Stamp 1G Spouse Visa Ireland

Stamp 1G is an Irish immigration permission that allows eligible spouses and de facto partners of certain employment permit holders to live and work in Ireland without needing a separate employment permit. It provides access to the labour market, meaning holders can take up employment without applying for a work permit, although self-employment is generally not permitted under this stamp.

On 15 May 2024, the Irish government introduced a significant policy change expanding eligibility for Stamp 1G. Previously, spouses and partners of General Employment Permit (GEP) and Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit holders were granted Stamp 3, which did not allow them to work unless they secured their own employment permit. The updated policy now grants these individuals Stamp 1G, enabling immediate access to employment upon registration.

This reform aims to improve Ireland’s attractiveness to skilled workers by supporting family unity and enhancing career opportunities for accompanying partners. It also reduces administrative burdens for both applicants and employers. Stamp 1G represents a more flexible and inclusive approach to immigration, helping families integrate more easily into Irish society and the workforce while contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Page Contents

• Stamp 1G for Spouses or de Facto Partners of CSEP Holder or Researchers
• Categories of Stamp 1G Explained
• Conditions for Stamp 1G Permission
• Registration Requirements
• Guidelines on Employment Permits for Family Members
• Process of Bringing Family Members to Ireland
• Requirements and Restrictions for Spousal/Partner Permissions for Stamp 1G
• Documentation Required for Stamp 1G Spouse
• How To Apply for Stamp 1G for Spouse in Ireland?
• Does Stamp 1G consider towards reckonable residence in Ireland for citizenship?
• How Can IAS Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Stamp 1G is available to a wide range of spouses and partners of employment permit holders in Ireland. Eligible individuals include spouses or de facto partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders and researchers working under a Hosting Agreement. It also extends to partners of General Employment Permit (GEP) holders and Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit holders, following policy changes that expanded access to the labour market.

In addition, spouses or partners of Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) on Multi-Site General Employment Permits qualify for Stamp 1G. Eligibility also covers partners whose spouse previously held one of these permits and has since transitioned to Stamp 4 permission, as well as those whose spouse holds a Reactivation Employment Permit linked to GEP, ICT, or CSEP categories.

From 26 November 2025, eligible dependent children of these permit holders will also be granted Stamp 1G upon reaching 16 years of age, further broadening access.

Stamp 1G comes with a set of conditions that govern work rights, residency, and long-term eligibility in Ireland.

• Full Labour Market Access: Holders can work for almost any employer in Ireland without needing a separate employment permit, offering significant career flexibility
• Education and Training: Stamp 1G permits participation in courses of study or professional training while living in the State
• Business Restrictions: Self-employment or establishing and operating a business is not allowed under Stamp 1G
• Dependent Status: The permission is linked to the primary permit holder, remaining valid only while the relationship, joint residence, and the primary holder’s immigration status are maintained
• Registration and Renewal: Holders must register with Irish immigration authorities within 90 days and renew their permission annually
• Reckonable Residence: Time spent on Stamp 1G counts toward the residence required for Irish citizenship by naturalisation
• Path to Stamp 4: After five years on Stamp 1G, holders may become eligible for Stamp 4, which allows self-employment and business ownership

Stamp 1G holders must complete registration with Irish immigration authorities within 90 days of receiving permission. First-time applicants living in Dublin register at the Burgh Quay office, while those outside Dublin attend their local Garda immigration office. Renewal applications are typically completed online.

After successful registration, individuals receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, which serves as official proof of legal residence and the right to work in Ireland.

For certain applicants, transitional arrangements apply. If you held a valid Stamp 3 as an eligible spouse before 15 May 2024, your status is automatically updated to Stamp 1G conditions. You can continue using your existing Stamp 3 IRP card together with an official “Stamp 3 to Stamp 1G Employment Notice” as evidence of your work rights until your current card expires. A Stamp 1G IRP card will then be issued at your next renewal.

