Employer-Supported Residency Applications

Non-EEA nationals who are employed in Ireland under certain employment permits may be eligible to apply for residency based on employment, offering a pathway to long-term residence and, in some cases, citizenship. These applications are primarily designed for individuals who hold Critical Skills Employment Permits or General Employment Permits and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Residency Through Critical Skills Employment Permits

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is aimed at attracting highly skilled workers to Ireland. These permits are typically issued for a period of two years, after which the permit holder can apply for a Stamp 4 permission to remain in Ireland.

To apply for a Stamp 4 under this scheme:

• The employee must have completed 21 months of employment on a Critical Skills Employment Permit.

• A Stamp 4 Support Letter must be obtained from the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation (DBEI).

• The applicant must then present the support letter, passport, IRP card, and employment permit to the local Garda Immigration Office to obtain the Stamp 4.

Stamp 4 allows the holder to live and work in Ireland without requiring a separate employment permit. Family reunification is also possible, and spouses/partners and dependent children may apply to join the primary permit holder.

Residency Through General Employment Permits

Holders of General Employment Permits are also eligible for long-term residency, though the pathway differs from the Critical Skills route.

• General Employment Permits are issued for 6 months to 2 years and are renewable.

• After 5 years of continuous employment, a permit holder can apply for Stamp 4 permission to remain.

• Family members may join the primary permit holder, but unlike Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, they are generally not granted permission to work automatically and must obtain their own employment permits if they wish to work in Ireland.

Supporting Documentation and Compliance

Applicants must ensure they provide all required documentation when applying for residency based on employment:

• Original passport and IRP card

• Current employment permit

• Proof of employment history and salary

• Letter of support from the employer, if required

It is important that applicants comply with all permit conditions throughout their employment. Failure to do so may affect eligibility for residency or renewal.

Benefits of Employer-Supported Residency

Residency through employment permits provides several advantages:

• Ability to live and work in Ireland long-term

• Pathway to family reunification

• Eligibility for Stamp 4, which allows work without additional permits

• A step toward permanent residency or citizenship for eligible applicants

Legal Assistance

Applying for residency through employer-supported schemes can be complex. Professional guidance from immigration solicitors can help ensure:

• Accurate and timely application submissions

• Proper documentation and evidence

• Compliance with immigration rules and permit conditions

• Assistance with family reunification applications

This page ensures clarity and accuracy for anyone exploring residency through employment in Ireland, fully aligned with current Irish immigration law.