Routes to Obtaining Stamp 4 Residency
In Ireland, Stamp 4 is one of the most sought-after immigration permissions for non-EEA nationals, offering a pathway to work, self-employment, and long-term residency. There are several common routes to obtaining Stamp 4 permission, including:
- Marriage or Civil Partnership with an Irish national
- De facto partnership with an Irish national
- Parent of an Irish citizen child
- Refugee or Subsidiary Protection status
- Family Reunification with a refugee or subsidiary protection holder
- Immigrant Investor Programme
- Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
- Critical Skills Employment Permit holders (after 21 months of employment)
- General Employment Permit holders (after five years of employment)
- Humanitarian Leave to Remain
In some cases, the Minister for Justice may grant Stamp 4 permission on a discretionary and exceptional basis.
Temporary Stamp 4 for EU Treaty Rights Applicants
Non-EEA family members of EU nationals exercising EU Treaty Rights in Ireland receive a temporary Stamp 4 while their residence card application is processed. This should take no longer than six months by law. Once approved, they are granted EUFAM4 permission, which provides additional rights and benefits beyond a standard Stamp 4.