Stamp 1 Ireland

Specific Requirements for Stamp 1

Below are the requirements applicants must meet in order to obtain Stamp 1:

• Employment Permit: Applicants must obtain a valid employment permit before applying for Stamp 1. This permit is typically employer-specific and outlines the terms of employment
• ISD Letter: Alternatively, individuals can apply for Stamp 1 with a letter from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (ISD) that permits self-employment or business operation
• Job Offer: For those seeking employment under Stamp 1, a confirmed job offer from an employer in Ireland is necessary, along with proof that the employer is compliant with Irish employment laws
• Financial Stability: Applicants should demonstrate that they can support themselves financially while residing in Ireland. This may involve providing bank statements or income documentation
• Health Insurance: While not always mandatory, having private health insurance is highly recommended to cover any healthcare needs during your stay

Differences Between Stamp Categories

Understanding the differences between stamp categories is crucial for individuals navigating their residency options:

• Stamp 0:
  • Purpose: Temporary stay for specific reasons (e.g., visiting or dependent relatives)
  • Work Rights: No work permitted unless specifically allowed
  • Citizenship: Yes, reckonable

• Stamp 1 (Employee Pass):
  • Purpose: Permission to work or operate a business
  • Work Rights: Requires a valid employment permit or ISD letter
  • Citizenship: Yes, reckonable

• Stamp 2/2A (Student Card):
  • Purpose: Full-time study
  • Work Rights:
    • Stamp 2: Limited part-time work rights (20 hours/week during term)
    • Stamp 2A: No work permitted
  • Citizenship: No, not reckonable
• Stamp 3 (Dependent/Visitor Pass):
  • Purpose: Stay for specific purposes (e.g., volunteering)
  • Work Rights: No work allowed
  • Citizenship: Yes, reckonable
• Stamp 4 (Faculty Status):
  • Purpose: General permission to stay with long-term residency potential
  • Work Rights: Can work without an employment permit
  • Citizenship: Yes, reckonable
• Stamp 5:
  • Purpose: Permission to stay without condition as to time
  • Work Rights: No restrictions on duration
  • Citizenship: Yes, reckonable
• Stamp 6:
  • Purpose: Indicates the holder is an Irish citizen
  • Work Rights: Not applicable
  • Citizenship: N/A (already a citizen)

Choosing the right stamp category is crucial for ensuring compliance with immigration laws and optimising opportunities in Ireland.

Stamp 1 is ideal for individuals seeking to work or start a business, provided they meet the outlined requirements. It’s essential to stay updated with the latest changes to immigration policies to ensure a smooth application process.

Eligibility for Stamp 1

To qualify for a primary Stamp 1 permission, applicants must generally fit into one of the following categories and provide definitive proof of their employment or business authorisation:

• Employment Permit Holders:
  • Individuals who have secured employment in Ireland
  • Applicants must hold a valid employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), such as a General Employment Permit or a Critical Skills Employment Permit
  • Work is permitted only for the specific employer and in the role outlined in the permit
• Business Owners and Entrepreneurs:
  • Individuals authorised to operate a business in Ireland
  • This category includes those establishing a business under the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
  • Self-employment or engagement in any business, trade, or profession is allowed only if explicitly stated in a letter of permission from Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)
• Researchers on Hosting Agreements:
  • Individuals granted a research Hosting Agreement permission by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
  • They are permitted to work as researchers for the approved Irish research institution
• Working Holiday Authorisation Holders:
  • Individuals with permission to work based on a Working Holiday Authorisation
  • This authorisation is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Department of Justice for recipients from Taiwan

• Atypical Working Scheme or Van Der Elst:
  • Individuals granted permission to work under the Atypical Working Scheme based on a letter from the Minister for Justice
  • Non-EEA nationals who are legally employed and residing in another EU member state can work temporarily for an employer in Ireland under a Van Der Elst visa
• Other Ministerial Permission:
  • Individuals receiving a letter from the Minister for Justice or ISD granting permission to work in Ireland for more than 90 days

Eligibility for Stamp 1 Sub-Categories (1H, 1A, 1G)

