer
• Specific job role
• Cannot change roles significantly without new permit
• If lose job, limited time to find new one

Duration and renewal

Typical duration:

• Critical Skills: 2 years initially
• General Employment Permit: 2 years initially
• Renewals: Usually 3 years

Renewal process:

• Employer applies for permit renewal
• Must be with same employer
• Or new employer applies for new permit
• Fee: €1,000 (Critical Skills) or €1,500 (General)

Path to Stamp 4

Critical Skills Permit holders:

• After 2 years on Stamp 1
• Can apply directly for Stamp 4
• Don’t need to continue with employer
• Full work rights

General Employment Permit holders:

• After 5 years on Stamp 1
• Can apply for Stamp 4
• Faster if marry Irish/EU citizen

Requirements for Stamp 4:

• Been legally in Ireland required period
• Current permission not expired
• Not claimed social welfare
• No criminal convictions
• €300 application fee

Changing jobs on Stamp 1

If you want to change jobs:

1. New employer must apply for work permit for you
2. You must meet permit requirements (salary, qualifications)
3. Cannot start new job until new permit issued
4. Risk period if lose job and can’t find new one quickly

If you lose your job:

• Stamp 1 becomes invalid when employment ends
• Grace period: None officially (should leave immediately)
• Reality: Given reasonable time to find new job
• Contact DBEI (Department of Enterprise) immediately
• Start new permit application ASAP

After 2 years on Critical Skills:

• Can apply for Stamp 4 (not job-dependent)
• Then work for anyone

Bringing family on Stamp 1

Who can come:

• Spouse or civil partner
• De facto partner (if together 2+ years)
• Dependent children under 18
• Dependent children 18-23 (if in full-time education)

They receive Stamp 3:

• Cannot work
• Can study
• Dependent on your permission
• If you get Stamp 4, they get Stamp 4 too

Application process:

• Apply after you arrive
• Or family applies at same time as your visa
• Provide relationship proof
• Provide your employment details
• Fee: €300 per person

For complete information about work permits, see our work permits and visas guide.

Stamp 1G: Graduate scheme

What is Stamp 1G?

Stamp 1G is for:

• Graduates of Irish universities
• Recent graduates (within 12 months)
• Degree level or higher
• Allows work in any job for 2 years

This is one of the most flexible stamps—work for any employer in any role.

Rights and conditions

What you can do:

• Work for any employer
• Any role (doesn’t need to match degree)
• Change jobs freely
• No salary requirement
• Study part-time
• Set up business

What you cannot do:

• Claim social welfare (most benefits)
• Extend beyond 2 years (must switch to different stamp)

Key benefits:

• Most flexible work permission for non-EU
• Perfect transition from study to work
• Time to find career-level job
• Build Irish work experience

Eligibility

Requirements:

• Degree (Level 7+) from Irish institution
• On list of eligible institutions (most universities)
• Graduated within last 12 months
• Currently on Stamp 2 (student permission)
• No previous Stamp 1G

Eligible qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• PhD
• Postgraduate diplomas (some)

Not eligible:

• Non-degree courses
• Private colleges (most)
• Courses under 1 year
• If already had Stamp 1G previously

Duration

Length:

• 2 years only
• Cannot be extended
• Cannot apply for second Stamp 1G

After Stamp 1G:

• Must find job that qualifies for work permit (Stamp 1)
• Or marry Irish/EU citizen (Stamp 4)
• Or leave Ireland
• Time on Stamp 1G counts toward Stamp 4/citizenship if continue on qualifying stamp

Applying for Stamp 1G

Application process:

1. Graduate from Irish institution
2. Apply within 12 months of graduation
3. Online application via INIS
4. Pay €300 fee
5. Attend registration appointment
6. Receive IRP card with Stamp 1G

Required documents:

• Current passport
• Degree certificate or letter from university
• Current IRP card (Stamp 2)
• Proof of address
• €300 fee

Timeline:

• Apply 6-8 weeks before Stamp 2 expires
• Processing: 4-8 weeks
• Don’t let Stamp 2 expire before applying

