What Stamp 4 gives you
Key rights under Stamp 4
- Work for any employer in any role — no work permit needed
- Start a business or work self-employed
- Access most public services including social welfare (subject to HRC and means tests)
- Apply for a medical card if income qualifies
- Remain in Ireland indefinitely, subject to renewal
The 5-year rule
The standard qualifying period is 5 years (60 months) of continuous legal residence. Time on Stamp 1, Stamp 2, Stamp 4, or Stamp 4S counts. Time on Stamp 3 generally does not. Significant absences from Ireland — more than 6 months in a year, or more than 18 months over the 5-year period — may affect eligibility.
How to apply
Apply to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) at inisonline.jahs.ie. Upload: passport, current IRP, evidence of 5 years of continuous residence, and pay the application fee. Processing typically takes 4–6 months. You can continue renewing your existing IRP while waiting.
From Stamp 4 to Stamp 5
After 8 years of continuous legal residence, you may qualify for Stamp 5 — permission without any time condition. This is effectively permanent residency. The application process is similar to long-term residency but requires evidence of 8 continuous years.
More IRP guides
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