In This Section

Introduction
Registration
What you need to know about Irish Residence Permits
What does an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) look like?

Introduction

Here you will read important information about the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.

Registration

If you are coming to Ireland from outside the EU and Switzerland, and wish to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for an immigration permission and then register it once it’s granted.

Registration is how we record you have been given permission to stay in Ireland. The type of permission you receive is printed on an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) sent to you by post once you have successfully registered.

Once permission is granted, you must register it within 90 days to apply for your IRP card. If you cannot get an appointment within this period don’t worry – we will not cancel your permission or expect you to leave the country while you are waiting to register.

What you need to know about Irish Residence Permits

An Irish Residence Permit is a small wallet-sized card that shows you are legally in the State through the type of immigration permission you have, represented by a stamp number. Each stamp shows what you can do while you are here, for instance study, work or invest in a business.

  • An in date IRP card allows the holder to travel freely from and return to the state

  • An IRP card is not an identity card but it’s an important document that proves you are legally in Ireland

  • The IRP does not give you any new rights or entitlements.

What does an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) look like?

The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is a credit-card sized plastic card that displays basic information about you. This includes:

Click here to view a sample IRP card

  • Your name, signature, photo, date of birth and registration number

  • A brief description of your immigration permission, including your permission stamp number

  • A microchip with a copy of your photo, fingerprints and personal details.

For example, an IRP does not allow you to travel to or live freely in other EU countries. All existing international travel and immigration rules still apply. It is your responsibility to check what you need to enter other countries before you travel.