A visa is often confused with residence permission, but they are two different things. A visa allows you to enter Ireland if you are from a visa-required country, but does not allow you to stay for longer than 90 days. You need a residence permission to live in Ireland. The different types of residence permissions are referred to as “stamps”. Immigration Officers issue these stamps. When you register, you get an Irish Residence Permit card. (IRP card, also known as GNIB card).

• • I want to register for the first time
  • To register your immigration permission for the first time, you must begin by creating an account on the Immigration Customer Service Portal. You can set up your personal account using this link: Customer Service account.
  • Follow the steps on the portal to create your account. Once completed, you will be able to book your first-time registration appointment. After booking your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email. Print this email and bring it with you to your appointment.For the in-person appointment, bring:
    • • Your permission letter (if applicable)
      • All required documents for your specific permission type

      You can find the full list here: required-documents.

      If your immigration permission depends on another person (for example, a spouse or parent), that person must attend the appointment with you.

      After your appointment, your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card will be posted to you. Delivery usually takes 10–15 working days.

      The IRP fee is €300, payable by:

      • Credit/debit card
      • Bank giro

      To check if you are exempt from this fee, see the end of this link: required-documents.

      All first-time registrations must be completed in person at: 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, DO2 XK70

      For more information, please visit: Information on registering your immigration permission for the first time
  • • I want to renew my GNIB / IRP card

      To renew your IRP card, you must use the online registration system Online Renewal Registration system

      For step‑by‑step guidance on creating your ISD account and completing your online renewal, visit: Renewing your registration permission

      Note:
      ● When you make an online application for renewal, you might have to pay €300 depending on the permission you are renewing. To access the payment page, make sure to select the appropriate immigration permission on the online form.

      ● When you renew your residence permission online, you do not need to submit your passport to get it stamped. Your IRP card is the proof that you have a valid residence permission in Ireland. Make sure to keep a copy of your old IRP card as you might need it in the future, for example when applying for citizenship.

      Keep your IRP card safe. This card gives information about your immigration status. When traveling abroad and coming back to Ireland, you are required to show this card to the immigration office in charge of border control.

    • After I register

      Keep your immigration status up to date, and make sure to keep any expired GNIB/IRP cards, as stamps are no longer added to passports. It is important to know the exact dates of your previous permissions.

      If you need to contact the Department of Justice for a renewal, do so at least two months before your current permission expires. When renewing your permission, we also recommend applying two months in advance to avoid any gaps between your stamps.

      Still have questions about getting your IRP? contact us.

  Page last updated 16/01/2026