Long Term Residency – Stamp 4

Some eligibility criteria are:

• you must be of a good character
• you must have your current permission in date when you apply
• you must not change your permission from Stamp 1 to any other permission such as Stamp 4 EUFAM
• you must be employed at time of your application and continue to work during the application process and even after
• you must have a minimum of 5 years of reckonable residence when applying
• if you are applying as a Spouse/Dependant – you will be granted a Stamp 3

Please note that there are more conditions and criteria to be filled in order to qualify for Long Term Residency.

Some ineligible criteria are:

• if you currently hold Stamp 2 & Stamp 2A permission
• if you currently hold Stamp 4 EUFAM permission
• if you were granted permission to remain under humanitarian Permission to Remain, Refugee Status or you have entered Ireland under the Family Reunification scheme.
• if you work for a foreign embassy in Ireland
• if you currently hold a Business Permission
• if your permission is issued under the Work Holiday Authorisation scheme
• if your permission is based on an Intra-company Transfer employment/work permit

Documents required:

• copy of all employment/work permits
• copy of all GNIB cards
• copy of your passport including all your Stamps

Long Term Residency / Stamp 4 Without Condition As To Time (WCATT):

If you have lived in Ireland for at least 8 years (96 months) as a legal resident, you may be eligible for a Stamp 5 which is endorsed in your passport.

The following Stamps do not count towards WCATT:

• Stamp 0
• Student – Stamp 2 or Stamp 2A
• Temporary Registered Doctors – Stamp 4
• Trainee Accountants – Stamp 1A
• Intra Company Transfer – Stamp 4
• Spouse or dependent of an Intra Company Transfer – Stamp 3
• Temporary visitors permission granted at the port of entry
•  

The Stamp 5 is valid until the expiry of your passport in which the stamp is endorsed.

If you are applying as a spouse/dependant:

• you must be the spouse/dependant of a person who already has been granted Long Term Residency on Stamp 4 conditions
• you must be a legal resident in Ireland as a spouse/dependant of Long Term Residency applicant for at least 5 years (60 months)

You will be granted Stamp 3 for 5 years.

Please note that when granted a Stamp 3 as a spouse/dependant of a Long Term Residency applicant / Stamp 4 holder you will not be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The Department chargers €500 fee for Long Term Residency and it is only payable when your application for Long Term Residency is approved.

You should pay the fee within 28 days from the date of the approval letter.

The Department of Justice and Equality will process your application in 6 to 8 months. However, if you do not meet the residence and work requirements then the department will let you know in a week.

If you are successful, then you will obtain a Stamp 4 Permission to Remain which will be valid for 5 years.

To renew your Long Term Residency Stamp 4, you do not need to make another application. You only need to attend your local immigration office to extend your Stamp 4.

Procedures for those who currently hold Business Permission to Remain in Ireland are currently being drafted. The Department will notify when the changes will be introduced.

Please note that the Department will obtain a Garda Report to check your character, so please disclose all information about any of your convictions truthfully.

We may be able to assist you in obtaining a Garda Report before you make the Long Term Residency application, but please contact this office for a consultation.