In the global race for talent, Ireland has secured a significant competitive advantage: the Stamp 1G. As of 2026, this immigration permission has transformed the experience for families of international professionals. Previously, spouses of General Employment Permit holders often faced a 12-month "waiting period" and were barred from working unless they secured their own separate employment permit—a process often fraught with difficulty. Today, the landscape is vastly different. At Recruitroo, we see the Stamp 1G as a primary reason why high-level specialists choose Dublin or Cork over other European hubs.
The 2026 Rules for Spousal Work Rights
The 2026 policy ensures that the spouse or de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holder or a researcher on a Hosting Agreement can access the Irish labour market immediately upon arrival. Furthermore, following the landmark updates in late 2025, spouses of General Employment Permit (GEP) holders also benefit from these streamlined rights once their family reunification is approved.
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No Permit Required: The Stamp 1G serves as the work authorisation itself. An employer does not need to apply to the Department of Enterprise; they simply need to verify the Stamp 1G on the spouse’s Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
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Freedom of Employment: A Stamp 1G holder can work in almost any role, including those on the "Ineligible Occupations List," which are normally closed to foreign workers.
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Path to Stamp 4: After five years of residing on a Stamp 1G, a spouse may be eligible for a Stamp 4, granting even greater long-term residence and business rights.
Employer Insight: Hiring a Stamp 1G Holder
For Irish businesses, Stamp 1G holders represent a "pre-authorised" talent pool. Because they do not require sponsorship, they are faster to hire and involve zero permit fees for the employer. In 2026, with the labour market remaining tight, we encourage our partners to actively seek out these "hidden" candidates within the local international community.
2026 Family Reunification Thresholds
While the work rights are generous, the 2026 Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy has introduced stricter financial checks for the "sponsor" (the primary permit holder). To bring a spouse to Ireland in 2026, the sponsor must meet the following income benchmarks:
For General Employment Permit holders, the sponsor must demonstrate a gross income of at least €44,300 in the year prior to the application if they wish to include a partner and a child. For Critical Skills holders, the income requirement is generally satisfied by their qualifying salary (minimum €40,904), allowing for "immediate" family reunification. Recruitroo’s platform helps families calculate their "net disposable income" to ensure they meet the Department of Justice's 2026 standards before they apply.
The New "16+ Work Rights" Update
A significant 2026 update involves dependent children. Previously, children between 16 and 18 were often stuck on a Stamp 3 (residence only), making part-time or seasonal work impossible. As of 2026, children of employment permit holders who are over 16 are also being granted a version of Stamp 1G. This allows them to take up part-time work while in education, helping them integrate into Irish society and build their own professional skills. This move has been widely praised as a major win for family stability.
Expert Advice: "When moving to Ireland as a couple, ensure the spouse registers with the local immigration office (ISD or GNIB) as soon as possible after arrival. The Stamp 1G IRP card is the only proof of work entitlement that Irish employers will accept in 2026." — Sarah Murphy, Relocation Advisor.
Build Your Future Together with Recruitroo
At Recruitroo, we believe that relocation is a family journey, not just a career move. Our platform provides specialized support for spouses, from CV workshops tailored to the Irish market to direct introductions to "Stamp 1G friendly" employers. We don't just find a job for the permit holder; we help the entire family thrive in their new home.
Are you moving to Ireland with a partner? Book a demo of our family relocation services. Spouses, find your first Irish role at Recruitroo.com/candidates or visit Recruitroo.com to learn more.