A clear guide to Irish immigration — work permits, visas, registration, and the path to residency and citizenship.
8 guides in this topic
How to apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit — eligibility, the occupations list, how long it takes, and the path to Stamp 4.
7 min read
Everything you need to know about the IRP card — who needs one, how to book an appointment, what to bring, and the stamp system explained.
6 min read
Ireland's immigration system has different rules depending on where you're from. EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Ireland without a visa or work permit. Citizens of most other countries need either a visa to enter or a work permit to be employed — often both.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you can live and work in Ireland freely under the right to free movement. You don't need a visa, work permit, or residence permit. However, you do need to register with your local authority if you plan to stay long-term, and you'll still need a PPS number to work and pay tax.
Most non-EU nationals who want to work in Ireland need a work permit. The most common types are the Critical Skills Employment Permit (for high-demand occupations) and the General Employment Permit. Permits are generally sponsored by an employer, meaning you need a job offer before you can apply.
Ireland also has a Stamp 4 permission, which allows holders to work without a work permit — this is typically granted after holding a valid work permit for a number of years.
Most non-EU nationals staying in Ireland for more than 90 days must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) — or the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in Dublin. You'll receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card as proof of your permission to remain.
Ireland offers naturalisation to people who have been legally resident for a continuous period. In general, you need five years of legal residence (with at least one year of continuous residence immediately before applying). Some categories — spouses of Irish citizens, for example — qualify sooner.
How to apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit — eligibility, the occupations list, how long it takes, and the path to Stamp 4.
Everything you need to know about the IRP card — who needs one, how to book an appointment, what to bring, and the stamp system explained.
EU and EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Ireland without a visa. You do not need to register with immigration if you are from an EU/EEA country.
If you're an EU or EEA citizen, Ireland is yours to live and work in freely — but there are still some practical steps to take when you arrive.
International protection is the process for people seeking asylum or subsidiary protection in Ireland. Apply at the International Protection Office (IPO) on arrival.
Non-EU citizens need a work permit to work in Ireland. The two main types are the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit.
Irish citizens have an unconditional right to return to Ireland at any time. If bringing a non-EEA spouse or family members, they will need to apply for permission to join you.
Non-EEA students need a study visa (D visa) to study in Ireland. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during holidays.