Ireland’s Immigration Registration Requirements for Employers and Employees: Key Updates

Registrations and passports. Immigration.
Irish residence registrations.

Employers should stay informed about the registration obligations for employees and assignees holding employment permits in Ireland. Employees and assignees planning to stay over 90 days in Ireland must register their residence and that of any dependents over 16. Here’s a quick summary of recent key changes to Ireland’s immigration registration system. Contact us if you have questions.

Shift of Registration Responsibilities: Cork and Limerick

Starting July 8, 2024, the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) unit took over responsibility from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) for first-time residence registrations and renewals in Cork and Limerick. Now, first-time applicants from Cork, Limerick, along with Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow need to attend the Registration Office in Burgh Quay, Dublin.

From October 24, 2024, all first time registration appointments for these regions are booked through the ISD Digital Contact Centre (DCC) portal. During their initial appointment, applicants must bring essential documents, including passports and completed address forms, to the ISD office in Dublin.

First time appointments in other regions will continue to be handled by the GNIB. Registration fees are €300, payable by card only, with exemptions for refugees, EU family members, and other eligible groups such as family under 18.

Nationwide ISD Online Portal for Renewals

On November 4, 2024, ISD launched an online portal to handle all registration renewals across Ireland, allowing applicants nationwide to complete renewals online and reduce in-person visits. Applicants must upload all required documents upon submission, as incomplete applications won’t be processed. ISD provides live updates on processing times, and renewed Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards are mailed directly to applicants, so it’s essential to provide accurate address details. Renewal applications are accepted up to 12 weeks before expiration to ensure timely processing.

Galway Registration Delays

Due to a high volume of applications, Galway’s immigration office faces delays for appointments until April 2025. To address this, ISD and GNIB have implemented an interim solution. Employees with expired IRP cards can remain in Ireland with full rights, including labor market access, if they have proof of a booked renewal appointment at the Galway office. Galway appointment confirmations are sent by email.

ISD and GNIB are working toward a long-term solution for Galway’s backlog. This guidance applies to those with outstanding first time and renewal applications in Galway; all future renewals will be managed through the ISD online portal.

For further information, visit Actus at actus.ie or reach out to us directly for tailored support. 

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