Residence

Clinic

Residency status allows an individual to live in Ireland because they have filled one of the following characteristics:

• The parent of an Irish Born Child
• The spouse of an Irish national or
• The spouse of an EU national working in Ireland
 
Residency may also be granted to those who are dependent on someone who is a resident in Ireland.

NOTE: Since 2005 it is no longer possible to apply for residency on the basis of having an Irish Born Child
Asylum and residency are different issues (and are handled by different government departments).
If an individual qualifies for residency as a result of the reasons listed above, they may pursue that claim in addition to a claim for asylum.  The RIS advises that those applying for residence do not have withdraw their claim for asylum and consult with legal representatives before doing so. For more information on the residency process click here. Hyperlink to document attached residency process.
 
An applicant that qualifies for residency is granted the following rights:

Registration
Upon receiving the letter granting a claim for residence in Ireland (or upon arrival in Ireland) from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform the applicant must register with the nearest Garda Immigration Officer. The office can be found by either contacting the local Garda Station or telephone the Garda National Immigration Bureau in Dublin at 01 666 9100.

When visiting the nearest office residents should bring the original letter granting residence. It is important to keep this letter (or a copy) as this shows the residency status to the one of other non-nationals living in Ireland. Residents should ensure that they have a spare copy of the letter before visiting the Garda Immigration Officer. There is a registration fee of €150 due on registration and will receive a registration card with a picture and a stamp no. 4. Registration cards need to be renewed every year and should be done by visiting the immigration office one month before expiration. In addition a renewal is required if the resident changes addresses.

Employment
Residents are allowed to work or establish a business in Ireland without further documentation
For further information, contact the local FÁS office or Citizens Information Centre. Before starting work, residents should contact their Social Welfare Officer to see if they will continue to qualify for any assistance once they start work.

FAS
Residents are entitled to go on FAS courses and the Community Employment Scheme. For detailed information contact a FÁ officer or Local Employment Service mediator.

Social Welfare
As residents are now entitled to work they should receive payment from the local Social Welfare Office and not the local Health Board. Residents should contact their current Community Welfare Officer to tell them where the nearest Social Welfare Office is. If residents are able to work then they will receive Unemployment Assistance. If they are unable to work due to illness or disability or because they are a single parent then they will be asked to apply for a payment that suits the circumstances.Residents should be receiving Child Benefit for every child under 19 years and in full time education under their care. They will also receive payment for children before they go to school. The forms are available from the local Social Welfare Office.

Residents are eligible to apply for 'Exceptional Needs Payments' from the local Community Welfare Officer for extra essential outlays eg. equipment for a new baby. Each application is taken on a case-by-case basis so there is no guarantee of payment.

Important - All applicants are from 1 May 2004 required to be habitually resident bring user to document attached Habitual Resident Condition in the State in order to qualify for the following payments: Unemployment Assistance; Old Age Non-Contributory Pension; Blind Pension; Widow(er)'s and Orphan's Non-Contributory Pensions; One Parent Family Payment; Carer's Allowance; Disability Allowance; Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Child Benefit. In general an applicant has to be resident in Ireland for 2 years in order to be considered 'habitually resident'. There are some exceptions to this.

Medical
Residents qualify for a medical card in the same way as Irish nationals. If they are not working they are entitled to a medical card. If residents begin work and their income goes up they may no longer be entitled to a card. To confirm eligibility contact the local Community Welfare Officer or Citizens Information Centre.

Accommodation
If residents are already receiving a rent supplement from the local Community Welfare Officer they will continue to receive this rent. If housed in Emergency Accommodation or Direct Provision they are now entitled to look for a house to rent. Upon finding a house/flat residents must apply to the Community Welfare Officer in the nearest Health Centre for a rent supplement to pay for the accommodation.

The Community Welfare Officer can refuse to pay the rent if the accommodation is unsuitable for the family size or if the rent is too high. Residents should discuss the rent they may be entitled to with their present CWO before looking for housing.


In order to qualify for a rent supplement it is necessary to put the individuals name on Local Authority Housing Lists to apply for Local Authority Housing. Local Authority Housing is provided by the Local City or County Council at an affordable rent for those on low incomes and/or in unsuitable housing. Residents should contact the local County or City Council and ask for information about how to go on the 'Housing List'.
 
Education
All children under the age of 18 have the right to primary and secondary education. All children under the age of 16 must attend school. Residents are entitled to places in post leaving certificate courses-PLCs; Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme-VTOS; FAS courses.


At present those with residence in Ireland do not qualify for the Department of Education's 'Free Fees Initiative'. This means that if a resident wishes to complete a University degree or diploma course they will have to pay fees. Residents should contact any college that they wish to apply to in order to discuss the fees that will be incurred. Before beginning any course talk to the course organisers and the Social Welfare officer about fees and payment. Residents may also ask their Social Welfare Officer if they will qualify for the 'Back to Education Scheme'.