The Irish Government has announced significant changes to the immigration permissions of certain employment permit holders. These changes make it easier and more attractive for some employment permit holders to secure long-term residence rights in Ireland. Our Business Immigration team reviews these changes and what to do next.
A “Stamp 4 permission” entitles a person to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit for 2 years and may be renewed subject to conditions. It is therefore very attractive to non-EEA nationals seeking long-term residency in or citizenship of Ireland. The Irish Government has recently announced significant changes which make it easier for a range of employment permit holders to obtain a Stamp 4 permission.
The Department of Justice has announced that non-EEA national employees residing in the State on the basis of a Stamp 1 or Stamp 1H permission are, as of 2 April 2024, eligible to apply for a Stamp 4 permission on completion of 21 months employment in the State. This is on the basis of:
- A Critical Skills Employment Permit
- A Hosting Agreement as a Researcher, or
- A Multi-Site General Employment Permit as a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor
Another welcome development announced is that non-EEA national employees who have completed 57 months of employment in the State based on a General Employment Permit can now apply for a Stamp 4. Previously General Employment Permit holders were eligible upon completion of 5 years of employment in the State on the basis of a General Employment Permit.
The result of these changes is that it essentially makes it easier for a range of employment permit holders to obtain a Stamp 4 permission and therefore long term residency rights in the State.
Comment
These changes mean that some cases that were previously assessed as requiring a second Critical Skills Employment Permit before becoming eligible for a Stamp 4 permission may now be eligible for a Stamp 4. Similarly, certain employees holding a General Employment Permit are now eligible for a Stamp 4 permission.
If you would like a review of your employment permit policies and procedures or your past or present applications for Stamp 4 permission, please contact a member of our Business Immigration or Employment Law & Benefits teams.
The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.
People also ask
What is a Stamp 4 permission? |
A Stamp 4 immigration permission allows the holder to work and live in the State without an employment permit for up to 2 years. This, however, is subject to renewal on conditions. Periods of residence on the basis of a Stamp 4 permission are recognised in applications for naturalisation (citizenship). |
What is a Critical Skills Employment Permit? |
A Critical Skills Employment Permit allows highly-skilled individuals to live and work in the State with a view to taking up permanent residence in the State. Eligible occupations include ICT professionals, engineers and technologists. They are usually only granted for a job offer of at least 2 years’ duration. |
What changes have been made to the eligibility for a Stamp 4 permission? |
Essentially, it is now easier for many employment permit holders to obtain a Stamp 4 permission. This is because the residency and employment requirements associated with a Stamp 4 permission have been reduced. |
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