In addition to the general Stamp 1 category, there are specialised Stamp 1 sub-categories that particular individuals may qualify for:

• Stamp 1H: Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHD): Granted to doctors with a two-year Multi-Site General Employment Permit, allowing them to work in any public hospital or healthcare facility for the duration of their permit
• Stamp 1A: Trainee Accountants: This permission is for non-EEA individuals engaged in full-time, paid accountancy training with an Irish-based company. The training must comply with immigration regulations and be regulated by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)
• Stamp 1G: Third Level Graduates: Allows students who have completed their studies (previously on Stamp 2) under the Third Level Graduate Programme to seek full-time employment
• Spouses/De Facto Partners: Granted to spouses or de facto partners of holders of specific permits (such as Critical Skills, NCHD multi-site GEP, researchers on Hosting Agreements, General Employment Permit, or Intra-Company Transferees), allowing them to work without needing a separate employment permit

Are you unsure of whether or not you are eligible for Stamp 1, or are more suited to another Irish Stamp category? To discuss your options, contact IAS online or speak to an advisor today on +353 (0)61 518 025.

What You Can Do in Ireland on Stamp 1

Stamp 1 permission and its variants enable holders to engage in significant economic activities and enhance long-term residency prospects.

Work and Business Activities

• Work for Approved Employer: You may work full-time for the specific employer and in the role outlined in your valid employment permit
• Work Without a Permit (If Approved): You can begin a job or enter employment if you have a letter from ISD stating that an employment permit is not required
• Operate a Business (If Approved): You can operate a business or be self-employed if this is explicitly specified in a letter of permission from ISD
• Travel: Holders can travel in and out of Ireland as long as their visa remains valid
• Study: You are allowed to enroll in educational courses, but Stamp 1 cannot be used for primary or secondary education
• Family Reunification: Stamp 1 status typically allows family members (spouse, civil partner, and children under 18) to join the holder in Ireland, usually under a Stamp 1A status (for dependents of certain holders)

Path to Long-Term Residence

• Reckonable Residence: Time spent on Stamp 1 is considered reckonable residence when applying for citizenship by naturalisation
• Stamp 4 Eligibility: Stamp 1 serves as a pathway to Stamp 4, which offers greater work flexibility. Eligibility for Stamp 4 is typically achieved:
  • After 21 months of employment under a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) or Hosting Agreement
  • After 57 months (5 years) of employment under a General Employment Permit

What You Cannot Do in Ireland on Stamp 1

The primary restriction of Stamp 1 is that the holder’s economic activities must be legally pre-approved and strictly defined.

Work and Business Restrictions

• Cannot Start Unauthorised Work: You must not start a job or enter employment unless you or your employer has obtained the necessary employment permit, or if your letter of permission clearly states that a permit is not required
• Cannot Deviate from Permit: You cannot work for a different employer without applying for a new work permit. Changing roles within the company is only permitted if your current permit allows it
• Cannot Engage in Unauthorised Business: If you do not have an employment permit, you must not engage in any business, trade, or profession unless specified in a letter of permission from ISD
• Cannot Access Public Funds: You are not entitled to public funds or benefits

General Duties and Renewal

• Must Obey Laws: Holders must obey the laws of the State and avoid any involvement in criminal activity
• Continuous Residency: You must remain continuously resident in the State for the duration of your permission, with allowances made for reasonable absences (e.g., holidays, exceptional family circumstances, or business commitments)
• Renewal Obligation: You cannot stay in Ireland indefinitely without renewing your permission. If you wish to remain past the expiry date, you must apply to renew your permission and registration before they expire. Failing to renew on time is a common reason for complications regarding your immigration status

Phase 1: Obtaining Initial Permission (Pre-Registration)

Before registering for Stamp 1, an individual must first secure the necessary authorisation to work or operate a business in Ireland:

