Ireland Passport Stamps: Apply from the UK

If you live in the UK by way of a different immigration pathway, such as a work visa, and are a non-European Union/EEA citizen, you will most likely require a visa to visit or reside in Ireland, depending on your travel purpose and your country of residence.

Each permission type in Ireland is done so by a stamp and a corresponding number, for example, stamp 1, stamp 2, and stamp 3.

The type of stamp you receive in your passport will be stated on your Irish Resident Permit (IRP) card to inform you what you can do and how long you can stay in Ireland and the individual conditions.

Once you have permission to stay in Ireland you must register it with the Irish immigration authorities, known as Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), within 90 days.

It is during this appointment with the immigration services, that you will be given your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

To get your IRP, you will need to provide the following information:

• A valid passport (unless you have refugee or subsidiary protection)
• Proof of address
• Proof of your employment (if applicable)
• Details about your situation in Ireland. For example, if you are married to an Irish citizen, you should bring your marriage certificate and proof that you are living together with your spouse.

There is a fee of €300 for your Irish Residence Permit. However, your IRP is free if you:

• Hold refugee status
• Hold subsidiary protection status
• Hold leave to remain under Section 49 of the International Protection Act 2015
• You are under 18 years old
• You’re a resident based on your marriage to an Irish citizen
• You’re a family member of a citizen of the European Union

Ireland Passport Stamps: What Are the Various Types?

The following stamps are possible:

A Stamp 1G is for people who have graduated from a level 8 or above course and wish to look for employment in Ireland and partners of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder or Researchers on a Hosting Agreement.

This is permitted under the Third Level Graduate Scheme and allows you to work in Ireland, subject to conditions like working a maximum of 40 hours per week.

When applying for immigration permission which gives you Stamp 1G, you must hold Stamp 2 registration already.

A Stamp 1G is also for the spouse/de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder or Researchers on a Hosting Agreement.

These spouses or partners are now able – through Stamp 1G – to work in Ireland without being required to obtain a work permit. Yet, they are not permitted to establish or operate a business, and they cannot be self-employed.

Renewal of Stamp 1G registration ought to be applied annually. After five years on a Stamp 1G, you may apply for a Stamp 4.

Time periods spent on Stamp 1G are considered as reckonable residence when applying for citizenship/naturalization.

Stamp 2 is for people who wish to study a full-time course on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes for a specified period.

Stamp 2 is not reckonable as a residence.

 You must reach the following:

• You are not allowed to receive any benefits or use publicly funded services (e.g., public hospitals) unless you have an entitlement via other means, such as insurance.
• You can engage in casual employment for up to 20 hours a week during school term and this can increase to 40 hours per week during holidays. You must not engage in any other business or trade.
• If you wish to stay in Ireland past the expiry date of your immigration permission, you must apply to renew your permission and registration before they expire.

You may be given Stamp 2 if you have permission to study the English language, a Higher national diploma, a Degree (undergraduate), a Master’s degree (postgraduate), and a PhD.

Stamp 2A is slightly different and is reserved for people who wish to study full-time in Ireland for a course that is not on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), for a specified period. Stamp 2A is not reckonable as a residence when applying for citizenship by naturalization.

You must reach the following:

• You cannot receive any benefits or use publicly funded services, e.g. public hospitals. You must have private medical insurance.
• You must not work or engage in any business, trade or profession.
• If you wish to stay in Ireland past the expiry date of your immigration permission, you must apply to renew your permission and registration before they expire.

You may be given Stamp 2A for a semester abroad or to study at a private secondary school in Ireland.

Stamp 3 is reckonable as a residence when applying for citizenship by naturalization.

This stamp is provided to those who have been granted permission to stay in Ireland as a volunteer or as a Minister of Religion. You must not work in any business, trade or profession.

You may be given Stamp 3 if you wish to volunteer, be a minister of religion, or join your non-EEA/EU/Swiss spouse/civil partner or family member who is in Ireland based on a work permit.

