Permanent Residence in Ireland

Long-Term Residency (Stamp 4, 5-year)

For non-EEA nationals who have spent 60 months (5 years) legally resident on qualifying employment-permit-based stamps. Grants a 5-year Stamp 4 allowing work without a permit.

Processing time

ISD reports very high volumes and delays; no specific timeframe published

Validity

Stamp 4, 5 years

Language requirement

None

Permanent residence

This is the long-term residency status itself (5-year Stamp 4)

Citizenship

Stamp 4 counts toward the 5-years-in-9 reckonable residence requirement for naturalisation

Requirements

• 60 months (5 years) legal residence on qualifying stamps (Stamp 1 from a work/critical-skills permit, or Stamp 4 from a green-card/critical-skills permit)
• Residence counted by passport stamps / valid IRP cards (not permit dates)
• Good character; not an undue burden on the State
• Currently employed (not self-employed) at time of and during application
• Many stamp types do NOT count (student Stamp 2/1G, spouse-of-Irish Stamp 4, IIP, de facto, etc.)

Required Documents

• Completed Long-Term Residency application form required
• Colour copies of past and current passports / IRP cards showing all stamps required
• Current IRP / GNIB card required
• Employment contract or employer letter required
• Colour copies of all employment permits required
• Continuous-residence evidence (tenancy agreements, bank statements, State documents) required

Official fees

• Permission fee (payable within 28 days of approval letter, by EFT) 500 EUR
• IRP registration fee (separate, in addition; commonly EUR 300) 300 EUR

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm 60 months

   Confirm you have 60 months of qualifying stamps.

2. 2

   Complete form

   Complete the Long-Term Residency application form (PDF).

3. 3

   Post application

   Post the form and documents to: Long Term Residence Section, Unit C - Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, ISD, Department of Justice, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70.

4. 4

   Pay fee

   On approval, pay EUR 500 within 28 days by EFT and provide proof (application closed if not paid in time).

5. 5

   Receive grant letter

   Receive a grant letter for Stamp 4 (5 years).

6. 6

   Register permission

   Register the permission via the ISD Online Registration Portal and pay the IRP fee; this lets you work without a permit.

Official Sources

• Long-Term Residency - Immigration Service Delivery Official
• Long-Term Residency Application Form (PDF) Official