The short answer
- Stamp 1 is the permission to work in Ireland. You need an employment permit, or a letter from ISD saying you don’t need one.
- On a permit you can work only in the job your permit is for. No business or self-employment unless an ISD letter allows it.
- It usually lasts 12 months at first, and you renew it online before it expires.
- It counts towards citizenship, and after 21 or 57 months on a permit it can lead to Stamp 4.
See your Stamp 1
Pick how you got your Stamp 1. Add when you started work on a permit to see your Stamp 4 date.
Stamp 1 profile
What your kind of Stamp 1 means for work, family and what comes next.
To register for the first time
From ISD’s stamps, required documents, Stamp 4 upgrades and Atypical Working Scheme pages, and its family reunification policy. Your permission letter always takes priority.
The kinds of Stamp 1
| Kind | How long | Renewable | Leads to Stamp 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Skills Employment Permit | Usually 12 months at first | Yes | After 21 months |
| General Employment Permit | Usually 12 months at first | Yes | After 57 months |
| Intra-Company Transfer permit | Usually 12 months at first | Yes | After 57 months |
| Researcher on a hosting agreement | Usually 12 months at first | Yes | After 21 months |
| Working Holiday Authorisation | 12 months (24 for Canadians) | No | No |
| Atypical Working Scheme | Up to 90 days, a few roles longer | No | No |
| Van der Elst visa | Up to 12 months in a row | No | Not stated |
| A letter from ISD or the Department of Justice | As the letter says | As the letter says | As the letter says |
Doctors on a multi-site permit get Stamp 1H, and trainee accountants get Stamp 1A.
On an employment permit
- Your job: you can work only in the job your permit is for, and you can’t start until you or your employer has the permit.
- Business: not allowed unless an ISD letter says so.
- Registering: bring your passport, your employment permit and proof of your new job, such as a letter from your employer. ISD’s list doesn’t ask permit holders for medical insurance.
- Renewing: online, up to 12 weeks before your card expires, with a payslip from the last three months.
- Family: on a Critical Skills or Intra-Company Transfer permit, your partner and children can join you straight away on Stamp 1G. On a General Employment permit, after 12 months, with income over the threshold for a partner.
- Stamp 4: after 21 months on a Critical Skills permit, or 57 on a General Employment or Intra-Company Transfer permit.
New to working here? Start with coming to Ireland to work.
Researchers on a hosting agreement
Researchers with a hosting agreement from a university or research institution get Stamp 1 and work under that agreement. At your first registration you also need medical or travel insurance. Family can join straight away, and Stamp 4 is possible after 21 months, as on a Critical Skills permit.
Working holiday
A Working Holiday Authorisation, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, gives you Stamp 1 for 12 months (24 for Canadian authorisations). It can’t be renewed: when it ends, you must leave, and you’d need a new basis of permission to come back. It doesn’t lead to Stamp 4.
Atypical Working Scheme
For short, specialised work: up to 90 days within 6 months, or longer for locum doctors and nurses on NMBI adaptation (6 months) and paid internships needed to graduate (12 months). You only register if you stay over 90 days. The permission is only for the role it was granted for, family can’t come with you, and the time doesn’t count towards Stamp 4.
Van der Elst and ISD letters
- Van der Elst visa: if you live and work legally in another EU country, your employer there can send you to work in Ireland temporarily, for up to 12 months in a row.
- A letter from ISD or the Department of Justice, including under the Turkish Association Agreement: your Stamp 1 lasts and renews as the letter says.
Common mix-ups
Common questions
What is Stamp 1?
Permission to work in Ireland, or in some cases to run a business, under conditions. You need an employment permit, or a letter from ISD saying you don't need one. Stamp 1 counts towards citizenship.
Can I work for any employer on Stamp 1?
No. On an employment permit you can only work in the job your permit is for. A different job needs its own permit.
Can I start my job before my employment permit arrives?
No. ISD says you must not start a job until you or your employer has the employment permit, unless your permission letter clearly says you don't need one.
How long does Stamp 1 last?
On an employment permit or hosting agreement, usually 12 months at first, then renewed. A working holiday lasts 12 months (24 for Canadians) and can't be renewed. A Van der Elst visa lasts up to 12 months in a row.
Can I bring my family on Stamp 1?
On a Critical Skills, Intra-Company Transfer or researcher permit, straight away, and they get Stamp 1G. On a General Employment permit, after 12 months here and with enough income. Family can't come with you on the Atypical Working Scheme.
When can I move from Stamp 1 to Stamp 4?
After 21 months of employment on a Critical Skills permit, hosting agreement or multi-site NCHD permit, or 57 months on a General Employment or Intra-Company Transfer permit. Working holiday and Atypical Working Scheme time doesn't lead to Stamp 4.
Does Stamp 1 count for Stamp 5?
Yes, except on an Intra-Company Transfer permit. ISD's Stamp 5 page lists Stamp 1 among the stamps that count towards the 8 years.
Sources
All sources checked on 3 Oct 2026.
- Immigration permission/stamps (Stamp 1 conditions)Immigration Service Delivery
- Required documents (Stamp 1 registrations and renewals)Immigration Service Delivery
- Information on Stamp 4 upgradesImmigration Service Delivery
- Atypical Working SchemeImmigration Service Delivery
- Without Condition As To Time (Stamp 5)Immigration Service Delivery
- Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, 12 June 2026Immigration Service Delivery