After Your Permit is Approved
Getting the employment permit is step one. Here's everything you need to do next — from entering Ireland to registering your immigration permission.
1. Entry Visa (If Required)
An employment permit is not an entry visa. If you are from a visa-required country, you must apply for a 'D' (long-stay) entry visa at your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate before travelling to Ireland.
- Apply online at irishimmigration.ie
- Check visa requirements by nationality at dfa.ie
- Carry the original employment permit for inspection on arrival
- Entry is always at the discretion of the Immigration Officer
2. IRP Registration
Every non-EEA national staying more than 90 days must register with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) within 90 days of arrival.
First-Time Registration
- In-person at Burgh Quay Registration Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2
- Book an appointment at inisonline.jahs.ie
- If you cannot get an appointment within 90 days, DETE will not cancel your permission as long as you can demonstrate you sought one promptly
Renewals
- All renewals are applied for online
- Renew at least 1 month before expiry to avoid unlawful presence
3. IRP Card (Irish Residence Permit)
Upon successful registration, an IRP card is issued by post. It is not an identity card but proves you are legally residing in Ireland.
The card shows your stamp type, the conditions attached to your permission, and the period you are permitted to remain.
4. Immigration Stamps
Your stamp type determines what you can and cannot do in Ireland. Here are the stamps relevant to employment permit holders:
General EP, ICT, Contract for Services, Reactivation, Sport & Cultural holders
Can work only for named employer in named occupation. Must hold valid employment permit.
Trainee accountants in paid, IAASA-regulated accountancy training
Cannot work in other business or profession. Must complete within 4 years.
Spouses/partners of CSEP holders; researchers on Hosting Agreements; Graduate Programme participants
Work without employment permit. Cannot set up business. Renewal annually. After 5 years → Stamp 4.
Doctors with multi-site General EP as NCHD in public hospital
Can move hospitals within HSE group after initial 6-month contract.
Students on ILEP-listed courses
Work max 20 hrs/week in term; 40 hrs/week holidays. Max 7 years total. NOT reckonable for citizenship.
Dependants of General EP holders; volunteers; ministers of religion
Cannot work. Reckonable for citizenship.
CSEP holders after 2 years; General EP after 5 years; spouses of Irish citizens; refugees
No permit needed. Can work in any profession. Can run a business. Reckonable for citizenship.
Long-term residents — Without Condition as to Time
Indefinite leave to remain (subject to passport expiry). Reckonable for citizenship.
Source: irishimmigration.ie
5. PPS Number
A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is required for work, tax, and access to public services. You cannot start work without one.
How to Apply
- Create a MyGovID account at mygovid.ie
- Apply online at services.mywelfare.ie
- Book and attend an in-person appointment at a PPS Number Allocation Centre
- PPS number is issued by post
Documents Required
- Valid passport
- Proof of address: utility bill, official letter, bank statement, or tenancy agreement (not older than 3 months)
6. Changing Employer
Employment permits are employer-specific. Changing employer generally requires a new permit application.
First 9 Months
Cannot change employer without DETE approval. Exceptions: redundancy, medical doctor rotations, or fundamental change to employment relationship.
After 9 Months
Can apply for a new permit with a new employer, subject to normal requirements including LMNT if applicable.
If made redundant: Notify DETE within 4 weeks. You have 6 months to secure new employment and apply for a new permit.
7. Family Reunification
CSEP Holders
Eligible for immediate family reunification from the date the CSEP is granted. Spouse receives Stamp 1G (can work without a permit).
General EP Holders
Spouses and dependants must apply for their own employment permit independently. Not eligible for the Dependant/Spouse permit.