Your IRP card (Irish Residence Permit) is your proof of legal immigration permission in Ireland. This guide covers how to register in 2026.
Every non-EEA student studying in Ireland for more than three months must register with Irish immigration authorities and get an IRP card. The card shows that you have the right to live, study, and work part-time in Ireland.
The registration process can feel daunting at first, but it is straightforward once you know each step. Students from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and many other countries go through this process every year. This guide walks you through everything: booking your appointment, what to bring, what happens on the day, and how to renew or replace your card.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute official legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies and fee structures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) at irishimmigration.ie.
What Is the IRP Card?
The IRP card (Irish Residence Permit) is a credit-card-sized document that proves your legal immigration status in Ireland. It replaced the older GNIB card (Garda National Immigration Bureau card) that students used to receive. Your IRP card contains a microchip that stores your photo, fingerprints, and personal details.
Carry your IRP card with you whenever you might need to prove your right to be in Ireland. You will need it when you start a job, apply for a PPS number (a tax identification number), and open certain bank accounts. Read our Ireland work and financial guide for international students for more detail.
Note: The IRP card is sometimes still called the GNIB card. Both names refer to the same document. The official name is now Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Who Must Register for an IRP Card?
You must register if you are a non-EEA or non-EU student and you plan to study in Ireland for more than 90 days (three months). EEA and EU citizens do not need to register.
Non-EEA countries include India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Kenya, and most other countries outside Europe. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, contact your ApplyBoard counsellor.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules can change. Always confirm your registration requirements at irishimmigration.ie before you travel to Ireland.
When Must You Register?
You must register within 90 days of first arriving in Ireland. Do not wait until close to this deadline. Appointment slots fill up quickly at the start of the academic year in September and January.
Warning! Failing to register within 90 days is a breach of your immigration conditions. It can affect your ability to renew your permission, get a visa for future travel, and return to Ireland. Book your appointment as soon as you arrive.
How to Book Your IRP Appointment
You book your IRP registration appointment through the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online Customer Service Portal at irishimmigration.ie. You must create an account on the portal before you can book.
To create your account, you will need:
- A valid email address (a verification code is sent to it)
- A mobile phone number (for text verification)
- The ID-Pal app downloaded on your smartphone (you upload your passport and take a live selfie to verify your identity)
After you verify your identity through ID-Pal, there is a 24-hour wait before your account is activated. Allow time for this step. Once your account is active, you can log in and book an appointment.
Tip! Download the ID-Pal app and start the portal registration process on your first or second day in Ireland. The 24-hour wait and limited appointment slots mean that early action saves stress later.
Where Do You Register?
All first-time IRP registrations take place in person at the ISD Registration Office at Burgh Quay in Dublin. The address is 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 (near O'Connell Bridge). This applies to all students, regardless of which city or county you live in.
Note: Previous guidance directed students outside Dublin to register at their local Garda station. All first-time registrations are now handled exclusively at Burgh Quay in Dublin. Verify this at irishimmigration.ie before your travel date.
What Documents Do You Need?
Bring every document on this list to your appointment. If any document is missing, your appointment may be cancelled and you will need to rebook.
Disclaimer: The document list above is based on current guidance from irishimmigration.ie. Requirements may vary depending on your visa type and country of origin. Always check the ISD required documents page for your specific situation before your appointment.
Tip! Bring both originals and printed copies of every document. Having both avoids any last-minute stress at the office.
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What Happens at Your IRP Appointment?
Your appointment at Burgh Quay takes about 20 to 30 minutes. An ISD officer reviews your documents and collects your biometrics (a digital photo and fingerprint scan taken directly at the desk). You do not need to bring physical passport photos.
If all your documents are in order, your IRP card will be posted directly to your registered Irish address via An Post. You do not receive it on the day. Allow approximately 10 to 15 working days to receive your card in the post.
Note: You must be at your registered Irish address to receive your IRP card. If you move house before the card arrives, update your address with ISD through the Customer Service Portal immediately.
What Is Stamp 2 Permission?
The stamp on your IRP card shows what type of immigration permission you have in Ireland. As a full-time international student, you will receive Stamp 2 permission.
Stamp 2 means you can study in Ireland and work part-time without a separate work permit. During term time, you can work up to 20 hours per week. During holiday periods (June to September and 15 December to 15 January), you can work up to 40 hours per week.
Note: English language school students may receive Stamp 2A instead of Stamp 2. Stamp 2A does not allow you to work at all. Check the stamp type on your IRP card before starting any job. Read our Ireland Stamp 2 student permission rules guide.
For a full explanation of what Stamp 2 allows, including work rules and financial requirements, read our guide to working in Ireland as an international student.
How to Renew Your IRP Card
Your IRP card is valid for one academic year and tied to your course end date. You must renew it before it expires. You can apply to renew online through the ISD Customer Service Portal up to 12 weeks before your card's expiry date.
To renew, log in to the ISD Customer Service Portal and follow the renewal steps. The renewal fee is €300, the same as your first registration. Your new IRP card will be posted to you within approximately 10 to 15 working days of ISD approving your application.
Warning! Do not let your IRP card expire. An expired card means your immigration permission has lapsed. Set a calendar reminder at least 12 weeks before your card's expiry date.
Note: Stamp 2 students must wait until their new course has started before they can submit a renewal application. If you are changing courses or institutions, contact ISD through the portal before your current card expires.
Disclaimer: IRP renewal rules and timelines are set by Irish immigration authorities. Always check the most current renewal guidance at irishimmigration.ie before you apply.
What to Do If You Lose Your IRP Card
If your IRP card is lost or stolen, act quickly. Follow these steps in order:
- Report the loss or theft to your local Garda station (the Irish police). The Gardaí will give you a PULSE reference number for the incident report.
- Log in to the ISD Customer Service Portal and submit a query to report your lost or stolen card. Include your PULSE reference number in your message.
- Follow ISD instructions on how to apply for a replacement card online.
- Pay the replacement fee of €300 by credit or debit card.
Warning! You must be physically present in Ireland to apply for a replacement IRP card. ISD will not issue a replacement to someone who is currently outside the country. If you lose your card while travelling abroad, contact ISD and your nearest Irish embassy for guidance before attempting to return.
Getting your IRP card is one of the most important steps you will take as an international student in Ireland. Once you have your card, you can fully enjoy your studies, open bank accounts, apply for your PPS number, and start building your life in Ireland. The process is clear and manageable when you know what to expect. Your journey in Ireland starts here, and ApplyBoard is with you every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
After your appointment at Burgh Quay, your IRP card is posted to your registered Irish address. Allow approximately 10 to 15 working days to receive it in the post. Do not arrange international travel until your card has arrived, as you will need it to re-enter Ireland.
No. You must have your physical IRP card before you start any employment in Ireland. Working without an IRP card is a breach of your immigration permission. Once your card arrives, you can apply for your PPS number and begin part-time work within your Stamp 2 limits. Read our Ireland work and financial guide for international students.
Missing the 90-day deadline can cause serious problems with your immigration status. Contact ISD through the Customer Service Portal at irishimmigration.ie as soon as possible to explain your situation and request assistance.
No. All first-time IRP registrations for non-EEA nationals are handled exclusively at the ISD Registration Office at Burgh Quay in Dublin. You must travel to Dublin for your appointment, regardless of which county you live or study in.
Yes. The €300 registration fee applies to both your first registration and each annual renewal. Budget for this as a recurring cost during your studies in Ireland.
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