Permanent Residence in Ireland

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Once you have legally lived in Ireland for at least five years as the holder of an employment permit, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit, which is referred to as Long Term Residency in Ireland. This permit allows you to live and work in Ireland indefinitely.

If you’re an expat wondering how to live in Ireland, you should start not by looking for permanent residence, but by searching for a job that gets you to Ireland. Once you’re in Ireland, getting permanent residence takes just that—five years. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about getting Irish permanent residence and its requirements.

What is an Irish permanent residence permit?

An Irish Permanent Residence Permit allows non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals to live and work in Ireland indefinitely without the need for additional employment permits. You are eligible to apply if you have been living legally in Ireland for a continuous period of five years (60 months). Although applying for a permanent residence certificate is optional, it is advisable to have one to prove your status.

Difference between permanent residency and Irish citizenship

Permanent residency in Ireland should not be confused with Irish citizenship. While both statuses allow for indefinite residence, Irish citizenship provides additional rights, including the ability to get an Irish passport, vote in national elections, and enjoy the full benefits of EU citizenship. And remember that if you own an Irish passport, you can work in Madrid or Vienna without a visa or permit. Still, permanent residence can be a step towards applying for citizenship if you meet the additional requirements.

What are the benefits of an Irish permanent residence permit?

The primary benefit of holding an Irish Permanent Residence Permit is the right to live and work in Ireland without the need for renewal of work permits. And this comes with what you can anticipate: This stability lets you plan for the future and have a regular routine in Galway or Dublin. The permit also allows you to change jobs or start a business without affecting your residency status. Additionally, permanent residence facilitates family reunification, as your spouse and children can also apply for residency and often receive permissions like Stamp 1G, which allows them to work in Ireland without an additional permit.

When can you apply for an Irish permanent residence permit?

To be eligible for permanent residence in Ireland, a non-EEA national must have legally resided in the country for a continuous period of five years. This residency must be based on an employment permit, such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit or a general work permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Residency is determined by the stamps in your passport or the validity of your expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards, not by the start and end dates on your employment permits. Any period without a stamp in your passport or a valid IRP card will not be counted. Temporary absences from Ireland, such as short holidays or family emergencies, do not generally affect the continuity of residence. But if you've been away for too long or stayed illegally, you might not be eligible.

What documents are required to apply for an Irish permanent residence permit?

Along with the application form, you’ll need clear, full-colour photocopies of your current and past passports or IRP cards, as well as your current IRP or GNIB card. Documentation also includes your employment contract or a letter from your employer, proof of continuous residence (such as bank statements or tenancy agreements), and copies of all employment permits held during the five-year period. It's advisable to send good documents that are easy to read and understand. If you send bad ones, they might take longer or be rejected, some expats have reported.

How to apply for permanent residence in Ireland?

The process of applying for permanent residence in Ireland takes careful preparation. The first step is to fill out the Long Term Residency application form, which must be completed in full and submitted along with several supporting documents. Once the application is submitted to the Long Term Residence Section of the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) in Dublin, the processing period begins. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval and will be required to pay a fee of €500. Upon payment, a final letter granting permanent residence for five years will be issued. You must register this approval at your local immigration office to finish the process.

Can your family members get permanent residence?

Yes, your spouse or dependents can apply for Long Term Residency if you hold this status.

To qualify for Long Term Residency, your family must have lived legally in Ireland for the same continuous five-year period, have good character, and not have breached previous residency conditions. They must also be currently legally resident in Ireland, with proof of an immigration stamp or valid IRP card.

The type of permission granted to them depends on the type of employment permit you originally held. If you had a general work permit, your spouse or dependents will receive a Stamp 3 permission valid for five years. If you had a Critical Skills Employment Permit, they will receive a Stamp 1G permission for the same period.

What are the Irish permanent residence permit fees?

The application fee for the Irish Permanent Residence Permit is €500. You must pay this fee within 28 days of receiving the approval letter. It is important to note that there is a separate registration fee, which is required when you register your new status with the local immigration office.

What if your application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you will receive a letter detailing the reasons for the refusal. Unfortunately, there is no formal appeal process in place. However, you can reapply for Long Term Residency at any time. It will be hard to improve on your application because you’ll get no feedback. You’ll only get a resounding "No." So it’s better to actually deliver your application with help from experts in the first place.

How to renew your Irish permanent residence?

Permanent residence in Ireland is granted for an initial period of five years. After this period, the permit can be renewed. The renewal process involves proving that you have continued to live and work in Ireland during the previous five years. This proof may include documents such as P60s or other employment records. The renewal process also involves filling out the Long Term Residency application form and adhering to the conditions originally set out in your initial application, such as continued employment and good character.

If you have been receiving means-tested social welfare payments, this may impact your renewal process, and your application will be reviewed in light of your specific circumstances. Additionally, if you have left Ireland and your work permit expired, you will need to get a new employment permit to apply for Long Term Residency again. If your renewal is granted, you must register the new permission with your local immigration office to prove its validity.

Talk to an immigration expert

If you aim to live and work in Ireland permanently, starting with a job that includes relocation assistance can make the process easier. Browse our job board to find an employer in Ireland—or elsewhere—who offers more than just a job but also a path to permanent residence. Also, get in touch with us so we can refer you to reliable immigration experts.

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