• Secure an Approved Economic Basis: You must obtain one of the following approvals:
  • A valid employment permit (e.g., Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit) from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE)
  • A Hosting Agreement if working as a researcher
  • A letter from ISD or the Minister for Justice allowing work without an employment permit (e.g., under the Atypical Working Scheme or Start-up Entrepreneur Programme)
• Obtain Entry Visa/Preclearance (If Applicable):
  • If coming from a visa-required country, secure the corresponding entry visa for the permission being registered before arriving in Ireland. Approval for preclearance must also be obtained if required

Phase 2: Registration upon Arrival (First-Time Registration)

Once in Ireland, the individual must formalise their status and receive their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card:

• Book an Appointment: First-time registrations must be completed at Burgh Quay in Dublin. Applicants need to register or log into their personal Customer Service account to book an appointment. Appointments can only be made after arrival in Ireland

• Attend Registration and Pay Fee: The applicant must attend the scheduled appointment with all required documents
• Pay Registration Fee: A registration fee of €300 per person (if applicable) must be paid using credit or debit card only
• Processing and Stamp/IRP Issuance: If registration is successful, an Immigration Officer will stamp the applicant’s passport. The successful applicant will receive their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card by post at the address provided to ISD

Applicants must register their permission with ISD within 90 days of arrival in Ireland. If unable to secure an appointment within the 90-day period, the applicant must demonstrate that they sought an appointment and attempted to register as soon as possible. Delaying registration beyond a reasonable time may result in refusal and an intention to deport notification.

How to Submit Registration Documents

The submission process varies depending on whether the applicant is registering for the first time or renewing their permission.

First-time registrations must register in person at Burgh Quay in Dublin. This requires booking an appointment online after arrival.

All subsequent permission renewals within the Republic of Ireland must be applied for online. Renewals generally require scanned copies of documents (e.g., current IRP card, recent payslip, and renewed permit).

The registration process for Stamp 1 in Ireland requires specific documentation to verify identity, employment status, and compliance with immigration regulations.

General Requirements

All variants of Stamp 1 applications will require the documentation outlined below. All documents must be original copies and cannot be photocopies.

• Biometric Passport: Original valid passport
• Landing Stamp: Corresponding landing stamp in the passport
• Entry Visa/Preclearance: Applicable entry visa or proof of preclearance if from a visa-required country
• Proof of Address: Documentation confirming residential address in Ireland
• Employment Permit/Approval Letter: Original employment permit or letter from ISD/Minister for Justice allowing work without a permit, or a letter from your employer confirming employment
• Private Medical Insurance: Original document providing full cover for hospital stays that is valid for 12 months. Cashback policies are not accepted
• Registration Fee: €300 (payable by credit or debit card); minors under 18 are exempt

Specific Requirements for Stamp 1 Subcategories

• Stamp 1 (Researcher on Hosting Agreement): Hosting agreement from the University/Institution
• Stamp 1H (Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor): Letter of Employment and Multi-Site General Employment Permit
• Stamp 1A (Trainee Accountant): Confirmation from the professional accountancy body and employment contract
• Stamp 1G (Spouse/Partner of Permit Holder): Partner’s passport, relevant permit, and proof of relationship
• Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme): Previous IRP card and proof of course completion
• Stamp 1 (Van Der Elst Visa): Employer letters from sending EU country and Irish hosting company letters

Need help with your application for Stamp 1 Ireland? IAS can help. Speak to a professional immigration advisor today by calling us on +353 (0)61 518 025, or you can get in touch online.

Yes, you can change (transition) from Stamp 1 to Stamp 4 in Ireland upon meeting specific residency requirements tied to your original purpose of residence.

This transition is a major advantage of the Stamp 1 status, as Stamp 4 provides significantly more freedom, allowing the holder to work without needing an Employment Permit and to access state funds and services.

The required duration on Stamp 1 depends entirely on the type of work authorisation held:

• Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and Researchers on Hosting Agreements are eligible for Stamp 4 after a minimum of 21 months of employment in the State
• Stamp 1H (NCHD doctors) holders are also eligible for Stamp 4 after a minimum of 21 months
• General Employment Permit holders are eligible for Stamp 4 upon completion of 57 months (nearly five years) of employment in the State

Applications for this transition can be submitted up to 12 weeks prior to the expiry of the current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, provided the minimum eligibility requirement is met.