Residence Program Ireland
Eligibility for Long Term Residency
(I) Application for Individuals with 5 Years of Legal Residence
Applications are open for those who have been legally residing in Ireland for at least 5 years (60 months) under work permit/work authorization/working visa conditions. Long Term Residency in Ireland is processed as an administrative system, allowing a five-year residency extension. Additionally, successful applicants may be exempt from work permit requirements.
Long Term Residency is granted based on a minimum of 5 years (60 months) of legal residence under work permit conditions, as shown by the corresponding Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 endorsements on the applicant’s passport. Time periods without legal residence cannot be counted toward the application for Long Term Residency.
Successful applicants will receive Permission to Stay on a Stamp 4 valid for 5 years.
(II) Application for Spouses/Dependants
Spouses and/or dependents of applicants for Long Term Residency can also apply. They must have been legally resident in Ireland as a spouse or dependent for the required 60 months (5 years). Successful applicants will be granted Permission to Stay on a Stamp 3. This permission does not exempt spouses/dependents from work permit requirements.
Note: Spouses/dependents must be associated with an applicant who has already been granted Long Term Residency on Stamp 4 conditions.
Ineligibility Criteria
Applications for Long Term Residency will not be accepted from individuals in the following categories:
- EEA Nationals (EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
- Applicants with permission to stay based on marriage to an Irish national (referred to Spouse of Irish National Scheme)
- Applicants with permission to stay based on marriage to an EEA national (referred to EU Treaty Rights Section)
- Applicants with permission to stay on Student Conditions (Stamp 2 & Stamp 2A)
- Applicants who have been made redundant and have not completed 5 years of legal residence on a work permit issued by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation
- Applicants under the IBC and IBC-05 schemes
- Applicants granted permission under the Turkish Agreement
- Applicants granted humanitarian leave to remain or refugee status
- Applicants working at an international embassy in the State
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit the following documents along with a covering letter indicating the relevant passport endorsements related to each work permit:
- Copies of the applicant’s work permits
- Copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Registration (IRP or GNIB Card)
- Clear copies of all endorsed passports, including expired ones
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply for Long Term Residency:
- A minimum of 60 months (5 years) reckonable residence in Ireland
- Legal residence in the State under work permit, work authorization, or working visa conditions
- Up-to-date permission to remain in the State
- Continued employment during the application process
- Good character and no criminal record
- If applying as a spouse/dependent, the applicant will receive Stamp 3 (Dependent stamp) conditions for 5 years
Application Processing Time
Applications typically take between 6 and 8 months to process. However, some applications may take longer due to various reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I Don’t Have the Required 60 Months of Residence?
Applications from non-EEA nationals without the required 60 months of reckonable residence will not be accepted.
Can I Apply with a Combination of Work Permits and Green Cards?
Yes, you can apply if you have a combination of work permits and Green Card (Employment) Permits, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
How Long Does It Take to Get Long Term Residency?
After meeting all the requirements, a letter granting Long Term Residency on Stamp 4 for 5 years will be issued to the applicant.
For Further Information
If you have any further questions about the Residence Program Ireland or any other concerns, please contact us. Our outstanding team of professional consultants is focused on you – our Client.