Parent of an Irish Child Visa

Ireland 2025 Guide by Expert Consultants

If you are a non-EEA national and the parent of an Irish child citizen, you may be eligible to apply for residency in Ireland under Ireland’s family reunification and humanitarian policy. The Irish government recognizes the child’s right to live and grow up in Ireland and this often includes Parent of an Irish Child in their life.

At Expert Consultants, we help eligible parents understand the process, prepare strong applications, and apply for residence permissions based on their Irish-citizen child.

This guide covers the criteria, documentation, and step-by-step process for applying for permission to remain in Ireland as the parent of an Irish child citizen.

You can also learn more about the Change of Immigration Status process to update your visa type while staying in Ireland.

01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

01 9081113

enquiries@expertconsultants.ie

This is a special type of residency permission available to non-EU/EEA nationals who are the biological or legal parent of a child who holds Irish citizenship. It allows the parent to live in Ireland in order to care for and support the child.

This permission does not come through a standard visa process. Instead, it is handled by the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) under a special policy known as the Zambrano judgment, along with Irish immigration guidelines for family and private life.

To apply, you must meet the following conditions:

  • You are the biological or adoptive Parent of an Irish Child who is an Irish citizen.
  • Your child is living in Ireland or intends to live in Ireland.
  • You are playing an active role in the child’s life or intend to do so.
  • You are not an EU/EEA or Swiss national.
  • You have not already been granted long-term residency or permanent status in another EU country.

You may apply whether you are currently in Ireland (undocumented or legally present) or from abroad. Each case is assessed based on the best interests of the child and your ability to care for them.

If approved, you will generally be granted:

  • Stamp 4 permission: This allows you to live and work in Ireland without the need for an employment permit.
  • Valid initially for 1 year, and renewable depending on continued eligibility.
  • Access to public services such as healthcare and education (on behalf of the child).

Stamp 4 permission may eventually lead to long-term residency and even citizenship through naturalisation.

A strong application includes documentation that proves:

  • The child’s Irish citizenship (birth certificate, Irish passport).
  • The relationship between Parent of an Irish Child and child (birth certificate naming you as parent).
  • The child’s residence in Ireland.
  • Your identity (passport and immigration history).
  • Your involvement in the child’s life, including custody, contact, or cohabitation.
  • Details of your living arrangements and financial stability.
  • A written statement outlining your circumstances, parenting role, and reasons for remaining in Ireland.

If the child is not currently living in Ireland, you must explain how and when you intend to bring them to live with you.

At Expert Consultants, we help you prepare a complete and well-structured application that clearly demonstrates your case and includes all required documents.

  • Step 1: Confirm Irish Citizenship
    Ensure your child has proof of Irish citizenship, either by birth in Ireland (under qualifying conditions) or through Irish descent.
  • Step 2: Prepare Documentation
    Gather all identity, relationship, and custody documents, along with a comprehensive explanation of your involvement in the child’s life.
  • Step 3: Submit Application to ISD
    Send your application to the Residence Unit of Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), Department of Justice. This can be done from within Ireland or outside, depending on your location and status.
  • Step 4: Wait for a Decision
    Processing times vary but often take 3 to 6 months. Cases are assessed carefully, especially where a parent is undocumented or in removal proceedings.
  • Step 5: Register with Immigration
    If approved, you will receive a letter of permission. You must register at your local immigration office and obtain your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Parents who are already in Ireland without legal status can still apply for residence based on their Irish citizen child. This includes those who:

  • Entered without a visa.
  • Overstayed a previous visa.
  • Are at risk of deportation.

In such cases, immigration authorities may consider your family rights and the welfare of the child. The application must still be supported with detailed and honest documentation.

Yes. Once granted Stamp 4, you can:

  • Work full-time without a work permit.
  • Start your own business.
  • Access certain public services.

However, this permission does not automatically allow travel to other EU countries. If you leave Ireland, re-entry is not guaranteed unless your permission is valid and recognized.

After living legally in Ireland for a number of years, you may be eligible to apply for:

  • Long-Term Residency (Stamp 5).
  • Naturalisation as an Irish citizen.

Your residency will depend on continuous stay, renewal of permissions, and fulfilling good conduct and financial independence requirements.

Why Expert Consultants?

Your Pathway to a Successful Work Visa in Ireland

At Expert Consultants, we offer:

Individual case evaluations to confirm eligibility

We assess each case personally to ensure eligibility before application.

Assistance in gathering and organizing legal, financial, and relationship evidence

Structured help in compiling all necessary supporting documents.

Professionally written cover letters and family statements

Clear, persuasive documents tailored to meet visa requirements.

Submission guidance and embassy or ISD correspondence support

Step-by-step support for submitting your application and handling queries.

Ongoing support with renewals, registration, and long-term residency planning

We stay with you post-approval to manage renewals and future residency goals.

We understand how sensitive and urgent family-based immigration cases can be, and we’re committed to helping you secure the right outcome for you and your child.

Talk to our Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The non-citizen parent can apply for permission if they have a genuine relationship with the child and are actively involved in parenting. Each case is assessed individually.

You can still apply if you have access or custody rights and can prove your role in the child’s life.

Yes, applications can be submitted from abroad, but it is often easier to manage from within Ireland, especially if the child already resides here.

No, this is not a standard visa application. It is a discretionary permission process handled by ISD, based on written submissions and supporting documents.

Initial permission is usually granted for one year. It is renewable if the conditions remain the same and the parent continues caring for the child.

Stamp 4 allows you to live and work in Ireland but does not automatically grant entry to other EU countries. You may need a visa for travel outside Ireland.

Secure Your Future with Your Irish Citizen Child

Being granted residence in Ireland as the parent of an Irish citizen child is not only your legal right in many cases—it’s a life-changing opportunity to build a secure future for your family.

Let Expert Consultants guide you through every step. Visit to schedule a consultation and begin your application with confidence and expert support.