Stamp 4
Immigration stamps provide non-EEA nationals with legal permission to reside in Ireland and define their rights in areas such as work, study, business, and investment. Each stamp comes with its own rules and limitations. Stamp 4, in particular, is one of the most popular forms of residency permission. It gives holders the flexibility to take up employment without the need for an employment permit, start and manage a business, and access publicly funded services, offering greater freedom and security in Ireland.
Table of Content:
Introduction
Stamp 4 is one of the most valuable immigration permissions available to non-EEA nationals in Ireland. It allows foreign nationals to live, work, study, and operate businesses without the need for an employment permit. Among all Irish immigration stamps, Stamp 4 is often considered the most advantageous, offering greater flexibility and security for long-term residence.
In most cases, citizens of non-visa-required countries or their spouses and civil partners do not need to apply for a visa or employment permit to enter Ireland. However, if you are not an Irish citizen and plan to stay for more than 90 days, you generally need immigration permission. With Stamp 4, those requirements are simplified, as it removes many restrictions and grants wider rights.
Who Can Apply for Stamp 4?
Summary of Conditions
Stamp 4 permission allows you to take up employment in Ireland without the need for an Employment Permit, provided you meet the requirements of the relevant professional or regulatory bodies. It also gives you the right to establish and operate a business, as well as access state funds and services made available by Government departments or agencies. If you intend to remain in Ireland beyond the expiry date of your current permission, you must apply to renew both your immigration permission and registration before they lapse.
When Stamp 4 May Be Granted
You may qualify for Stamp 4 after holding certain permissions, such as:
- A valid Critical Skills Employment Permit for at least 2 years.
- A valid Employment Permit (e.g., General Employment Permit) for 5 years.
- A Hosting Agreement as a researcher for at least 2 years.
- To join or live with your Irish spouse, civil partner, or de facto partner.
- As a refugee under the Refugee Convention or through a programme, or if granted subsidiary protection.
- To live with a family member who is a recognised refugee or has subsidiary protection.
- To remain in Ireland with your Irish citizen child.
- Under the Investor and Entrepreneur Programme (including spouse/partner and eligible family members).
- For Long Term Residence.
Eligibility Requirements for Stamp 4
Your eligibility for Stamp 4 varies depending on the visa programme you are applying under.
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Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
- Must be of good character.
- Free of criminal charges or convictions in any jurisdiction.
- Have at least €50,000 in required funding.
- Present an innovative business proposal.
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Spouse, Civil Partner, or De-facto Partners
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application for family reunification.
- Marriage must be monogamous, consensual, legally valid, and recognised under Irish law.
- Civil or de facto partnerships must resemble marriage and demonstrate cohabitation for at least two years prior to application.
- Must show a genuine and permanent commitment to life together.
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Long Term Residency
- Completed at least five years of legal residence in Ireland.
- Possess qualifying stamps or valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards as proof of residency.
- Must have held an Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit.
- Maintain good character.
- Must not have caused an undue burden on the government.
- No criminal record or issues with Irish police.
- Fully compliant with all previous immigration permissions.
- Must be a legal resident at the time of application.
- Must be in employment before, during, and after the application; self-employment is not permitted.
How Much Does Stamp 4 Registration Cost?
The standard fee for Stamp 4 registration is €300 per individual. Depending on your circumstances, immigration officers may require additional fees.
The following individuals are exempt from paying the registration fee:
- Persons under 18 years of age at the time of registration.
- Spouses or civil partners (including surviving partners) of Irish citizens.
- Spouses or dependents of EU citizens residing in Ireland.
- Convention or programme refugees.
- Individuals granted Subsidiary Protection.
- Individuals with Permission to Stay in Ireland.
- Family members joining a recognised refugee in Ireland.
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Stamp 4: Flexible Residency
for Career and Business.
Stamp 4 allows non-EEA nationals to live in Ireland with the freedom to work without a permit, run a business, and access public services, providing flexibility and security.
