Stamp 4 in Ireland –
A Complete Guide

Stamp 4 is one of the most sought-after immigration permissions in Ireland, as it grants the right to live and work in Ireland without requiring an employment permit.

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089 9882413

info@expertconsultants.ie

Stamp 4

What is Stamp 4?

Unrestricted Irish Work Permit is one of the most sought-after immigration permissions in Ireland, as it grants the right to live and work in Ireland without requiring an employment permit. It is typically issued to non-EEA nationals who have completed certain work permit periods, family members of Irish citizens, long-term residents, and refugees.
Unlike other work-related stamps, Irish Residence Permission provides greater flexibility and security, allowing holders to work in any profession, start a business, or engage in self-employment. It is also a stepping stone to permanent residency and naturalization for those who plan to settle in Ireland long-term.

Who is Eligible for Stamp 4?

Irish Residence Permission is granted to individuals in the following categories:

1. Employment Permit Holders Transitioning to Irish Residence Permission
  • Holders of a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) for two years.
  • Holders of a General Employment Permit for five years.
  • Researchers under the Hosting Agreement Scheme for two years.
2. Family Members of Irish or EU Citizens
  • Spouses, civil partners, or de facto partners of Irish citizens.
  • Non-EEA family members of EU nationals under EU Treaty Rights.
  • Certain family members of Stamp 4 holders who qualify for family reunification.
3. Long-Term Residents and Humanitarian Cases
  • Non-EEA nationals who have legally resided in Ireland for at least five years on a valid work permit.
  • Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
  • Individuals granted permission to remain under humanitarian grounds.

Rights and Restrictions Under Stamp 4

What You Can Do

Work in any sector without requiring an employment permit.
Start your own business or engage in self-employment.
Apply for long-term residency or naturalization after meeting the residency requirements.
Travel freely in and out of Ireland (subject to visa requirements of other countries).
Apply for family reunification under standard immigration rules.

What You Cannot Do

Travel outside Ireland for extended periods without maintaining residency.
Automatically qualify for Irish citizenship—you must meet the naturalization requirements.
Remain in Ireland indefinitely without renewing your immigration permission.

How to Apply for Stamp 4?

1

Determine Your Eligibility

  • If transitioning from a work permit, you must have completed the required number of years under a valid employment permit before applying.

2

Gather Required Documents

  • Valid passport.
  • Current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
  • Proof of work permit history (if transitioning from a work permit).
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applying as a spouse/partner).
  • Bank statements and proof of residence in Ireland.
  • Letter from employer or self-employment registration (if applicable).

3

Submit Your Application

  • If applying as a work permit holder, you must submit your request to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
  • If applying as a family member, you may need to apply through the Family Reunification process.
  • Refugees and humanitarian status holders receive Unrestricted Irish Work Permit automatically upon approval.

1

Determine Your Eligibility

  • If transitioning from a work permit, you must have completed the required number of years under a valid employment permit before applying.

2

Gather Required Documents

  • Valid passport.
  • Current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
  • Proof of work permit history (if transitioning from a work permit).
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applying as a spouse/partner).
  • Bank statements and proof of residence in Ireland.
  • Letter from employer or self-employment registration (if applicable).

3

Submit Your Application

  • If applying as a work permit holder, you must submit your request to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
  • If applying as a family member, you may need to apply through the Family Reunification process.
  • Refugees and humanitarian status holders receive Irish Permanent Residency Path automatically upon approval.

Renewing Stamp 4

Unrestricted Irish Work Permit is usually issued for one to five years, depending on the applicant’s category. To renew:

  • Apply before your current Valid Residence in Ireland expires.
  • Provide updated proof of residence and employment/self-employment status.
  • If you have reached eight years of legal residence, you may apply for Stamp 5 (Without Condition As To Time), which removes the need for future renewals.

Common Reasons for Irish Residence Permission Rejections & How to Avoid Them?

  • Not meeting the required number of years on a work permit Ensure you have completed the minimum period before applying.
  • Failure to provide valid documents – Make sure you submit all requested paperwork, including proof of financial stability.
  • Lack of residency records – Maintain records of your stay in Ireland, such as rental agreements, bank statements, and tax records.
  • Gaps in residency – Extended absences from Ireland may impact your eligibility for Ireland Immigration Status or long-term residency.

Does Stamp 4 Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes, Ireland Immigration Status is often the final step before applying for long-term residency or Irish citizenship.

  • After five years on Ireland Immigration Status, you can apply for Long-Term Residency (LTR), which grants Irish Permanent Residency Path for five years without the need for an employment permit.
  • After five years of legal residence, you may apply for naturalization to become an Irish citizen.

Irish Permanent Residency Path is a highly beneficial immigration permission that offers freedom to work, start a business, and live in Ireland without an employment permit. It is a key step toward long-term residency and Irish citizenship, making it one of the most desirable immigration statuses in Ireland.
If you are eligible, it is important to apply on time, ensure you meet all requirements, and maintain compliance with Irish immigration laws to secure a stable future in Ireland.