Ireland Permanent Residency, also known as Long-Term Residence, requires non-EU nationals to live in the country for at least five years before becoming Permanent Residents (PR). Once they become permanent residents, they can live and work freely without visa restrictions.
In this article, let us find out the eligibility requirements, the different pathways to get a PR, and how to get an Ireland Permanent Residency.
Key Takeaways
- Ireland PR (Long-Term Residence) is available after 5 years of legal stay, mainly through employment permits
- Critical Skills Employment Permit + Stamp 4 is the most common PR route
- PR allows visa-free work, business ownership, family sponsorship, and public benefits
- Permanent residents can later apply for Irish citizenship after meeting residence conditions
Table of contents
Eligibility Requirements for Ireland Permanent Residency
To be eligible for an Irish PR, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be above 18 years of age
- Should have lived in Ireland for at least 5 years. During these 5 years, you will need to obtain a Critical Skill Employment Permit, which will allow you to work and live there for 2 years. After that, you can apply for a Stamp 4 visa, which will allow you to stay there for another three years, and then you can apply for permanent residency.
- Must be legally employed at the time of applying for PR
- If you are applying on a sponsor visa, you should have been married to an Irish national for at least three years.
- Must meet the language proficiency test
- Must have a clean criminal record
- Should have good health while applying for PR
Documents Required for Ireland Permanent Residency
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you need to gather the following documents for submission:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Copy of your work permits
- Copy of your Irish residency permit or GNIB card
- Copy of your Certificate of Registration
How to Apply for an Ireland PR
Here’s the step-by-step procedure to help you easily navigate the application process:
Step 1: Meet the eligibility criteria, such as staying in the country for at least 5 years, employment, language proficiency, and financial stability.
Step 2: Gather the required documents as mentioned above.
Step 3: Submit your application form and documents via email or post to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service’s Long Term Residency Division.
Step 4: Pay the application fee of €500 through a bank draft or postal order within a timeframe.
Step 5: Once the immigration officials receive your application, you may be called for an interview to verify your details.
Step 6: Wait for a decision. The processing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Step 7: Once your application gets approved, you will receive a confirmation stating your long-term residence on stamp 4. If you have a spouse, you must visit the GNIB office to get stamps 3 or 4.
Pathways to Obtain an Ireland PR
There are many routes to get permanent residence in Ireland, such as:
Long-term Residency
If you have legally lived in Ireland for at least 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence. This is the simplest pathway to PR.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
To apply for an Irish PR under this permit, the applicant must have a valid job offer for at least two years and must be earning €30,000 per annum.
Worker Status
If you are an EEA or Swiss citizen, you can stay in Ireland for up to 6 months if you have just moved to the country and are looking for work. Further, you can apply for unemployment benefits from your home country. As part of unemployment benefits, Ireland will pay for 3 months to 6 months, depending on the situation.
EU workers are individuals whose work is considered “genuine and effective” and paid directly by the employer. If you are self-employed, you can also be a legal resident of Ireland if your work is “genuine and effective”.
Former Worker Status
If you have stopped working in Ireland, you can retain the worker status if you fall in any of the listed categories – if you are on maternity or paternity leave, if you have any illness, become unemployed voluntarily to start vocational training relating to your work area, etc.
Family Reunification
If you have an Ireland PR, your family can join you. However, whether they will need a visa or not will depend on whether they are citizens of the EU, Switzerland, EEA, and the UK. For example, if your family member is not a citizen, they will need a visa to enter the country. If they have an EU residence card, they won’t need a travel permit.
Students
An international student is eligible for a PR in Ireland if he/she fulfils these requirements :
- must be studying in an authorised Irish educational institution
- must have a comprehensive health insurance or travel policy before entering the country
- must have sufficient financial resources to support their stay without depending on the Social Welfare System
Sufficient Resources
If you are financially stable to support yourself and your family in Ireland, there is no particular requirement of earnings set for PR by the Irish authorities. However, you must have a comprehensive health and travel insurance policy.
What are the Benefits of Getting an Ireland Permanent Residency?
Applicants can enjoy the following benefits upon obtaining permanent residence in Ireland:
- Right to live and work freely in the country without any immigration restrictions
- Access to citizenship in around 185 countries
- PR holders can travel to the UK without any visa requirements
- Your children will have access to free education in Irish institutions
- You can start any business in the country without any restrictions
- If you are a business owner, having PR will allow you to exchange goods in 28 states freely
- Ireland has the lowest tax rates
- Access to public services and social benefits
- Pathway to citizenship after holding PR visa for a few years
- PR holders can sponsor eligible family members
Conclusion
Compared to other countries, Ireland’s PR process is quite straightforward. If you meet all the eligibility requirements, have the essential documents in place, and choose the right pathway, getting permanent residency in Ireland can be a cakewalk.
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