Immigration Registration (IRP Card) in Ireland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
All non-EEA nationals over 16 who stay in Ireland for more than 90 days must register with immigration and receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card (formerly called a GNIB card).
- In Dublin, registration is at the Burgh Quay Registration Office.
- Outside Dublin, registration is at your local Garda Immigration Office.
- Your IRP card states your immigration permission stamp — the stamp number determines what you can do (work, study, etc.).
- Common stamps: Stamp 1 (work permit holder), Stamp 1G (graduate), Stamp 2 (student), Stamp 3 (dependent, no work), Stamp 4 (permission to work without permit).
When does it apply?
- You are a non-EEA national who intends to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.
- You must register within 90 days of arriving in Ireland.
- Your IRP card has an expiry date — you must renew before it expires.
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need to register.
- UK citizens do not need to register (Common Travel Area).
What to Do If Your IRP Card Is Expiring or Lost in Ireland
- Book an appointment — in Dublin, appointments are booked online at burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie. Outside Dublin, contact your local Garda station.
- Bring: your passport, evidence of your reason for being in Ireland (work permit, college letter, etc.), proof of address, and the registration fee of €300.
- Renew on time — set a reminder at least 4–6 weeks before your IRP expires.
- If your circumstances change (e.g., new employer, new course), you may need to update your registration.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't let your registration lapse — being unregistered puts you in an irregular immigration situation and can affect future applications.
- Don't work outside the conditions of your stamp — e.g., Stamp 2 students can only work 20 hours/week during term.
- Don't lose your IRP card — report a lost card to the Gardaí and apply for a replacement (additional €300 fee).
Common Questions
Who must register for an Irish IRP card?
All non-EEA nationals over 16 who stay in Ireland for more than 90 days. You must register within 90 days of arriving. In Dublin, registration is at the Burgh Quay Registration Office; outside Dublin, at your local Garda Immigration Office. EU/EEA, Swiss, and UK citizens do not need to register.
What does my Irish IRP stamp number mean?
The stamp shows what you can do. Stamp 1 is for work permit holders, Stamp 1G is for graduates, Stamp 2 is for students (max 20 hours/week during term), Stamp 3 is for dependants with no work rights, and Stamp 4 is permission to work without a permit. Working outside your stamp conditions is a serious breach of immigration law.
How much does an Irish IRP card cost and what if I lose it?
The registration fee is €300. A replacement for a lost card costs another €300 — report the loss to the Gardaí before applying. Set a reminder to renew 4-6 weeks before your IRP expires. Letting your registration lapse puts you in an irregular immigration situation and can affect future applications.
When does it apply — immigration registration (irp card)?
You are a non-EEA national who intends to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.You must register within 90 days of arriving in Ireland.Your IRP card has an expiry date — you must renew before it expires.EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need to register.UK citizens do not need to register (Common Travel Area).
What should I do if my Irish Residence Permit card has expired or I have lost it in Ireland?
Book an appointment — in Dublin, appointments are booked online at burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie. Outside Dublin, contact your local Garda station.Bring: your passport, evidence of your reason for being in Ireland (work permit, college letter, etc.), proof of address, and the registration fee of €300.Renew on time — set a reminder at least 4–6 weeks before your IRP expires.If your circumstances change (e.g., new employer, new course), you may need to update your registration.
What should you NOT do — immigration registration (irp card)?
Don't let your registration lapse — being unregistered puts you in an irregular immigration situation and can affect future applications.Don't work outside the conditions of your stamp — e.g., Stamp 2 students can only work 20 hours/week during term.Don't lose your IRP card — report a lost card to the Gardaí and apply for a replacement (additional €300 fee).