Ireland to Launch New Stamp 4 Residence Permit for Ukrainians in 2026: Eligibility Criteria and Application Deadlines

Ireland is preparing a new Temporary Protection Transition Scheme for Ukrainians with temporary protection — featuring a 2-year Stamp 4 permit and eligibility for naturalization. Find out who can apply starting in September 2026 and what requirements must be met

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

Ireland is preparing a new legalization mechanism for Ukrainians currently in the country under temporary protection. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration has announced the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme, which will allow individuals to obtain a Stamp 4 residence permit valid for up to two years, with the possibility of a further two-year extension. Applications are expected to be accepted starting in September 2026.

This is important news for tens of thousands of Ukrainians who have been living and working in Ireland for several years and are seeking a more stable legal basis for their stay.

Read also: Ireland Introduces Repatriation Payments to Ukraine — What Is Known About the New Program for Ukrainian Refugees?

What does Stamp 4 offer, and why is it important?

Stamp 4 is one of the most comprehensive residence permits in Ireland. It grants the right to live and work in the country without the need for a separate work permit, to start a business, and to access most public services.

One detail is particularly important: time spent in Ireland under this permit will count toward naturalization. In other words, staying under the Stamp 4 scheme brings a person closer to the possibility of applying for Irish citizenship in the future. This significantly distinguishes the new permit from temporary protection, which did not offer such prospects.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Eligibility requirements for the new scheme

The scheme has clear selection criteria. To obtain a Stamp 4 under the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme, you must meet all of the following conditions simultaneously:

● Have resided in Ireland for at least 1 year under temporary protection;

● Have been employed or self-employed for at least 6 months;

● Have a minimum annual salary of €29,432;

● Not be living in public or state-supported housing at the time of application.

The scheme may also cover the entire family that resided in Ireland under temporary protection—meaning the applicant’s family members will also be able to obtain this status.

The scheme’s goal: the labor market and self-reliance

The Irish government explains the rationale behind the new mechanism: it is intended to stimulate greater participation by Ukrainians in the labor market, encourage upskilling, and facilitate the transition to housing independent of state support.

Additionally, the scheme is designed to provide Ukrainians with greater clarity and certainty even before the expiration of temporary protection, which is set to end in the EU in 2027. The Irish government is thus offering a concrete transition mechanism—rather than leaving people in limbo.

The conditions for obtaining the new permit are quite specific, so if you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or have a non-standard situation, it is worth consulting with a specialist. Immigration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform help Ukrainians navigate legal issues abroad in a convenient format.

We remind you! Ireland is planning to change the amount of ARP payments for homeowners who are hosting Ukrainian refugees. Read about what the payment amounts will be after the reduction and what other changes are expected in the near future.

Photo: dasun404malaka / Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.