Stamp 4 (Ireland)

Ireland shows a non-EEA national's immigration permission as a numbered stamp, recorded on the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), part of the Department of Justice, says Stamp 4 indicates permission to stay in Ireland for a specified period, subject to conditions.

ISD says that with Stamp 4 you can take up employment without needing an employment permit, and you can establish and operate a business. You may access state funds and services as decided by the relevant government departments. Conditions include obeying the law, residing continuously in the State and making every effort to remain in employment.

The difference matters most for people who arrived on an employment permit. On Stamp 1, your permission to work is tied to the employment permit, which names your employer and job. Moving to Stamp 4 removes that link, so a nurse, doctor or therapist can change employer, or move between public and private health services, without a new permit.

Stamp 4 is granted on several bases. For health professionals, the most common is the upgrade from a Critical Skills Employment Permit. ISD says employees on a Stamp 1 permission based on a Critical Skills Employment Permit may be eligible for a Stamp 4 upgrade on completing 21 months from the start of employment in Ireland on the permit. ISD's upgrade guidance also covers some other employment permit and hosting agreement holders, each with its own conditions.

Other people can hold Stamp 4 on different grounds, such as long-term residence or as family members under specific schemes. Each basis has its own rules on ISD's website.

1. Complete the qualifying period on your permit, such as 21 months for Critical Skills holders.
2. Gather evidence, which ISD lists as including your passport, IRP card, employment permit, a recent payslip, a recent employer letter and Employment Detail Summaries from Revenue.
3. Apply to Immigration Service Delivery to change your permission.
4. Register the new permission and receive an updated IRP card.

DETE says that since 30 November 2023 you no longer need a Stamp 4 support letter from DETE; the Department of Justice handles the application and checks.

ISD says Stamp 4 granted on the basis of a Critical Skills Employment Permit is usually registered for 24 months, and DETE describes it as renewable. After 60 months of residence on employment permits, DETE says holders can apply for long-term residence. Registration of each permission has its own fee set by the Department of Justice; check the current amount on ISD's website.

• Gaps in registration. Only registered, valid permissions count, so renew your IRP card on time.
• Employment history not shown in your Revenue records, which ISD uses to confirm when your employment started.
• Professional registration still applies. Stamp 4 removes the need for a work permit, not the need to be registered with NMBI, the Medical Council or CORU.

Our Critical Skills Employment Permit guide explains the full path.