Stamp 4 Permission (Post-Employment Permit)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- Varies, typically 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 300 IRP registration
- Validity
- 2 years, renewable. Leads to eligibility for long-term residency.
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Stamp 4 is an immigration permission allowing the holder to work in Ireland without an employment permit, start a business, and access state services. It is issued to: Critical Skills Employment Permit holders after 2 years; General Employment Permit holders after 57 months; spouses of Irish citizens; refugees and subsidiary protection holders; persons with Irish Born Child residency; and researchers with hosting agreements after 2 years. Stamp 4 holders have unrestricted access to the Irish labour market. This is not a visa per se but an immigration permission/status granted in Ireland.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Non-EEA nationals who have held a qualifying immigration permission in Ireland (Critical Skills Employment Permit for 2 years, General Employment Permit for 57 months, or other qualifying status).
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Employment
Must have completed the required period on a qualifying employment permit or hold another qualifying status (refugee, spouse of Irish citizen, etc.).
Required status: Qualifying employment permit or status
-
Criminal record
Must be of good character, free of criminal charges or convictions in any jurisdiction.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash/card at registration office; Amount: EUR 300
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather passport, current IRP card, evidence of qualifying employment period (payslips, P60s, employment permit), and any other supporting documents.
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Online application
Submit application for Stamp 4 permission to Immigration Service Delivery.
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Processing wait
Wait for decision on Stamp 4 application (typically 4-8 weeks).
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Registration Office to register new immigration permission.
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 300 IRP registration fee at the registration appointment.