Stamp 0 is granted to elderly dependent parents of:

• Irish citizens
• Residents with lawful immigration status (e.g., Stamp 1, 4, or 5 holders)

Dependents of EU nationals must apply under EU Treaty Rights Free Movement laws, which follow a separate process.

Financial & Social Dependency Criteria

Applicants must provide evidence of both financial and social dependency on their Irish sponsor.

Financial Requirements

The Irish citizen or resident sponsor must have:

• A net income of at least €60,000 per year for one parent
• A net income of at least €75,000 per year for two parents

Savings, pensions, or additional financial resources of both the sponsor and the elderly parent may be considered in the assessment. The Department of Justice reviews each case individually to ensure the applicant will not become a financial burden on the State.

Application Process for Stamp 0

Non-Visa-Required Nationals

• Applications should be submitted from outside Ireland, but exceptions may apply.
• If approved, they must register in person with immigration authorities upon arrival.

Visa-Required Nationals

• Applications must be submitted from outside Ireland.
• If approved, the applicant must apply for a Long Stay D Visa to enter Ireland.
• Applicants already in Ireland on a C Visit Visa, Visa Waiver Programme, or British-Irish Visa Scheme cannot apply from within the State and must leave to submit their application.

Once an applicant arrives in Ireland, they must:

1. Submit their passport to the Department of Justice for endorsement with Stamp 0.
2. Sign a conditional letter of offer agreeing to the residency terms.
3. Register in person with GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) or their regional immigration office to obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP card).

Additional Requirements for Approval

• Private medical insurance with full coverage in Irish private hospitals.
• Proof of family relationship (e.g., birth certificates, family relationship documents).
• Financial documents showing earnings and dependency.

Long-Term Considerations

• Stamp 0 is a temporary, annually renewable immigration permission.
• It does not lead to Irish citizenship or permanent residency.
• The Department of Justice may be flexible in cases where the sponsor does not fully meet the financial criteria but can combine income with a spouse or the applicant’s resources.

Stamp 0 is a popular choice for elderly dependent parents from non-EEA countries, particularly in cases where they live alone without nearby family support. Many applications from India, Pakistan, China, the US, and Australia have been successful, provided the financial criteria are met.