Transitioning after Stamp 1G

Options after 2 years:

Option 1: Get employment permit (Stamp 1)

• Find job that qualifies for work permit
• Employer applies for permit
• Critical Skills or General Employment Permit
• Continue toward Stamp 4

Option 2: Marry Irish/EU citizen

• Apply for Stamp 4 (if married to Irish citizen for 3+ years)
• Or Stamp 4 as EU family member

Option 3: Further study

• Return to Stamp 2 as student
• But time on Stamp 2 doesn’t count toward citizenship

Must plan ahead:

• Start job search 6 months before expiry
• Ensure job qualifies for permit
• Salary must meet threshold (usually €30,000-€34,000)

For more on graduate employment and Critical Skills permits, see our Critical Skills Employment Permit guide.

Stamp 2: Students

What is Stamp 2?

Stamp 2 is for:

• Full-time students in Ireland
• Degree-level or higher programmes
• Institutions on ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes)

This is the standard student permission.

Rights and conditions

What you can do:

• Study full-time
• Work 20 hours/week during term
• Work 40 hours/week during holidays
• Study part-time alongside (any level)

What you cannot do:

• Work full-time during term
• Set up business (except student business in college)
• Claim social welfare
• Bring family (usually)

Work restrictions:

• Term time: Maximum 20 hours/week
• Holidays: Maximum 40 hours/week
• Holidays defined: May 1-Sept 30, Dec 15-Jan 15
• Exceeding hours risks deportation
• Must be genuine student (attendance required)

Duration and renewal

Typical duration:

• Length of course (1-4 years)
• Renewed annually
• Maximum: 8 years total on Stamp 2 in lifetime

8-year rule:

• Can only hold Stamp 2 for maximum 8 years total
• Includes all periods on Stamp 2
• After 8 years, must leave or qualify for other stamp
• Bachelor (3-4 years) + Master (1-2 years) + work experience typical

Renewal process:

• Proof of enrollment for next year
• Proof of attendance previous year
• Proof of academic progression
• €300 fee
• Cannot renew if failed year or attendance poor

Path from Stamp 2

After graduation:

• Apply for Stamp 1G (if eligible)
• 2 years to find career job
• Then regular work permit

Time doesn’t count:

• Stamp 2 time does NOT count toward citizenship
• Must switch to Stamp 1/4 for time to count
• Exception: If study leads directly to Stamp 1 work

If fail course:

• Stamp 2 becomes invalid
• Expected to leave Ireland
• Cannot renew if not progressing

Stamp 2A: Non-degree students

Stamp 2A is for:

• English language students
• Non-degree vocational courses
• Courses not on ILEP list

Restrictions:

• Cannot work at all
• More limited than Stamp 2
• Different renewal rules

Stamp 3: Dependants

What is Stamp 3?

Stamp 3 is for:

• Spouses/partners of Stamp 1 or 4 holders
• Children of Stamp 1 or 4 holders
• Elderly dependent parents (sometimes)

This is the dependent family member stamp.

Rights and conditions

What you can do:

• Live in Ireland with family member
• Study at any level
• Voluntary work

What you cannot do:

• Work (any paid employment)
• Set up business
• Be self-employed
• Claim social welfare

Completely dependent:

• Permission tied to main applicant
• If they leave Ireland, you must too
• If their permission expires, yours does too
• Financially dependent

Duration

Length:

• Same as main applicant’s permission
• Renewed when theirs is renewed
• Expires when theirs expires

Path to work permission

Options:

Option 1: Main applicant gets Stamp 4

• When they qualify for Stamp 4
• You also get Stamp 4
• Then can work freely

Option 2: Apply for own work permit

• Get job offer
• Employer applies for permit
• Switch to Stamp 1
• Independent permission

Option 3: Study and use graduate scheme

• Do degree in Ireland
• Apply for Stamp 1G
• 2 years work permission
• Then regular employment

Most common route:

• Wait for main applicant to get Stamp 4
• Then everyone gets work rights

Stamp 4: Full work and study rights

What is Stamp 4?

