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Work & employment permits

Irish Stamp 1 and Stamp 4 Work Permission

These immigration permission stamps determine whether a non-EEA worker needs an employment permit to work in Ireland, setting the conditions attached to their stay and residence.

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ireland government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Immigration permission stamps (Stamp 1 / Stamp 4)
Route type
Immigration permission recorded on the Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
Stamp 1
Permission to work or operate a business, subject to conditions (usually with an employment permit)
Stamp 4
Permission to work without an employment permit, subject to conditions
Citizenship
Both Stamp 1 and Stamp 4 are reckonable as residence for naturalisation

Who it is for

  • Non-EEA workers who hold an employment permit and register on Stamp 1
  • People who qualify to work without a permit (e.g. spouses of Irish nationals, long-term residents) and register on Stamp 4
  • Critical Skills Employment Permit holders who upgrade to Stamp 4 after the qualifying period

Requirements

  • Stamp 1 generally requires a valid employment permit and adherence to its conditions
  • Stamp 4 is granted on the basis of a qualifying status (e.g. family of an Irish citizen, permit-based upgrade, or long-term residence)
  • You must register your permission with Immigration Service Delivery and hold a valid Irish Residence Permit

What you can do

  • Stamp 1: work for the employer/role tied to your employment permit
  • Stamp 4: take up any employment or self-employment without an employment permit, subject to conditions
  • Build reckonable residence towards long-term residence and citizenship

How to apply

  • Register in person with Immigration Service Delivery (or your local immigration registration office) after arriving
  • Renew your registration before it expires to maintain continuous legal residence
  • Apply to change your stamp where your circumstances qualify (e.g. Stamp 1 to Stamp 4 upgrade)

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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