Immigration Pathways

Irish immigration is governed by the Immigration Act 2004, the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006, and the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended). The Department of Justice manages immigration permissions and residence stamps, while the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment handles employment permits. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), now operating as Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), processes applications for visas, residence permissions, and citizenship.

Ireland uses a stamp system to indicate immigration permission. Your immigration stamp (Stamp 1, 1G, 2, 3, 4, etc.) is placed in your passport and recorded on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. Each stamp has different conditions regarding work, study, and residence rights. The IRP card (formerly GNIB card) is required for all non-EEA nationals staying longer than 90 days and costs EUR 300 per registration.

Ireland does not have a formal points-based system like Canada or Australia. Instead, the employment permit system is employer-driven, with two main categories: the Critical Skills Employment Permit for high-demand occupations and the General Employment Permit for other eligible occupations. Certain occupations on the Ineligible Categories of Employment list are excluded from the employment permit system entirely.

EU/EEA nationals have the right to live and work in Ireland without any visa or permit. Non-EEA nationals generally need either an employment permit or other immigration permission. Processing times vary widely: employment permits take 4 to 12 weeks, while citizenship by naturalisation takes approximately 12 to 23 months. All current fees and processing times are published at irishimmigration.ie.