Stamp 4 is reckonable as a residence when applying for citizenship by naturalization.

You must reach the following:

• You can take up employment and are not required to hold an Employment Permit.
• You can work in a profession, subject to conditions of the relevant professional or other bodies.
• You can establish and operate a business.
• You may access state funds and services
• If you wish to stay in Ireland past the expiry date of your immigration permission, you must apply to renew your permission and registration before they expire.

You may be given Stamp 4 if you have had permission to work  or granted permission in Ireland:

• With a valid Critical Skills employment permit for 2 years
• With a valid employment permit for 5 years
• As a researcher (ie with a valid Hosting Agreement) for 2 years
• To join your Irish spouse, civil partner or de-facto partner
• To join your EU/EEA or Swiss family member based on EU Treaty Rights
• To join a family member who has immigration permission based on Stamp 4EUFAM (ie EU Treaty Rights)
• To join your family member who is a recognized refugee or has been granted subsidiary protection
• To remain with your child who is an Irish citizen
• Under the Investor and Entrepreneur Programme (including spouse/partner & family)
• For Long Term Residence
• As a convention or programme refugee, or based on subsidiary protection

Stamps 5 and 6 are for people who have been granted permission to stay in Ireland without limits as to the period of time they are able to remain here.

Stamp 5 is also reckonable as a residence when applying for citizenship by naturalization. It is granted to those who have completed 8 years of legal residency in Ireland.

Those who are granted Stamp 5 permission are able to remain in Ireland ‘Without Condition as To Time.’

Stamp 6s are for Irish citizens that hold dual citizenship. To qualify for a Stamp 6, you must hold or be entitled to hold an Irish passport.

A Stamp 6 may be placed within a non-Irish passport for those who have applied for permission to remain in Ireland ‘Without Condition’.

Navigating the complexities of Irish immigration stamps can lead to common mistakes. Here are some frequent errors and tips on how to avoid them:

• Overstaying Permissions: One of the most significant issues is overstaying the duration permitted by the stamp. Always know your visa’s expiry date and apply for extensions or new stamps in advance.
• Misunderstanding Terms: Many travellers misinterpret the permissions associated with their stamp, such as work restrictions. Always read the conditions attached to your stamp and consult official resources if you need clarification.
• Travelling with Expired Permissions: Ensure your immigration stamps and permissions are valid before travelling. This includes double-checking that your re-entry stamp is still active if you plan to leave and return to Ireland.

Evolution of Irish Immigration Stamps

Immigration stamps were introduced after Ireland joined the European Union (EU) in 1973. New immigration required new categories. Initially, stamps were introduced for work permits and student visas. As economic conditions began to change and highly skilled labour became more in demand, new stamps and visa pathways were introduced to differentiate.

Further updates, including the Immigration Act 2004, changed the stamp issue. There was a focus on security, compliance, and humanitarian needs.

In recent times, the immigration system in Ireland has been continually digitised. Renewal of Irish Residence Permits is now completed online. It is anticipated that the future will see first-time applicants also be able to apply online for their Irish Residence Permit and subsequent stamps.

Ireland will also implement the EU’s ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) in mid-2025. All non-EU nationals who previously did not need a visa to enter Ireland will need an ETIAS to visit.

Stamps for Temporary Visas vs. Long-Term Residency

Understanding the differences between temporary and long-term residency stamps is crucial for anyone navigating the Irish immigration system.

• Temporary Visas (e.g., Stamp 0): These stamps are usually granted for short visits or specific purposes, such as attending conferences or family visits. They often come with strict conditions and limited permissions, such as a prohibition on work.
• Long-Term Residency Stamps (e.g., Stamp 4): These are granted to individuals who have resided in Ireland for an extended period or have significant ties to the country. Holders of these stamps can work without a permit and often enjoy more stability in their residency status.
• Transitioning Between Stamps: If you hold a temporary visa but wish to transition to a long-term residency stamp, you’ll typically need to apply for a new stamp that reflects your changed circumstances, meeting all eligibility requirements and documentation.