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What are Stamps and what kind of Stamp am I eligible for?
What are Stamps and what kind of Stamp am I eligible for?

There are different types of Stamps in Ireland. This article will give you an overview of some of the Stamps and their purposes.

Alina Spanuth avatar
Written by Alina Spanuth
Updated over 2 years ago

Each permission type is illustrated by a Stamp number (Stamp 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Here is an overview of the most commonly used Stamps.

Stamp 1

Stamp 1 indicates permission to work or operate a business in Ireland. In order to obtain a Stamp 1 permission, you must hold a valid employment permit, or a letter from ISD stating that you can work without an employment permit. You must not start a job or enter employment unless you or your employer has obtained an employment permit for you, or if your letter of permission clearly states you do not require an employment permit.

Stamp 1A

You may hold a Stamp 1A permission if you are doing an Accountancy traineeship. This permission is a time bound permission, and you must complete your accountancy course within 4 years.

Stamp 1G

Stamp 1G indicates you have finished your studies in Ireland and have permission to look for employment here under the Third Level Graduate Programme, subject to conditions.

Stamp 1G is granted for 12 months only, except for those who have completed a master’s degree programme, then a further 12 months can be provided (subject to conditions).

Stamp 1G may also be given to spouses or de facto partners of a CSEP holder or of researchers in the State on a Hosting Agreement. Stamp 1G allows the holder to take up employment without the need to obtain an employment permit.

Summary of employment conditions for spouses and de facto partners of CSEP holders and researchers on a Hosting Agreement permission:

  • Permitted to work in the State without the requirement to obtain a work permit

  • Permitted to undertake courses of study in the State

  • Not permitted to establish or operate a business

  • Not permitted to be self-employed

  • Renewal of the Stamp 1G registration should be applied for annually, and after 5 years on a Stamp 1G, you may apply for a Stamp 4

  • Periods spent on Stamp 1G are considered as reckonable residence for the purpose of making an application for Citizenship/Naturalisation

Stamp 2

You may hold a Stamp 2 permission if you are studying in Ireland. After you complete your studies you may turn the Stamp into a Stamp 1G or Stamp 1 if you apply for an employment permit.

Stamp 3

You may be given Stamp 3 if you have permission to:

  • Volunteer, for example with a charity or non-profit organisation

  • Be a minister of religion

  • Join your non-EEA/EU/Swiss spouse/civil partner or family member who is here based on a work permit.

Stamp 4

When holding the Stamp 4 you can take up employment and are not required to hold an employment permit. It is not necessary to undergo an employer change; work is permitted at any employer.

You may be given Stamp 4, after you have had permission to work in Ireland:

  • With a valid Critical Skills Employment Permit for 2 years

  • With a valid employment permit for 5 years

  • As a researcher (with a valid Hosting Agreement) for 2 years.

You may be given Stamp 4 if you are granted permission:

  • To join and reside with your Irish spouse, civil partner or de-facto partner

  • As a convention or programme refugee, or based on subsidiary protection

  • To join your family member who is a recognised refugee or has been granted subsidiary protection

  • To remain with your child who is an Irish citizen

  • Under the Investor and Entrepreneur Programme (including spouse/partner & eligible family member)

  • For Long Term Residence

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