Understanding the available long-term residency routes, eligibility requirements, and conditions attached to each permission is essential for effective immigration planning and ongoing compliance.

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Overview of Long-Term Residency in Ireland

Long-term residency in Ireland is not granted automatically and is assessed based on lawful residence, immigration history, and compliance with Irish immigration conditions. Applicants must typically demonstrate continuous residence under qualifying immigration permissions and meet specific criteria set by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

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Long-term residence provides enhanced stability and, in some cases, access to broader employment rights compared to temporary residence permissions. Below, we outline three key long-term residency routes in Ireland, highlighting their differences and practical benefits for individuals planning an extended stay.

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Stamp 4 Permission

Stamp 4 allows eligible foreign nationals to live and work in Ireland without the need for an employment permit. It is commonly granted to individuals who have completed a qualifying period of residence on an employment permit or who meet specific eligibility categories. Stamp 4 is typically granted for a limited duration and must be renewed in line with immigration rules.

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Routes to Eligibility

There are multiple routes to Stamp 4 eligibility, but the two most common are:

• After 2 continuous years on a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP); or
• After 5 continuous years on a General Employment Permit (GEP).

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In addition to meeting the minimum residence period, applicants must satisfy other eligibility criteria specific to their circumstances.

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Validity

A Stamp 4 Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is usually issued for two years, although this may be shorter depending on individual circumstances. Holders must ensure their Stamp 4 permission is renewed before expiry.

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Benefits

With Stamp 4 permission, an individual may:

• Work in Ireland without an employment permit
• Change employers or roles freely
• Avoid being tied to a specific sponsor or position

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This flexibility makes Stamp 4 an attractive option for long-term workforce mobility.

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Long-Term Residency (LTR)

Ireland also offers a Long-Term Residence permission, which may be available to individuals who have legally resided in the State for a prescribed period, usually five years, on qualifying employment permits.

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Routes to Eligibility

An individual may be eligible for Long-Term Residency (LTR) after completing 60 months (5 years) of legal residence in Ireland. This residence period is calculated using the dates shown on the individual’s immigration stamps and IRP card.

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In addition to residency duration, applicants must meet a range of further eligibility requirements. This permission is discretionary and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Continuous lawful residence
• Compliance with immigration conditions
• Ongoing economic activity and contribution

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Long-Term Residence is generally granted for a longer validity period and may offer greater certainty for individuals planning an extended stay in Ireland.

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Validity

A successful LTR application grants permission to live and work in Ireland for five years.

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Benefits

LTR permission allows the holder to:

• Work in Ireland without an employment permit
• Move freely between employers and roles

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The five-year validity period significantly reduces the frequency of renewal applications, making LTR particularly attractive for individuals seeking long-term stability.

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“Without Condition As To Time” (Stamp 5)

Stamp 5 is granted in limited circumstances and allows a foreign national to reside in Ireland without any time restriction. It is typically available to individuals who have already accumulated long periods of lawful residence in Ireland and meet strict eligibility criteria. Stamp 5 does not confer citizenship but provides indefinite residence, subject to continued compliance with Irish law.

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Routes to Eligibility

Stamp 5 permission may be available after 96 months (8 years) of legal residence in Ireland. Residency is calculated based on the dates shown on immigration stamps and IRP cards.

Applicants should note that not all immigration stamps count toward the required residency period. As with other permissions, additional eligibility criteria apply.

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Validity

Stamp 5 permission is valid until the expiry of the passport in which the stamp is placed.

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Benefits

Stamp 5 permission offers:

• The right to work in Ireland without an employment permit
• Full flexibility to change employers or roles

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If an individual renews their passport shortly before applying, Stamp 5 permission may be granted for up to 10 years, reducing renewal requirements even further.

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Important Information for Potential Applicants

• Each residency route has extensive eligibility criteria that should be carefully reviewed before applying
• Certain immigration permissions do not count toward long-term residence calculations
• Some individuals may wish to consider Irish naturalisation as an alternative long-term option

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If you would like an overview of employment-based pathways that lead toward long-term residence, you may also find our Ireland immigration and employment permit guidance helpful. Understanding how these permissions differ is key to planning a compliant and sustainable long-term stay in Ireland. Individuals on employment permits may also wish to review the differences between Critical Skills and General Employment Permits in Ireland.

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Contact and Disclaimer

Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.

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For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

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The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

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