›Irish visa requirements: stamps, residence types and BIVS
Ireland's unique position
Ireland maintains its own immigration system separate from Schengen. While an EU member, it operates the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK.
For non-EEA nationals, Ireland and the UK created the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), allowing certain visa holders to travel between the two countries on a single visa.
Stamp 1: Employment permit holder
Stamp 1 is for employment permit holders — those on Critical Skills permits, General Employment Permits, or similar work authorizations. Typically granted for 2 years and renewable, it allows UK access under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) and is the most widely recognized Irish stamp by third countries for travel benefits.
Stamp 2: Student visa
Full-time students at recognized Irish institutions receive Stamp 2, with duration matching your course length. Work rights are limited to 20 hours per week during term time. Eligible nationalities get UK access under BIVS. Third-country travel recognition is limited compared to work stamps — verify per destination.
Stamp 3: Dependent/spouse
Family members of Irish residents typically receive Stamp 3. No work permission unless you secure separate authorization. Travel benefits and BIVS eligibility mirror your sponsor's stamp type.
Stamp 4: Long-term residence
Stamp 4 is Ireland's long-term residence permit, granted after 5+ years of legal residence or to immediate family members of Irish or EU citizens. Unlike earlier stamps, Stamp 4 allows unrestricted employment—you can work anywhere, for anyone, doing anything legal.
It's renewable every 5 years and is the most valuable stamp for third-country travel benefits short of permanent residence.
Stamp 5: No conditions, no time limit
Stamp 5 is Irish permanent residence—the ultimate immigration status. No expiration date, no renewal requirements, no conditions on your activities. It's the most widely accepted Irish credential by third countries and represents full immigration security.
Qualifying typically requires 5+ years on Stamp 4 or 8+ years of total legal residence in Ireland. INIS assesses eligibility case by case — check with them directly for your situation. Once you have Stamp 5, you're essentially on equal footing with Irish citizens for everything except voting and passports.
›British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS): UK access with an Irish visa
Ireland and the UK share a Common Travel Area (CTA), allowing Irish and British citizens to move freely between both countries. For non-EEA nationals, the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) extends a version of this benefit — letting eligible visa holders visit both countries on a single visa.
If you hold an Irish visa AND your nationality is on the BIVS list (currently Chinese and Indian nationals), you can visit the UK without a separate UK visa. Requirements:
- Valid Irish visa marked "BIVS" on the visa sticker
- You must land in Ireland first (not direct to UK)
- You can then travel between Ireland and UK freely during your permitted stay
- Stay limit: 90 days within any 180-day period for short-stay visas
BIVS eligibility is limited and policy-driven. The official list is published by Irish Immigration—currently focused on Chinese and Indian nationals living in China or India. See the official BIVS guidance for up-to-date eligibility details.
›How to apply for an Irish visa: requirements and steps
Step 1: Determine visa type needed
Check if you need a visa at all—many nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, etc.) can enter Ireland visa-free for 90 days. If you need a visa, determine the category: visit, study, work, or family reunification.
Step 2: Apply online
All applications go through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) online portal. Required documents typically include:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport photos (recent, ICAO standard)
- Letter of invitation or employment contract (if applicable)
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage)
- Proof of accommodation
Short-stay (C) visas typically process in 8 weeks; long-stay (D) visas in 8–12 weeks. Fees are published on the Irish Immigration fee schedule.
Step 3: Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card
If staying longer than 90 days, you must register with immigration and receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. Register within 90 days of arrival. The IRP card shows your stamp type and validity period.
›Countries you can visit with an Irish visa or residence permit
An Irish visa or residence permit unlocks access to Ireland itself plus additional countries that accept Irish visas or permits for simplified entry. The exact list depends on your permit type — Stamp 1 (work) and Stamp 4–5 (long-term residence) are most widely recognized by third countries.
Entry rules change frequently. Recognition varies by nationality and permit type. Always verify current requirements with the destination country's embassy or official immigration website before traveling.
Ireland and UK (Common Travel Area)
- Ireland — Your visa or residence permit is issued here and valid for the duration of your permitted stay.
- United Kingdom — Accessible via the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) for eligible nationalities (currently Chinese and Indian nationals). Other nationalities require a separate UK visa regardless of Irish stamp type. See the BIVS section above for full details.
Third countries that may accept Irish residence permits
A small number of countries accept Irish long-term residence permits (Stamp 4 or Stamp 5) for simplified entry. Recognition is nationality-specific and subject to change — verify with each destination's consulate before travel.
- Certain Schengen states — Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 holders may qualify for simplified Schengen visa processing in some countries; this does not grant visa-free entry. A separate Schengen visa is still required if your nationality requires one. Check with the specific Schengen member state's embassy.
- Some third countries — May recognize Irish residence as evidence of financial ties for visa applications, potentially simplifying the process. This varies widely by country and applicant nationality.
Key conditions
- Permit validity: Your Irish visa or IRP card must be valid at the time of travel. Expired permits do not qualify for any third-country benefits.
- BIVS requires Ireland-first entry: You must enter Ireland before proceeding to the UK under BIVS. Flying directly to the UK on an Irish BIVS visa is not permitted.
- Stamp type matters: Stamp 1 and Stamp 4–5 are most recognized. Stamp 2 (student) and Stamp 3 (dependent) recognition by third countries is limited — verify per destination.
- Ireland is not in Schengen. An Irish visa grants no automatic right of entry to Schengen states.
›Common Irish visa mistakes to avoid
Assuming Irish visa works for Schengen
Ireland is NOT in Schengen. Your Irish visa does not grant Schengen access. Having an Irish residence permit (Stamp 4) may support a Schengen visa application but does not itself grant Schengen entry — a separate Schengen visa is required based on your nationality.
Flying direct to UK on BIVS
BIVS requires you to land in Ireland first. If you fly directly to the UK, you won't be admitted. Always enter Ireland before proceeding to the UK.
Not registering for IRP within 90 days
Failing to register is a serious violation. You can face fines, deportation, or denial of future visas. Book your registration appointment as soon as you arrive.
Working on wrong stamp type
Stamp 2 (student) and Stamp 3 (dependent) have strict work limitations. Working full-time or without proper permission can result in visa revocation and deportation. Always verify your work rights before accepting employment.
Expecting BIVS access for all nationalities
BIVS eligibility is nationality-specific — see the BIVS section above for current eligible nationalities. Other nationalities holding Irish visas cannot use BIVS for UK entry — you need a separate UK visa regardless of your Irish stamp type.
Missing IRP appointment slots
Dublin IRP registration appointments are notoriously difficult to book — slots fill within seconds of release. Set up alerts, use the online booking system early in the morning, and apply for your appointment as soon as you arrive. Outside Dublin, registration is handled at local Garda stations and is generally faster.