The process depends on the type of employment permit held by the primary applicant.

Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, researchers on a Hosting Agreement, and certain medical professionals can apply for immediate family reunification, allowing spouses, partners, and dependent children to join them without delay.

General Employment Permit holders and others usually face a 12-month waiting period. Sponsors must also meet financial requirements to demonstrate sufficient income to support dependents.

Family members from visa-required countries must obtain a visa before travelling. Once in Ireland, all individuals aged 16 and over must register with immigration authorities within 90 days and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Employment Options for Family Members

Stamp 1G holders have broad access to employment, able to work in almost any sector and for nearly any employer, without a Labour Market Needs Test. However, they cannot be self-employed or operate a business.

Dependents not eligible for Stamp 1G can apply for a Dependant/Spouse/Partner Employment Permit, which is free of charge and exempt from labour market testing, providing a practical route into employment.

Considerations for Dependent Family Members

From 26 November 2025, eligible minor children will receive Stamp 1G at 16, allowing them to work. Children over 18 qualify only if fully dependent, e.g., due to illness or disability.

Dependent parents typically receive Stamp 0 and cannot work. Permissions like Stamp 1G are not independent; they rely on the sponsor’s valid immigration status and joint residence.

After five years, spouses may be eligible for Stamp 4, offering more independence.

Are you trying to move your family to Ireland, but feel completely lost with the immigration process? Our team can help. To speak to an expert immigration advisor today, call IAS on +353 (0)61 518 025, or get in touch online.

Stamp 1G requires eligible spouses and de facto partners of certain employment permit holders to meet specific requirements to qualify. Both sponsor-based and personal criteria must be met when submitting the application.

Sponsor Requirements

Your spouse or partner must hold one of the following qualifying permits:

• Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)
• General Employment Permit (GEP)
• Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit
• Hosting Agreement as a Researcher
• Multi-Site General Employment Permit as a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD)
• Reactivation Employment Permit for CSEP, GEP, or ICT
• Stamp 4, if previously held one of the above permits

Applicant Criteria

The applicant of Stamp 1G must meet strict criteria to be eligible for the permission. The applicant:

• must be the legal spouse or de facto partner of the sponsor
• must provide evidence of a committed relationship of at least two years if a de facto partner
• must be a non-EEA/UK/Swiss national, as Stamp 1G does not apply to EU citizens
• must have been granted family reunification under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy

Residency Timing

Applicants will either have immediate eligibility or have to wait a 12 month period:

• Immediate eligibility: Spouses of CSEP holders, Researchers, and certain medical professionals
• 12-month waiting period: Spouses of GEP holders generally must wait until the sponsor has worked 12 months in Ireland

Status if Already in Ireland

If already in Ireland, the applicant:

• Must hold a valid Stamp 3 (related to eligible sponsor)
• Cannot hold other permissions such as Stamp 2 (student) or visitor status
• Must intend to work in Ireland

Eligibility for Children

From 26 November 2025, eligible dependent minors of qualifying permit holders will automatically receive Stamp 1G upon reaching 16 years of age, granting them the right to work in Ireland without needing a separate employment permit. For children already in the State on a valid Stamp 3, they can immediately benefit from Stamp 1G conditions, using their existing IRP card alongside the official “Stamp 3 to Stamp 1G Employment Notice” until their current card expires, at which point they will be issued a new Stamp 1G card.

Yes, time spent on Stamp 1G does count as reckonable residence for Irish citizenship by naturalisation. This includes periods spent on Stamp 1G as a Graduate Student under the Third Level Graduate Programme, or as a spouse or de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holder or a Researcher on a Hosting Agreement.

The immigration authorities use the time accumulated on Stamp 1G to calculate the total residence required to qualify for citizenship. Furthermore, after five years on Stamp 1G, a spouse or partner may become eligible to apply for Stamp 4. Time spent on Stamp 4 also counts toward reckonable residence, offering a clear pathway toward meeting the residency requirements for naturalisation.