Changes to first-time registration of immigration permission in Ireland

Changes were introduced by the Department of Justice on 13 January 2025 in relation to the processing of first-time registration applications for foreign nationals seeking to register their immigration permission in Ireland.

The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) will now be the sole department responsible for these applications.

Background

Foreign nationals from countries outside of the EU, EEA, UK or Switzerland who intend to work, study or reside in Ireland for a period of more than 90 days are required to obtain a specific permission to do so (generally under an employment permit or relevant visa). Once that permission has been granted, foreign nationals must register that permission within 90 days of arriving in Ireland.

Change to process

The result of this change means that all first-time registration applications will take place at the registration office of the ISD in Dublin, regardless of which county the foreign national is living in. Accordingly, all foreign nationals will need to attend the registration office of the ISD in person to register their permission for the first time. The registration office is located at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 D02 XK70. Appointments must be made after arriving in Ireland and not before.

Previously, first-time registrations only took place at the registration office of the ISD at Burgh Quay, Dublin, if the foreign national was living in Dublin. If the foreign national was living outside of Dublin, they were required to register their permission with their local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). This responsibility has been gradually shifting from the GNIB to the ISD.

Centres for the GNIB will no longer be assessing these types of applications. Applicants who had confirmed appointments with their local GNIB prior to 31 January 2025 may wish to remove their application and book an appointment the registration office at Burgh Quay, Dublin.

The registration process

To apply for an appointment at the registration office at Burgh Quay, individuals will have to create an account on the Digital Contact Centre which can be accessed by following this link. The Digital Contact Centre is an online platform that allows individuals to book an appointment online. It should be noted that appointments can only be made within the 90 day legally required time frame.

An appointment will be confirmed via email stating the confirmation of the date, time and location of the appointment. This email will also provide an individual with their unique appointment confirmation number which must be provided at their appointment. As the new changes are implemented, individuals seeking to register their permission must bring the following documentation in hard copies to their appointment:

• passport or equivalent documentation recognised by the Irish Government

• a printed copy of the address form attached to their appointment confirmation email which will be the address the Irish Residence Permission (IRP) card will be sent too

• printed copies of the required supporting documentation that are relevant to the specific permission being sought – for example, their employment permit

• the €300 registration fee which is to be paid via credit / debit card (the confirmation email will confirm if this payment is required depending on the permission being sought)

Renewal applications

Foreign nationals do not need to attend the Burgh Quay office to renew their IRP cards. This can be done online through ISD's online portal, regardless of what county the applicant is residing in. Applicants should ensure to submit their renewal application no later than 12 weeks before the expiry of their current permission to allow sufficient time for processing.

How Ogier can help

For information on how our Irish employment law experts can help with first-time or renewal registrations of immigration permissions, contact the team via their contact details below.

About Ogier

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Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice