Long-Term Residency in Ireland
Stamp 4 is the key to long-term settlement in Ireland. It provides independence from employer-specific permits and opens the door to permanent residence and citizenship.
What is Stamp 4?
Stamp 4 is an immigration permission that allows you to:
- Work any job without a permit
- Be self-employed
- Access full range of social welfare
- Remain in Ireland indefinitely (with renewals)
- Eventually apply for citizenship
Eligibility Pathways
Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders
- Eligible after 2 years on CSEP
- Fastest route to Stamp 4
- No additional employment permit needed
General Employment Permit Holders
- Eligible after 5 years on valid permits
- Must have worked legally throughout
- Can include time on multiple GEPs
Other Routes to Stamp 4
- Long-term residence (8 years legal residence)
- Irish-born child (Stamp 4 for parent)
- Marriage/partnership to Irish citizen
- Refugee status
The Application Process
CSEP Route (2 Years)
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- 21+ months on CSEP
- Valid passport
- Currently employed or employable
- No immigration violations
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Current passport
- Current IRP card
- All employment permits held
- P60s or payslips (proving continuous employment)
- Proof of address
- Employment letter (current or most recent)
Step 3: Book Appointment
- Dublin: INIS Burgh Quay online booking
- Outside Dublin: Local immigration office
Step 4: Attend Appointment
- Bring all documents
- Pay fee (€300 typically)
- Receive new IRP card with Stamp 4
GEP Route (5 Years)
Same process, but must demonstrate:
- 5 years on valid employment permits
- Continuous legal employment
- No significant gaps
Document Checklist
- Valid passport
- Current IRP card
- All previous IRP cards (if available)
- Employment permits (all held)
- P60 for each year
- Recent payslips
- Current employment letter
- Proof of address
- Fee payment
After Receiving Stamp 4
Employment Freedom
- Work any job, any employer
- No permit required
- Self-employment allowed
Stamp 4 Renewal
- Valid 2 years initially
- Renewable indefinitely
- Renewal is typically straightforward
- Maintain residence in Ireland
Future Pathways
Citizenship:
- After 5 years residence (including 1 year continuous before application)
- Must meet good character requirements
- Pass application process
EU Long-Term Residence:
- After 5 years legal residence
- Additional rights across EU
- Separate application process
Common Questions
Can I be unemployed on Stamp 4?
Yes, Stamp 4 isn't tied to employment. However, long-term unemployment might affect renewal.
Does my family also get Stamp 4?
Family members may be eligible for Stamp 4 based on their own residence history or your status. Each case is individual.
What if my CSEP employer changed?
Time on CSEP counts regardless of employer, as long as you held valid permission throughout.
Can I lose Stamp 4?
Stamp 4 can be revoked for:
- Long absence from Ireland (2+ years)
- Serious criminal conviction
- Immigration fraud
Timeline Summary
| Route | Time Required | Total to Citizenship |
|-------|---------------|---------------------|
| CSEP | 2 years | 5 years minimum |
| GEP | 5 years | 8 years minimum |
Preparing for Stamp 4
During your permit period:
- Keep all documents
- Maintain continuous employment
- File taxes correctly
- Build residence history
- Avoid immigration violations
Before application:
- Gather documents early
- Check appointment availability
- Ensure passport validity
- Prepare fee payment
Recruitroo Support
We track your progress toward Stamp 4:
- Timeline visibility
- Document preparation
- Application guidance
- Renewal reminders
Your long-term settlement in Ireland matters—we're invested in your journey.