You can submit your application for all employment visa types up to three months before your intended travel date to Ireland. It’s best to apply as soon as your employment permit, hosting agreement, or immigration permission is granted. Early application helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth entry into Ireland. Visawebs Tip: Keep all supporting documents ready when applying, including your permit or hosting agreement, to streamline the visa process.

Change of Immigration Permission

Your immigration permission determines the conditions of your stay in Ireland, including how long you can remain in the country and what activities you are allowed to carry out during your stay. These conditions are reflected in an immigration stamp placed on your Irish residence permit when you register.

If your circumstances change, or if you wish to switch to a different type of permission, you may need to apply for a change of immigration permission. This ensures that your stay in Ireland remains legal and aligned with the purpose of your visit, whether it involves work, study, family reunification, or other activities.

Visawebs provides guidance on the entire process, helping you understand eligibility, documentation requirements, and step-by-step instructions for submitting your application for a change of immigration permission.

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Change in Circumstances

If your personal or professional circumstances change while living in Ireland, you may need to change the type of immigration permission or stamp you hold. If you currently have a valid permission, reflected on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, you may be eligible to apply to change, extend, or vary your permission.

For example, if you have held a Critical Skills Employment Permit for at least two years, you could apply for a different type of permission that provides additional benefits. However, if your current permission has expired, you cannot apply to change it. Keep in mind that submitting an application does not automatically extend your current permission, so it’s important to apply well in advance if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Each immigration stamp or permission comes with different criteria and conditions, such as the right to study, work, or retire in Ireland. Changes in your circumstances may affect your eligibility or the type of permission you can hold.

Please note:

A list of common changes and corresponding options is provided in the next section. This list is not exhaustive and may be updated due to policy changes, so it is important to stay informed.

Change of Immigration Permission from Stamp 1

If you hold a Stamp 1 permission, you may be eligible to change your immigration status depending on your circumstances. Below is a guide to the possible new stamps and their requirements:

Stamp 2 – Student Permission
If you want to change your current permission to study in Ireland, you can apply online. Required supporting documents include:

Stamp 3 – Dependent of an Irish Resident
You may apply for Stamp 3 if you wish to become a dependent of an Irish resident, which includes:

If you have been in a de facto relationship with an Irish resident for at least two years and are cohabiting, you can apply to the Domestic Residence Division (ISD) for a change of status to Stamp 3.

Stamp 4 – Long-Term Residence / Work Permission
You may be eligible for Stamp 4 if you meet one of the following:

Have held employment permits and residence permissions for the previous five years. You may apply for Stamp 4 for one year or for long-term residence.
Become a spouse or civil partner of an Irish national resident in the State. Apply at ISD Burgh Quay or your local immigration office with your spouse/civil partner.
Have been in a de facto relationship with an Irish national for at least two years. Apply to the Domestic Residence Division.
Become a parent of a child who is an Irish citizen. You may apply for a change of status.

Stamp 5 – Pre-Citizenship Residence
If you have 96 months of reckonable residence in Ireland (a combination of previous permissions that count toward citizenship), you may apply to the Domestic Residence Division for Stamp 5.

Stamp 6 – Citizenship Granted
Once you are granted Irish citizenship, you may apply to the Domestic Residence Division for Stamp 6.

Change of Immigration Permission from Stamp 2

If you currently hold a Stamp 2, you may be eligible to change your immigration permission depending on your circumstances:

Stamp 1 – Employment Permission
If you are issued an Employment Permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, you may apply to change your permission to Stamp 1.

Stamp 3 – Dependent of an Irish Resident
You may apply for Stamp 3 if you wish to become a dependent of an Irish resident, which includes:

If you have been in a de facto relationship with an Irish resident and cohabiting for at least two years, you may apply to the Residence Division for a change of status to Stamp 3.

Stamp 4 – Spouse, Civil Partner, or Parent of an Irish Citizen
You may apply for Stamp 4 under the following circumstances:

Become a spouse or civil partner of an Irish national residing in the State. Apply at ISD Burgh Quay or your local immigration office with your Irish spouse or civil partner.
Been in a de facto relationship with an Irish national and cohabiting for at least two years. Apply to the Residence Division.
Become a parent of an Irish citizen child. Apply at ISD Burgh Quay or your local immigration office, or to the Residence Division for permission to remain as a Parent of an Irish Citizen Child – Non-EEA.
If your parent becomes an Irish citizen and you originally entered the State as a dependent of that parent, you may apply to the Residence Division for Stamp 4.

Stamp 5 – Not Available from Stamp 2

Stamp 6 – Not Available from Stamp 2

Changing Your Immigration Status from Stamp 3

Ireland’s immigration system assigns a “stamp” to your residence permit, which determines the type of permission you have while in the State—what you can do, how long you can stay, and the rights you hold. If you are on Stamp 3 and wish to change your immigration status, here’s a clear guide on what’s possible and how to apply.

Stamp 1 – Employment-Based Permission
If you receive an Employment Permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, you can apply for Stamp 1. Visit your local immigration office or ISD Burgh Quay with your employment documents to complete the process.