Stamp 4 is the ultimate permission short of citizenship. It gives you almost all the rights of an Irish citizen except voting.

Stamp 4 is for:

• Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
• People granted refugee status
• People granted humanitarian leave
• People who have held Stamp 1 for qualifying period
• People married to Irish citizens (after 3 years on Stamp 0)
• Programme refugees
• Victims of human trafficking

Rights and conditions

What you can do:

• Work for any employer
• Change jobs freely
• Set up business
• Be self-employed
• Study at any level
• Claim most social welfare (if qualify)
• Sponsor family members
• Apply for citizenship after qualifying period

What you cannot do:

• Vote in elections (need citizenship)
• Get Irish passport (need citizenship)
• Access some social welfare (3+ year residence needed)

Key benefit:

• Complete work flexibility
• Not tied to employer
• Not dependent on anyone
• Path to citizenship

Duration

Typical duration:

• EU family members: 5 years
• Former Stamp 1 holders: 2-5 years
• Refugees: 3 years initially
• Renewable indefinitely

Renewal:

• Straightforward if circumstances unchanged
• €300 fee
• Must show continued eligibility

Who qualifies for Stamp 4?

Route 1: Family of EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

• Spouse, civil partner, or de facto partner
• Or dependent child
• Or dependent parent (sometimes)
• EU citizen must be “exercising Treaty rights” (working, studying, self-sufficient)
• Apply immediately upon arrival
• Most common route to Stamp 4

Route 2: Former Critical Skills permit holder

• After 2 years on Stamp 1 (Critical Skills)
• Can apply directly
• Don’t need to still be employed
• Straightforward application

Route 3: Former General Employment Permit holder

• After 5 years on Stamp 1 (General EP)
• Must still be employed or have new job
• Or married to Irish/EU citizen

Route 4: Spouse of Irish citizen

• After 3 years on Stamp 0
• Must still be married
• Must show genuine relationship

Route 5: Refugee status

• Granted by International Protection Office
• Get Stamp 4 immediately
• 3 years initially, renewable

Route 6: Long-term residence

• After 5 years legal residence
• Must meet income requirements
• Must meet integration requirements
• Relatively new route

Applying for Stamp 4

Required documents (vary by route):

• Current passport
• Current IRP card
• Proof of eligibility:
  • EU citizen family: Marriage cert, partner’s passport/employment
  • Former permit holder: Employment history, previous permissions
  • Refugee: Protection decision letter
• Proof of address
• €300 fee

Application process:

1. Gather required documents
2. Online application via INIS (most cases)
3. Attend registration appointment
4. Submit documents and fee
5. Receive decision (usually same day if in person)
6. Get IRP card with Stamp 4

Timeline:

• In-person application: Same day decision usually
• Postal/online application: 4-12 weeks

Stamp 4 and citizenship

Time on Stamp 4 counts toward citizenship:

• Need 5 years continuous legal residence
• Stamp 4 time counts fully
• Combine with previous Stamp 1/0 time
• Then can apply for citizenship

Example timeline:

• 2 years Stamp 1 (Critical Skills)
• 3 years Stamp 4
• = Eligible for citizenship

Stamp 5: Permanent residence without conditions

What is Stamp 5?

Stamp 5 is effectively permanent residence. It has no conditions and no expiry date.

Stamp 5 is for:

• People legally resident for 8+ years
• Elderly people (sometimes)
• People with Irish-born children (pre-2005 cases)
• Other special circumstances

Very few people get Stamp 5:

• Not routinely granted
• Must apply specifically
• Not automatic after 8 years
• Discretionary

Rights and conditions

What you can do:

• Everything Stamp 4 allows
• Plus: No renewal needed
• Plus: No conditions at all
• Effectively permanent resident

Duration:

• No expiry date
• Permanent
• Until get citizenship or leave Ireland long-term

Applying for Stamp 5

Eligibility:

• Usually 8+ years legal residence
• Good character
• Not claimed social welfare excessively
• Integrated into Irish life

Application:

• Write to Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
• Explain circumstances
• Provide evidence of residence
• €300 fee

Reality:

• Rarely granted
• Most people go straight from Stamp 4 to citizenship
• Stamp 4 sufficient for most purposes
• Don’t rely on getting Stamp 5

Stamp 6: Dual citizenship and special cases

What is Stamp 6?

