1. What is the Stamp 1 Visa in Ireland?
The Stamp 1 visa in Ireland is a residence permit that allows non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals to work in Ireland under an employment permit or set up their own business. Stamp 1 is issued on employment and business-related grounds, giving the holder permission to live and work in Ireland for a specified period, typically tied to a specific job or business venture.
2. Who is Eligible for the Stamp 1 Visa?
The Stamp 1 visa is available to non-EEA nationals who have:
- Employment Permits: Most commonly through the General Employment Permit or Critical Skills Employment Permit for working professionals.
- Business Permission: For non-EEA nationals establishing a business in Ireland, usually with pre-approval from Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.
- Atypical Working Scheme: For individuals engaged in specific types of short-term, atypical work assignments in Ireland.
Each category has specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
3. Types of Employment Permits for Stamp 1 Holders
To receive a Stamp 1 visa, applicants typically require one of the following employment permits:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: For highly skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, medicine, and finance. This permit is valid for 2 years and offers a pathway to long-term residency.
- General Employment Permit: For other eligible skilled workers. This permit is usually issued for up to 2 years and can be renewed.
- Atypical Working Scheme Permit: For short-term work assignments (up to 90 days) in specialized roles that do not fall under the traditional employment permits.
The type of permit you receive will affect your residency rights and eligibility for long-term residency in Ireland.
4. How to Apply for a Stamp 1 Visa
The application process for Stamp 1 involves obtaining an employment permit or business permission first, followed by residency registration.
Step 1: Obtain an Employment Permit or Business Permission
- Apply for an Employment Permit: Employers must usually initiate the employment permit application through Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE).
- Business Permission: For entrepreneurs, submit a business proposal to DETE for approval.
Step 2: Enter Ireland
- Once the employment permit or business permission is approved, you can enter Ireland.
Step 3: Register with the Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
- Visit a Registration Office: Schedule an appointment with immigration officials to register for the Stamp 1 visa.
- Provide Required Documents: Submit your passport, employment permit or business permission, proof of address, and other required documents.
- Pay the Registration Fee: The Stamp 1 registration fee is €300.
5. Documents Required for Stamp 1 Registration
To register for the Stamp 1 visa, you will need:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
- Employment Permit or Business Permission: Original permit or approval letter.
- Proof of Address: Utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement showing your Irish address.
- Employment Contract or Business Plan: Proof of work or business activities.
- Application Fee: €300 registration fee.
Gathering these documents ahead of time will help ensure a smoother application process.
6. Rights and Restrictions of Stamp 1 Visa Holders
With a Stamp 1 visa, holders have the following rights and restrictions:
- Employment: Authorized to work in Ireland under the terms of the employment permit.
- Self-Employment: Allowed for holders with approved business permission.
- Renewal: Most employment permits are renewable, allowing continued residence in Ireland.
- Pathway to Long-Term Residency: After 5 years on a Stamp 1 visa (or 2 years with a Critical Skills Employment Permit), holders may qualify for Stamp 4, granting more permanent residency rights.
Stamp 1 holders cannot access public funds and are expected to abide by the conditions of their employment or business permission.
7. Renewing a Stamp 1 Visa
To renew a Stamp 1 visa:
- Apply for Permit Renewal: Begin by renewing your employment permit (if applicable) through the DETE.
- Register at the Immigration Office: Bring your renewed permit, passport, and proof of continued employment or business activities to an immigration office.
- Pay the Renewal Fee: A €300 registration fee is required for renewal.
Most employment permits allow for multiple renewals, supporting continued residency.
8. Moving from Stamp 1 to Stamp 4
After 5 years of residency on a Stamp 1 visa, holders may qualify for Stamp 4, which grants more permanent residency rights. Those with a Critical Skills Employment Permit can apply for Stamp 4 after 2 years, allowing them to work without an employment permit.
Stamp 4 permits allow holders to work, study, or start a business without restrictions, as well as access certain public services.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can Stamp 1 holders bring dependents to Ireland?
A: Yes, dependents may accompany Stamp 1 holders, but they must apply for their own residence permissions, typically under Stamp 3.
Q2: Can I switch employers with a Stamp 1 visa?
A: Changing employers requires a new employment permit, so your new employer must apply for the permit before you can switch roles.
Q3: How long is the Stamp 1 visa valid?
A: Stamp 1 validity matches your employment permit, typically 1-2 years for General Employment Permits and 2 years for Critical Skills permits.
Q4: Is Stamp 1 a pathway to permanent residency?
A: Yes, after 5 years on a Stamp 1 visa (or 2 years with a Critical Skills Employment Permit), holders can apply for Stamp 4 residency.
Q5: Can I study while on a Stamp 1 visa?
A: Yes, you can study while on a Stamp 1 visa, although it is primarily intended for work or business.
Q6: Can I switch from a Stamp 1 to a Stamp 4 visa?
A: Yes, after meeting the residency requirements, you can apply for Stamp 4, granting more permanent residency rights.