Stamp 2 – Student Permission
Want to study in Ireland? To switch to Stamp 2, attend your local immigration office or ISD Burgh Quay with:

Stamp 3 – Family-Based Status
Stamp 3 is commonly held by spouses, civil partners, or dependents of Irish citizens. If your circumstances change:

Stamp 4 – Parent or Dependent Status
Stamp 4 can be applied for under family-based circumstances:

Stamp 5 – Long-Term Residence
Holders of 96 months of reckonable residence may apply to the Residence Division for Stamp 5, granting them greater freedom and stability in Ireland.

Stamp 6 – Citizenship
Once you are granted Irish citizenship, you can apply for Stamp 6, which confirms your new status as a citizen.

Changing Your Immigration Status from Stamp 4

Your Irish residence stamp defines your permission to stay and work in the State. If you are currently on Stamp 4, here’s how you can progress to the next stages of residence or citizenship in Ireland.

Stamp 1, 2, and 3 – Not Applicable
Holders of Stamp 4 are already in a family or long-term residence category, so transitions to Stamp 1, 2, or 3 are not applicable.

Stamp 5 – Long-Term Residence
If you have completed 96 months of reckonable residence in Ireland, you may apply to the Residence Division for Stamp 5. This stamp grants enhanced rights and stability for long-term residents.

Stamp 6 – Citizenship
Once you are granted Irish citizenship, you can apply for Stamp 6 through the Residence Division, officially recognizing your new status as an Irish citizen.

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Have any Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Come to Ireland to Work?

Yes, you can come to Ireland for work if you are currently outside the country. Before travelling, it’s important to check:

Whether you need immigration permission from the Department of Justice.
Whether you require an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
If you are a visa-required national, you must also apply for a visa before your arrival.

Proper planning ensures a smooth entry and avoids delays in starting your work in Ireland.

What are the ways I can work in Ireland?

Ways to Work in Ireland

If you are a non-EEA national, you generally need either a valid employment permit or immigration permission to work in Ireland. Here’s a guide to the main pathways:

1. Employment Permit

First-time applicants for employment permits must apply while residing outside Ireland. The system is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).

If you require an employment permit, you must obtain it before applying for a visa (if you are a visa-required national).
Detailed information on the employment permit system is available on the DETE Employment Permit Information page.

2. Atypical Working Scheme

The Atypical Working Scheme grants immigration permission to certain non-EEA nationals. This scheme is managed by the Department of Justice.

More information on eligibility can be found here.

3. Working Holiday Authorisation Programme

This programme allows young people from eligible countries to fund an extended holiday through temporary work.

Currently, this programme is suspended due to COVID-19.
Details can be found here.

4. Trainee Accountant

If you are coming to Ireland as a trainee accountant, you must meet specific requirements. Full details are available here.

5. Minister of Religion

Non-EEA nationals intending to work as a Minister of Religion must obtain pre-clearance approval before travelling to Ireland, regardless of visa requirements.

Learn more here.

6. Volunteering

If you plan to volunteer with an eligible organisation in Ireland, you must also obtain pre-clearance approval prior to travel.

This applies to all non-EEA nationals, visa required or not. More information is here.

7. Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

The STEP programme allows non-EEA nationals to establish and work full-time in their own business in Ireland.

You cannot be employed in another capacity and must not become a financial burden on the State.
More details are available here.

8. Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)

The IIP is designed for non-EEA nationals who commit to an approved investment in Ireland.

Minimum investment: €1 million, or €0.5 million if making an endowment.
Funds must come from your own resources and not through loans or third-party financing.
Learn more about the programme here.

I am a non-EEA national who works in another EU Member State. My employer wants me to work for them in Ireland. What do I need to know?

Working in Ireland While Employed in Another EU Member State

If you are a non-EEA national legally employed in another EU country, your employer may send you to work temporarily in Ireland without needing a separate Irish employment permit.

This is allowed under the Van Der Elst process, which enables non-EEA nationals to provide services in another EU Member State on behalf of their EU-based employer.

Important:

You must still comply with Irish immigration rules.
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa before travelling to Ireland.
Full details on eligibility and conditions can be found here.

I am a scientific researcher I want to come to undertake scientific research. What do I need to know?

Scientific Researchers Coming to Ireland

If you are a scientific researcher wishing to undertake research in Ireland, you may be eligible to participate under the Hosting Agreement Scheme. This scheme is designed for researchers collaborating with accredited research institutions.

Key Points:

The Hosting Agreement Scheme allows you to carry out a research project for a period of three months to five years.
You do not need a separate employment permit under this scheme.
You must have a valid Hosting Agreement before applying for a visa (if you are a visa-required national) and travelling to Ireland.
Detailed information on accredited research institutions and the application process is available on the DETE Hosting Agreement Scheme page.

Visawebs Tip: Ensure your Hosting Agreement is fully approved before making travel arrangements to avoid delays or complications in entering Ireland.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Ireland?

If you are a visa-required national, you must apply for a visa before travelling to Ireland.

Check your eligibility and determine if you need a visa by visiting the Visa Requirement Information page.

Visawebs Tip: Always apply for your visa well in advance to ensure your travel plans are not delayed.

What should I apply?

You can submit your application for all employment visa types up to three months before your intended travel date to Ireland.

It’s best to apply as soon as your employment permit, hosting agreement, or immigration permission is granted.
Early application helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth entry into Ireland.

Visawebs Tip: Keep all supporting documents ready when applying, including your permit or hosting agreement, to streamline the visa process.

Work Permits in Ireland

Immigration in Ireland