Stamp 6 is rare and for specific situations:

• Irish citizens who also hold another nationality and choose to use non-Irish passport
• Very specific special cases
• Former Irish citizens resuming citizenship

Most people will never encounter Stamp 6.

How to check your current stamp

Check your passport:

• Look for most recent stamp
• Should show:
  • Stamp number (0, 1, 2, etc.)
  • Expiry date
  • Any conditions
  • Officer’s signature

Check your IRP card:

• Card issued at registration
• Shows stamp type
• Shows expiry date
• Shows registration number
• More commonly used than passport stamp

Check INIS online account:

• Create account at inis.gov.ie
• View your permission details
• Check expiry dates
• Download documents

If unsure:

• Contact INIS: inisonline@justice.ie
• Or call: +353 1 616 7700
• Have registration number ready

Renewing your immigration permission

When to renew

Before expiry:

• Apply 8-12 weeks before expiry
• Don’t wait until last minute
• Processing can take 6-8 weeks
• Don’t let permission expire

If expired:

• Technically illegal to stay
• Deportation possible
• Apply immediately to renew
• Explain delay
• May be refused

Renewal process

General process:

1. Check what documents needed for your stamp type
2. Book appointment (Burgh Quay in Dublin, Garda station elsewhere)
3. Gather required documents
4. Attend appointment
5. Pay €300 fee
6. Receive renewed IRP card

Documents usually needed:

• Current passport (valid 6+ months)
• Current IRP card
• Proof still eligible for stamp type:
  • Stamp 0: Marriage cert, spouse’s employment
  • Stamp 1: Employment permit, employment letter
  • Stamp 2: Enrollment letter, attendance records
  • Stamp 3: Main applicant’s permission
  • Stamp 4: Proof of continued eligibility
• Proof of address (bank statement, utility bill < 3 months)
• €300 renewal fee

Fees

Standard fees:

• Registration (first time): €300
• Renewal: €300
• Replacement card (lost/stolen): €300
• Multiple entry visa: €100 (if needed for travel)

Fee exemptions:

• Programme refugees: Free
• Some humanitarian cases: Free
• Most people pay €300

Immigration permission and citizenship

Time counting toward citizenship

Which stamps count:

• ✅ Stamp 0: Counts
• ✅ Stamp 1: Counts
• ❌ Stamp 2: Does NOT count
• ✅ Stamp 3: Via main applicant
• ✅ Stamp 4: Counts
• ✅ Stamp 5: Counts

Citizenship requirements:

• 5 years (1,825 days) legal residence in last 9 years
• Including 1 continuous year immediately before application
• Good character
• Intention to continue residing in Ireland

Example timeline:

• 2 years Stamp 1 (work permit)
• 3 years Stamp 4
• = 5 years = Eligible for citizenship

Students:

• Time on Stamp 2 doesn’t count
• Must work (Stamp 1) for 5 years after graduation
• Or get Stamp 4 by another route

For complete citizenship information, see our path to Irish citizenship guide.

Immigration permission and social welfare

Habitual residence condition

Most social welfare requires:

• “Habitually resident” in Ireland
• Usually need 2-3 years residence
• Not just immigration permission

Which stamps can claim welfare:

• Stamp 4: Yes (if habitually resident)
• Stamp 5: Yes (if habitually resident)
• Stamp 0, 1, 2, 3: Generally no

Common benefits requiring habitual residence:

• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Child Benefit (sometimes available earlier)
• Working Family Payment
• Disability Allowance

Available regardless:

• Maternity Benefit (if PRSI paid)
• Treatment Benefit (if PRSI paid)
• Emergency medical care

For more on welfare entitlements, see our cost of living guide.

