Ireland has increased popularity as a long-term resident country due to its strong economy, high living standards, and welcoming immigration policy. Non-EU individuals can live, work, and settle in Ireland with Permanent Residency (PR). High levels are inducing significant delays in Ireland's long-term residency applications as of March 2025. Application entries are met with acknowledgement upon entry into the system. A requirement for eligibility is 5 years of legal residency with an employment permit. Future immigration policies could be affected by recent political developments, including the general election of 2024.
What are the requirements for PR in Ireland?
Work Permit
General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit
You should have resided and worked in Ireland for five consecutive years continuously under an employment permit to be eligible for long-term residency. If you hold an Employment Permit for Critical Skills, the period may be reduced.
Further Work Permits
If you have worked in the past on any other type of employment permit, you should have been residing in Ireland on a permission for a minimum period of 5 years.
Work and Income Requirements
You need to work in a career that is highly skill-specific or is very much needed in Ireland.
You must be working full-time and making the minimum amount of money.
In general terms, applicants will have earned an average salary of at least, depending on the profession, within the last year or years of residence.
Residency Status
You have to be in a position to show that you have resided in Ireland consistently and legally reside there.
You should have met the terms of your visa or permit and be in good standing with Irish immigration authorities.
Character and Welfare
The applicants should not have a criminal record.
Aside from undergoing a health screening process, you may also be required to present proof of your adequate health insurance in Ireland.
Language Proficiency
Even though it is not typically necessary, the applicants can be requested to prove their English (and sometimes Irish) fluency as an indication of their integration into Irish society.
The amount of language ability demanded can change depending on the specific visa or permit you are seeking.
Intent to Reside in Ireland
You have to demonstrate that you have an intent to reside permanently in Ireland.
This could be attested by your employment record, family ties, or other types of social or economic integration.
Economic Contribution
For some routes, such as the Investor or Entrepreneur Programs, you will need to demonstrate that you are or have been an economic contribution to the country, either by investing in the Irish economy, generating employment, or making a significant contribution to the local economy.
Eligibility criteria for PR in Ireland?
Minimum Age
Applicants should be 21 years of age or older upon application.
Dependent children younger than eighteen years old can be included in a parent's application but cannot apply independently.
Residence requirement
Should have had a valid visa and been a legal resident in Ireland for at least five years (60 months).
After two years of legal residence, researchers and Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can apply for permanent residence.
Tourist, business, and student visas are some of the short-term visas that do not accrue toward PR eligibility.
Education and Skills requirements
Skilled workers and professionals need to have the qualifications required for their profession, but there is no compulsory educational requirement for PR.
Prospective holders of a critical skills work permit are generally required to have a bachelor's or master's degree in a field with significant demand.
Economic and Employment Stability
Applicants are required to have employment in Ireland and a solid source of financial income.
Must not have relied on state allowance handouts financially.
Evidence of financial stability needs to be furnished in the form of tax compliance (P60s, wageslips, and tax certifications).
Residence Permit Category (Visa Stamp Required)
A student visa (Stamp 2) was not accepted with applications for PR.
A valid Stamp 1, Stamp 3, or Stamp 4 permission was needed.
Applications for PR are not considered for student visas (Stamp 2).
English proficiency (if applicable)
English proficiency evidence could be required for business-based or employment-related applications, while it is not always required.
Candidates might be asked to provide their IELTS or equivalent language test score.
Documents Required for Ireland Permanent Residency
Completed Application Form (Form 5 for Long-Term Residency)
Valid Passport (copy of all stamped pages)
Irish Residence Permit (IRP) Card (current and previous)
Proof of Legal Residency (passport stamps, visa copies)
Employment Records (work permit, contract, P60s, payslips)
Proof of Financial Stability (bank statements, tax returns)
Proof of Address (utility bills, rental agreements)
Police Clearance Certificate (criminal record check)
Tax Compliance Documents (Revenue clearance, tax payment records)
Marriage or Birth Certificates (if applying with family)
How to apply for Permanent Residency in Ireland?
Check Eligibility
Check your eligibility by ensuring you have been living in Ireland for the required period, usually five years or two years for Critical Skills Employment Permit holders.
Gather the required documents
Obtain the required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of employment, tax returns, proof of legal residence, and an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Fill out the application form
On the Irish Immigration website, complete Form 5 (Long-Term Residency Application).
Submit Application
By post or online, if possible, submit the completed application form to the Department of Justice along with the required documents.
Processing Fee
If required, pay the processing fee for the PR.
Wait for Processing: Processing an application could take up to 6 to 12 months.
Get Decision: If your application is accepted, you will be issued Stamp 4, which will allow you to live and work in Ireland without restriction.
Renew PR Status: Provided you continue to meet the requirements, your PR, which is typically granted for five years, can be renewed.
You may apply for permanent residence in Ireland through the following procedures.
Benefits to Get Ireland Permanent Residency
Indefinite Stay & Work: No requirement to renew a visa or apply for a work permit.
Pathway to Citizenship: Get the chance to become an Irish citizen after several years.
Healthcare & Education Access: Enjoy public healthcare and education opportunities.
Family Sponsorship: Sponsor family members for residency.
Travel Freedom: Easier access to EU and Schengen countries.
Improved Job Opportunities: You may work in any sector without restrictions.
Social Security Benefits: Eligible for certain welfare benefits.
Secure Living Conditions: Ireland boasts a strong economy and a high standard of living.
