Applying for asylum in Ireland: the process, work and support

The short answer

• Where: the International Protection Office (IPO) at the Citywest Reception Centre, Saggart, Co. Dublin.
• Which law: applications from 12 June 2026 follow the International Protection Act 2026 and the EU asylum pact. Earlier ones stay under the 2015 Act.
• How long: a first decision within 6 months in the standard procedure, 3 months in the accelerated or border procedure.
• While you wait: apply for permission to work after 5 months, a weekly allowance in State accommodation, free legal help and an interpreter. Don’t leave Ireland without permission.

See your timeline

The stages

1. Registration and lodging at Citywest: fingerprints, a photo, your identity and travel documents, your family details and contact details. You may have a medical check and a vulnerability assessment, and your belongings may be searched.
2. Admissibility, in some cases, for up to 2 months: for example, whether you already have protection in another country, or applied again after a refusal without anything new.
3. The personal interview, where you explain in detail why you left and why you can’t go back. Missing it without a serious reason can end your application.
4. The decision from the IPO, explained in a language you understand.
5. An appeal to the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA), if you’re refused.

Under the EU rules, a set of criteria decides which EU+ country examines your application. You can’t choose the country.

Work while you wait

You can’t work at first. Five months after the “Application Received” date on your IPA certificate, you can apply online to ISD for a Labour Market Access Permission:

• you qualify if there’s no first decision within 6 months, and the delay isn’t your fault: attend every interview and send everything the IPO asks for;
• it covers employment and self-employment, for 12 months;
• you renew it 2 months before it expires, until there’s a final decision;
• it arrives by email, and your employer completes form LMA5 when you start.

You’ll need a PPS number to work and to get Social Protection payments.

Money and accommodation

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation. If you live there or are on its waiting list, you can get the Daily Expenses Allowance:

It’s reduced if you earn more than €60 a week, and stops at €125. Apply through Community Welfare Services at your accommodation centre.

Your rights and free help

• Interpreter: free, at registration and at your interview.
• Legal counselling: free, from the Legal Aid Board. It explains your rights and the procedure.
• A legal representative: free, from the Legal Aid Board, including for an appeal.
• Health care and reception supports while you wait, and you can contact UNHCR or other organisations.

After a decision

If you’re granted protection, you get Stamp 4: you can work, study or run a business without a permit. You may be able to bring close family: ask the Legal Aid Board about the rules and time limits. Later, refugees can apply for Irish citizenship on their own rules, without the certification fee.

If you’re refused, the decision explains why and comes with a return decision. You can appeal both to TARA, within the time limit in the letter, with a free legal representative. Voluntary return support is also available.

People fleeing the war in Ukraine are covered by temporary protection instead, a separate scheme.

Common mix-ups

Common questions

Sources