Parents who already reside in Ireland on an alternative residence permission, such as Stamp 2 (student) or Stamp 1 (employment permit), may apply to amend their status to Stamp 4. This allows them to live and work in Ireland without requiring an employment permit.

Application Process

• If residing in Dublin – Apply online to change residence permission to Stamp 4.
• If residing outside Dublin – Book an appointment by emailing the local immigration office.

At the registration appointment, the parent and the Irish citizen child must both be present with the following documents:

✔️ Parent’s original passport
✔️ Parent’s current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card
✔️ Child’s original Irish passport
✔️ Child’s original birth certificate
✔️ Proof of the parent’s address in Ireland
✔️ Proof of the child’s address in Ireland (e.g., letter from a doctor, school, or creche)

Residence permission remains valid as long as the Irish citizen child continues to reside in Ireland.

Parents of Irish Citizen Children Already in Ireland Without Valid Residence Permission

Parents who are currently living in Ireland but do not have valid residence permission may apply for residence permission based on their parental relationship with their Irish citizen child.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit evidence proving their financial and emotional role in the child’s life, along with proof that the child resides in Ireland. The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) may also request DNA evidence to confirm the biological link between the parent and the Irish citizen child.

Processing & Registration

• Processing Time: Applications take approximately one year to process.
• Temporary Residency: No temporary residence permission is granted while the application is pending.

If the application is successful, the parent will be granted Stamp 4 permission for an initial 12-month period, renewable as long as the child continues to reside in Ireland.

Once approved, the parent must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in Dublin or the local immigration office if based outside Dublin.

Both the parent and the child must attend the registration appointment with:

✔️ Parent’s original passport
✔️ Parent’s current Irish Residence Permit (if applicable)
✔️ Child’s original Irish passport
✔️ Child’s original birth certificate
✔️ Proof of the parent’s address in Ireland
✔️ Proof of the child’s address in Ireland (e.g., letter from a doctor, school, or creche)

Legal assistance is available for parents seeking residency, including those with existing permission, those without valid permission, and those facing deportation orders.

Parents from Non-Visa-Required Countries Seeking Residency in Ireland

Parents from non-visa-required countries may enter Ireland under the 90-day visa waiver scheme. If they wish to remain in Ireland for longer than 90 days, they must register with the GNIB in Dublin or the local immigration office outside Dublin.

Entry & Registration Process

Registration must take place within 90 days of arrival in Ireland.

At the appointment, the parent and the Irish citizen child must bring the following documents:

✔️ Parent’s original passport
✔️ Child’s original Irish passport
✔️ Child’s original birth certificate
✔️ Proof of the parent’s address in Ireland

Upon successful registration, the parent will be granted an Irish residence card valid for 12 months, which is renewable as long as the Irish citizen child remains in Ireland.

Parents from Visa-Required Countries Seeking Residency in Ireland

Parents from visa-required countries must apply for a long-stay D ‘reside parent of Irish citizen child’ visa before traveling to Ireland.

Visa Application Process

Applicants must submit documentary evidence demonstrating:

• Their financial and emotional role in the child’s life.
• The reason for residing in Ireland.
• Proof that the Irish citizen child ordinarily resides in Ireland.

There is no automatic guarantee that a visa will be granted if the child has not been habitually resident in Ireland.

Processing & Appeals

• Processing Time: Approximately 8 months (varies case by case).
• Refusals: If the visa is refused, the decision will be provided in writing, and an appeal may be submitted within two months.

Post-Approval Registration

Upon visa approval, the parent must register with the GNIB in Dublin or the local immigration office outside Dublin.

At the appointment, the parent and the child must bring the following documents:

✔️ Parent’s original passport
✔️ Child’s original Irish passport
✔️ Child’s original birth certificate
✔️ Proof of the parent’s address in Ireland

After registration, the parent will receive an Irish residence card valid for 12 months, renewable as long as the Irish citizen child continues to reside in Ireland.