Immigration status
Any non-EU/EEA national wishing to stay in Ireland for more than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to obtain a GNIB Registration Card. In Ireland, the police force is called the ‘Garda Siochana’, the ‘Garda’ or the ‘Gardai’. The fee for registering with the Garda for GNIB card is currently €100. Registration can be done in your local Garda station in Limerick or through your local immigration officer. For more details about your rights and entitlements, contact your local Citizens Information Centre, Garda stations or Doras Luimni organisation.
To register you must bring:
You will receive a GNIB registration certificate with a plastic card, and a stamp in your passport. There are a number of different residency stamps:
Stamp 1 shows that you are entitled to work if you have a valid work permit.
Stamp 2 shows that you are a student and may be entitled to work up 20 hours a week part time.
Stamp 2A shows that you are a student but are not allowed to enter paid employment.
Stamp 3 is a limited stamp which shows that you cannot work or study full time in Ireland. This is usually given to visitors or spouse’s dependants.
Stamp 4 shows that you are entitled to work without a work permit. It is issued to people on work visas or work authorisations, and also to, for example:
Stamp 6 means you have permission to stay for as long as you want.
Visas: Citizens of certain countries need a visa in order to come to Ireland. You may apply for an Irish visa at your nearest Irish embassy or consulate. A visa does not give you any automatic right to live or work in Ireland.
Your right to work as an employee, to be self-employed or set up a business in Ireland depends on your immigration status. Many people are free to work in Ireland without a work permit or visa.
Employees in Ireland have a legal right to join a trade union. Trade unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members.
Any non-EU/EEA national wishing to stay in Ireland for more than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to obtain a GNIB Registration Card. In Ireland, the police force is called the ‘Garda Siochana’, the ‘Garda’ or the ‘Gardai’. The fee for registering with the Garda for GNIB card is currently €100. Registration can be done in your local Garda station in Limerick or through your local immigration officer. For more details about your rights and entitlements, contact your local Citizens Information Centre, Garda stations or Doras Luimni organisation.
To register you must bring:
- Your passport; and
- Evidence of permission to reside in the country, for example: a copy of your work permit; or
- A college or school registration and proof that you have paid the fees.
You will receive a GNIB registration certificate with a plastic card, and a stamp in your passport. There are a number of different residency stamps:
Stamp 1 shows that you are entitled to work if you have a valid work permit.
Stamp 2 shows that you are a student and may be entitled to work up 20 hours a week part time.
Stamp 2A shows that you are a student but are not allowed to enter paid employment.
Stamp 3 is a limited stamp which shows that you cannot work or study full time in Ireland. This is usually given to visitors or spouse’s dependants.
Stamp 4 shows that you are entitled to work without a work permit. It is issued to people on work visas or work authorisations, and also to, for example:
- Spouses of Irish and EU citizens;
- Refugees;
- People with Irish Born Child residency; and
- People with long-term residency status.
Stamp 6 means you have permission to stay for as long as you want.
Visas: Citizens of certain countries need a visa in order to come to Ireland. You may apply for an Irish visa at your nearest Irish embassy or consulate. A visa does not give you any automatic right to live or work in Ireland.
Your right to work as an employee, to be self-employed or set up a business in Ireland depends on your immigration status. Many people are free to work in Ireland without a work permit or visa.
Employees in Ireland have a legal right to join a trade union. Trade unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members.