Reactivation Employment Permit
The Reactivation Employment Permit allows foreign nationals who previously worked in Ireland on an expired employment permit to reactivate their employment status and work legally again.
Reactivation Employment Permit
The Reactivation Employment Permit allows foreign nationals who previously worked in Ireland on an expired employment permit to reactivate their employment status and work legally again.
Table of Content:
What is a Reactivation Employment Permit?
This permit is designed for individuals who:
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Entered Ireland on a valid employment permit but fell out of the system through no fault of their own, or
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Experienced exploitation or unfair treatment in the workplace.
The permit is issued to the employee, and a certified copy is sent to the employer, authorizing work in the specified occupation and location.
In most cases, only one Reactivation Employment Permit will be granted to a foreign national under this scheme.Application Procedure
The process involves two main steps:
Apply for a Stamp 1 Permission Letter
Submit your application to the Department of Justice under the Reactivation Scheme.
The Stamp 1 letter acts as a visa extension, allowing you to stay in Ireland and apply for a new work permit.
Apply for the Reactivation Employment Permit
Once the Stamp 1 letter is granted, submit your application online to the DETE.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible for a Reactivation Employment Permit if you fall under one of the following scenarios:
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Previously held an employment permit but fell out of the system through no fault of your own, and are currently not legally resident in Ireland.
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Current permit holders in low-skilled or low-paid roles who wish to change employers but do not meet the criteria for a General Employment Permit.
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New Reactivation Permit holders who are made redundant you have 6 months to seek a new position and apply for a new Reactivation Permit.
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Permit holders who wish to change employer (generally expected to remain with the initial employer for 12 months, except in exceptional circumstances).
Employer Eligibility
To support a Reactivation Employment Permit application, the employer must:
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Be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and, if applicable, the Companies Registration Office/Registry of Friendly Societies, and be actively trading in Ireland.
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Employ and pay the employee directly.
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Have at least 50% EEA nationals in the workforce (50:50 rule), unless the foreign national will be the sole employee at the time of application.
Family Reunion Eligibility
Why Choose Visawebs?
Expert Guidance
With decades of experience in immigration and employment permits, we provide precise and reliable guidance every step of the way.
Streamlined Process
We simplify complex requirements and procedures, saving you time, effort, and unnecessary stress throughout the application.
Trusted Support
Thousands of successful applications and satisfied clients rely on us for professional, efficient, and dependable service.
Have any Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a support letter for Stamp 4?
After holding a Critical Skills Employment Permit for 2 years, you may apply for Stamp 4, which allows you to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit.
To get a support letter:
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Complete the request form for the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE).
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Email the form to EPStamp4@enterprise.gov.ie. The department will email you the decision.
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Register with your local immigration officer with the following documents:
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Passport
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Certificate of Registration (IRP card)
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Critical Skills Employment Permit
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Letter from DETE confirming continuing employment
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Stamp 4 is typically issued for 2 years and can be renewed if you continue to meet the criteria. After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for citizenship by naturalisation.
If you do not qualify for Stamp 4, you may receive Stamp 1, which requires you to continue holding an employment permit.
What documents are needed for Stamp 4?
To change from temporary residency, submit:
All passports or IRP cards showing your immigration stamps
Recent IRP or GNIB card duplicate
Copies of all employment permits
Duplicate of your employment contract or a letter from your employer detailing start date and terms of employment
Proof of continuous residency in Ireland
How long does Stamp 4 take to process?
Applicants are initially granted an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. The average processing time for Stamp 4 applications is currently around 6 months.
Can I write my own letter of support?
Yes. If your supervisor is unavailable or you want to provide a detailed overview of your strengths, you may write a self-recommendation letter, which can later be approved or signed by your supervisor.
Is it easy to get Stamp 4 in Ireland?
You may qualify for Stamp 4 if you have:
Held a Critical Skills Employment Permit for 2 years, or
Held a General Employment Permit for 5 years, or
Worked as a researcher with a valid Hosting Agreement for 2 years
Is Stamp 4 equivalent to permanent residence?
Stamp 4 grants permission to stay and work in Ireland without an employment permit. It counts as residence for citizenship purposes and is generally considered the pathway to permanent residence.