Common immigration situations

If you lose your job on Stamp 1

What happens:

• Stamp 1 technically becomes invalid
• Should inform DBEI
• Must find new job quickly
• New employer must apply for new permit

Reality:

• Given reasonable time to find new job (weeks, not days)
• Contact DBEI immediately: employment.permits@enterprise.gov.ie
• Start job search immediately
• Have new employer apply ASAP

If you can’t find new job:

• May need to leave Ireland
• Or switch to different stamp if eligible (student, family member)
• Or apply for Stamp 4 if eligible (2+ years Critical Skills)

If relationship ends (Stamp 0 or 3)

Stamp 0 (married to Irish citizen):

• If divorce/separation, permission may be revoked
• Can apply to stay on humanitarian grounds
• Especially if children, domestic abuse, or long residence
• Contact immigration solicitor immediately

Stamp 3 (dependent of permit holder):

• If divorce/separation from Stamp 1 holder
• Permission usually revoked
• Options:
  • Apply for own work permit
  • Demonstrate independent qualification for Stamp 4
  • Humanitarian grounds if children/abuse

If domestic abuse:

• Special provisions exist
• Contact Aisling Project or Women’s Aid
• Can apply to remain on humanitarian grounds
• Don’t leave Ireland before consulting solicitor

If you want to study while on Stamp 1

Good news:

• Stamp 1 allows part-time study
• Can do evening/weekend courses
• Can do postgraduate degrees part-time

Cannot:

• Study full-time (would need Stamp 2)
• Reduce work hours below permit requirements

Popular among Stamp 1 holders:

• Part-time Master’s degrees
• Professional qualifications
• Improves career prospects

If you’re pregnant on Stamp 2

Maternity rights:

• Can continue studies while pregnant
• No maternity leave from college (depends on college policy)
• Can continue working (20 hours/week)

After baby born:

• Baby may be Irish citizen (if parent is)
• Or baby gets your immigration status
• You continue on Stamp 2
• Time to complete studies may be extended

Challenges:

• No maternity benefit (need PRSI contributions)
• Childcare expensive
• May be difficult to complete studies

If you’re offered a job on Stamp 2

During studies:

• Cannot work more than 20 hours/week in term
• Cannot accept full-time job until graduate

After graduation:

• Apply for Stamp 1G immediately
• Then can accept any job
• Don’t wait—apply 6-8 weeks before graduation

If job doesn’t wait:

• Ask employer to wait for Stamp 1G
• Or apply for work permit (slower)
• Cannot start before permission granted

For newcomers to Ireland

If you’re moving to Ireland from abroad, understanding immigration stamps is crucial.

Getting your first stamp

Process:

1. Enter Ireland on visa (if required)
2. Register within 90 days:
   • Dublin: Immigration Registration Office, Burgh Quay
   • Outside Dublin: Local Garda station
3. Bring required documents
4. Pay €300 fee
5. Receive IRP card and passport stamp

Don’t delay:

• Must register within 90 days
• Fine for late registration: Up to €2,500
• Can affect future applications
• Register as soon as convenient after arrival

Which stamp will you get?

If you have work permit:

• Stamp 1
• Employment letter needed at registration

If you’re EU citizen’s family:

• Stamp 4
• Bring relationship proof and EU citizen’s documents

If you’re student:

• Stamp 2
• Enrollment letter needed

If you’re married to Irish citizen:

• Stamp 0
• Marriage certificate and spouse’s documents needed

For complete information about moving to Ireland, see our guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a visa and a stamp?

A visa allows you to enter Ireland (applied for abroad). A stamp is your permission to stay in Ireland (received after arrival). Many nationalities don’t need entry visa but still need to register and get a stamp. Some need both visa to enter and then stamp to stay. Check inis.gov.ie for your nationality’s requirements.

Can I travel while my stamp is being renewed?

Risky. If your IRP card expired while you’re abroad, you may have difficulty re-entering Ireland. If you must travel during renewal, bring proof of pending application and any stamps/letters from immigration. Better to avoid travel during renewal period if possible. If desperate, contact INIS for letter confirming pending application.

