IRP Registration (Immigration)

Your Immigration Registration in Ireland

If you're staying in Ireland for longer than 90 days, you MUST register with Irish immigration and obtain an IRP (Irish Residence Permit) card — this applies to EVERY student, whether or not your nationality needed a visa to travel (most Latin American nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays, but IRP registration is still mandatory either way). This is one of the most important things you'll do after arriving.

What is the IRP?

The IRP (Irish Residence Permit) replaced the old GNIB card. It's a credit-card sized ID that proves you have permission to live in Ireland. For students, you'll receive a "Stamp 2" permission, which allows you to study and work part-time.

Stamp 2 — What It Means

• You can study full-time at a registered school
• You can work up to 20 hours per week during school term
• You can work up to 40 hours per week during holidays (June to September, and 15 December - 15 January)
• Valid for 8 months (for English language students)

Documents You Need

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months from your arrival — with extra margin if you might renew your course)
2. School enrolment letter (confirming your course and hours)
3. Proof of finances: at least €10,000 (1-year courses) or €833/month prorated (6-8 month courses) — plus proof you've already paid at least €6,000 in tuition to the school (rules in effect since 30 June 2025; double-check the current figure, as these requirements change)
4. Private medical insurance (your school may arrange this) — minimum €25,000 for accidents and €25,000 for illness
5. Proof of accommodation (letter from host family, lease, etc.)

How to Register

Since January 2025, every first-time immigration registration is centralised at Burgh Quay, Dublin — even if you'll be living in Cork, Galway, or anywhere else, your first in-person registration happens there. Local Garda (police) stations outside Dublin no longer handle first-time registrations.

• Create an account on the immigration Digital Contact Centre portal and download the ID-Pal app to verify your identity before you can book an appointment.
• Book your Burgh Quay appointment as soon as you can — slots fill up fast, and you can't book before you've actually arrived in Ireland.
• The registration fee is EUR 300 (payable by card).

Important Tips

• Start preparing your documents before you arrive in Ireland.
• Open an Irish bank account as soon as possible so you can show the required balance.
• Your school will guide you through this process — ask for help.
• Don't let your registration expire — renew before the expiry date on your IRP card.