The Irish government has opened applications for Long-Term Residency, popularly known as Permanent Residency (PR), with a surprisingly accessible application fee of approximately €500 (around ₹52,000). It offers non-EU/EEA citizens, including Indians, the right to live, work and study in Ireland indefinitely, marking a significant step towards potential Irish citizenship.
Achieving PR status in Ireland is a structured process built on a foundation of five years of legal residence. The journey typically begins with a employment permit. A popular route involves securing a Critical Skills Employment Permit. This permit allows an individual to work and live in Ireland for an initial two years. After this period, the individual can then apply for a Stamp 4 permission, which grants further stay for another three years without the need for an employment permit. Upon completing a total of 60 months (5 years) of legal residence, one becomes eligible to apply for Long-Term Residency.
Who is Eligible for Irish PR?
To qualify for Long-Term Residency in Ireland, applicants must meet several key criteria:
Legal Residence: Have completed a minimum of 60 months (5 years) of legal residence in Ireland.
Valid Employment Permits: Have held valid employment permits, such as a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit, for the majority of the stay.
Current Employment: Be legally employed in Ireland at the time of the application (self-employment is not accepted).
Good Character: Must not have a criminal record and must be of good character.
Financial Stability: Should not have been an undue burden on the state and must have sufficient financial funds.
Compliance: Must have complied with all conditions of previous immigration permissions.
It is important to note that any significant periods of absence from Ireland during the five-year qualifying period will not be counted towards the residency requirement.
Ireland PR Application Process
The application process for Irish Permanent Residency is clear and methodical:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria, including the 5-year residency, employment status, and good character requirements.
- Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, including:
- A completed application form.
- A valid passport and copies of all previous passport endorsements.
- A copy of your current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
- Copies of all employment permits held during your stay.
- Your Certificate of Registration.
- Submit Application: Send the complete application to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
- Pay the Fee: If approved, you will receive a letter requesting the payment of the €500 (approximately Rs 51,254) application fee. This must be paid within 28 days of the date on the approval letter.
- Processing Time: The processing time for a Long-Term Residency application can vary but generally takes between 6 to 8 months.
- Receive Approval: Once the fee is processed, you will be granted Long-Term Residency status, which is typically endorsed on a Stamp 4 permission.
This announcement provides a clear and affordable pathway for skilled Indian professionals and their families to build a future in one of Europe's most culturally rich and economically dynamic nations. With a straightforward process and a transparent fee structure, Ireland is positioning itself as a top destination for global talent seeking permanent settlement.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
