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Residency

Ireland — Residency: Visa Overview

Ireland grants non-EEA residents permission shown as numbered stamps: Stamp 0 for retirees, Stamp 4 for most residents who may work, and Stamp 5 without condition as to time.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceImmigration Service Delivery — immigration permission stampsLast reviewed: 2026-10-23

Key facts

  • Stamp 0 is temporary permission to remain, used for retired persons of independent means; the holder must not work.
  • Stamp 4 allows residence for a specified period and employment without an employment permit, and is reckonable towards citizenship by naturalisation.
  • Stamp 5 is permission without condition as to time (WCATT).
  • Employment permits (Critical Skills from EUR 40,904, General from EUR 36,605 since 1 March 2026) are issued by the Department of Enterprise.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Determine Eligibility — Check the eligibility requirements for the specific visa type being applied for, including work experience, education, and language proficiency.
  2. Step 2: Gather Required Documents — Collect the necessary documents, which may include a valid passport, proof of language proficiency, qualifications, and employment contracts.
  3. Step 3: Apply for a Visa — Submit the visa application, either online or through a paper application, and pay the required fee.
  4. Step 4: Wait for the Decision — Wait for the visa application to be processed, which may take several weeks or months.
  5. Step 5: Register with the Local Authorities — Register with the local authorities, including the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), to obtain a residence permit.

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