What happens if my stamp expires?

You become illegally resident. This is serious and can lead to deportation order and future ban from Ireland. If your stamp expired, apply to renew immediately, explain the delay, and hope for discretion. Prevention is better—set reminders for 2-3 months before expiry and start renewal process early.

Can I switch from Stamp 2 to Stamp 1 while in Ireland?

Yes, but you cannot work full-time until the new stamp is granted. After graduating, apply for Stamp 1G (graduate scheme) which allows work while in Ireland. Or if employer applies for work permit for you, wait for approval before starting full-time work. Cannot work full-time on Stamp 2.

Do I need a visa to leave and re-enter Ireland?

Depends on your nationality and stamp type. Some nationalities need re-entry visa even with valid stamp. Check your stamp conditions and inis.gov.ie for your nationality. If in doubt, apply for re-entry visa before travel (€100, processed at same registration office). Not having correct visa can mean you cannot return to Ireland.

Can my employer apply for my work permit renewal late?

No. If permit expires, you cannot work. Employer should apply for renewal 3-4 months before expiry. Processing takes 6-8 weeks minimum. If employer delays, you may have to stop working while renewal processes. Technically cannot work on expired permit even if renewal pending. In reality, given some flexibility but risky.

Does time on Stamp 1G count toward Stamp 4 or citizenship?

Partially. Time on Stamp 1G counts toward citizenship only if you continue on Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 afterward. If you do 2 years Stamp 1G then 3 years Stamp 1, all 5 years count. But if you do Stamp 1G then leave Ireland or switch to Stamp 2, the Stamp 1G time doesn’t count. Think of it as “counting conditionally.”

Can I get Stamp 4 just by living in Ireland for 5 years?

No. You need specific eligibility—not just time. Most common routes are: (1) Family of EU citizen, (2) After qualifying period on work permit, (3) After 3 years married to Irish citizen, (4) Refugee status, (5) Long-term residence application (stringent requirements). Simply being here 5 years on Stamp 2 doesn’t qualify for Stamp 4.

Useful contacts and resources

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS):

• Website: inis.gov.ie
• Email: inisonline@justice.ie
• Phone: +353 1 616 7700
• Online queries system: inisonline.ie

Immigration Registration Office (Dublin):

• Address: 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2
• Online booking: burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie
• For registration and renewal appointments

Outside Dublin:

• Register at local Garda station
• Call station for appointment
• Bring all required documents

Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation:

• Employment permits: enterprise.gov.ie/workpermits
• Email: employment.permits@enterprise.gov.ie
• Phone: +353 1 631 2121

Citizens Information:

• General information: citizensinformation.ie
• Phone: 0818 07 4000
• Centres nationwide

Legal advice:

• Immigrant Council of Ireland: immigrantcouncil.ie
• Free legal advice service
• Know Your Rights information

Summary

Irish immigration stamps determine what you can do while living in Ireland:

Most common stamps:

• Stamp 1: Work permit holders (specific employer)
• Stamp 2: Students (limited work rights)
• Stamp 3: Dependants (cannot work)
• Stamp 4: Full work rights (any employer)

Path to permanent settlement:

1. Arrive on Stamp 1 (work permit) or Stamp 2 (student)
2. Build up 2-5 years (depends on permit type)
3. Apply for Stamp 4 (full work rights)
4. After 5 years total, apply for citizenship
5. Student time doesn’t count—must work after graduation

Key points to remember:

• Register within 90 days of arrival
• Renew before expiry (8-12 weeks ahead)
• Stamp 2 time doesn’t count toward citizenship
• Stamp 4 is the goal for most people
• Time on different stamps can combine toward citizenship

Your immigration stamp significantly affects your life in Ireland. Understanding which stamp you need, how to get it, and how to progress to more flexible permissions helps you plan your future in Ireland. Most people aim for Stamp 4 as it provides full work rights and counts toward eventual citizenship.

If you’re planning to move to Ireland, see our complete guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals for comprehensive relocation advice including visa and immigration information.