The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) replaced the older GNIB card in 2020. It is issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau to non-EEA nationals who have been granted permission to remain in Ireland — for work, study, family, or other purposes.
The stamp type on your IRP determines what you can do in Ireland: whether you can work, what services you can access, and how long your permission lasts. Understanding your stamp type is the foundation of navigating Irish immigration.
Changing employer on a work permit
Stamp 1 rules, the new permit process, employer-linking
IRP for students
Stamp 2, work hour limits, annual renewal, and post-graduation
Family reunification
Bringing family members to Ireland — who qualifies and how
Long-term residency — Stamp 4
The 5-year rule, what Stamp 4 gives you, and the path to Stamp 5
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