Ireland revamps visa rules and travel flexibility for expats
Irish immigration policy is shifting. On 2 December 2025, the government announced temporary travel flexibility for non-EEA residents renewing residence permits and new rights for minor dependants. At the same time, wider reforms will tighten asylum, family-reunification and student-visa rules.
Travel confirmation notice offers holiday flexibility
Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has admitted a backlog in processing Irish Residence Permit (IRP) renewals. On 2 December 2025, the government introduced a Travel Confirmation Notice. This allows non-EEA residents with recently expired IRP cards to travel abroad between 8 December 2025 and 31 January 2026 if they have already applied to renew their permission.
Travellers must carry the printed notice, their expired IRP and proof of the renewal application. Airlines and immigration officials will be told to accept these documents. The notice is a temporary measure to help residents visit family over the holidays while their new permits are processed.
Stamp 1G for minor dependants
On 26 November 2025, the government amended its Non-EEA Family-Reunification Policy. Dependent children of Critical Skills, General or Intra-Company Transfer permit holders and researchers will now receive a Stamp 1G permission when they turn 16, instead of the more restrictive Stamp 3. S
tamp 1G allows minors to work without needing their own employment permit. Existing minor dependants with a Stamp 3 IRP have had their permission changed automatically; they do not need to apply for a new card. These changes give families more flexibility and help older teenagers gain work experience.
Stricter immigration and citizenship rules
The government is also tightening immigration rules. On 26 November 2025 Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan announced reforms to slow rapid population growth.
Asylum seekers who are employed and living in state accommodation must now contribute 10–40% of their weekly income toward those housing costs. Family-reunification sponsors must meet a median annual salary of about €44,000 and show that they have suitable accommodation.
The residency requirement for refugees to apply for Irish citizenship will increase from three to five years, and applicants who receive long-term social-welfare payments will be ineligible. These measures go alongside plans to speed up asylum decisions so that applications are processed within six months.
Review of English‑language student visas
Ministers are also reviewing the English-language student-visa system. In late November 2025, officials began a review after concerns that language courses are being used as a “back-door” route into the labour market.
Around 60,000 non-EEA student visas were issued in 2024, half of them for language programmes. The review is considering lower quotas and stricter quality-control rules for language schools. Supporters of the sector argue that broad cuts could reduce tuition income and limit the part-time workforce that many expats rely on.
Key changes at a glance
- Travel flexibility: Non‑EEA residents awaiting a new IRP can travel using the temporary Travel Confirmation Notice.
- Work rights for minors: Dependent children aged 16+ of permit holders will be registered on Stamp 1G and allowed to work.
- Higher income threshold: Sponsors for family reunification must earn at least the median wage and provide accommodation.
- Longer citizenship wait: Refugees must reside in Ireland for five years instead of three before applying for citizenship.
- Student‑visa review: Officials are considering caps and stricter oversight of English‑language student visas.
Why this matters to expats
- Holiday travel assurance: Expats renewing IRP cards can travel abroad during the holiday season without fearing re‑entry issues.
- Opportunities for teenagers: Families on employment permits can let their 16‑year‑old children work part‑time without separate permits.
- Greater financial burden: Higher salary thresholds and accommodation requirements will make family reunification more expensive.
- Longer path to citizenship: Refugees and some residents will wait longer for naturalisation.
- Possible reduction in student‑visa availability: Language‑school visas may be capped, affecting those planning to study while working part‑time.
Mini‑FAQ
Q: Can I travel with an expired IRP card this winter?
Yes. If you have applied for your IRP renewal, you may use your expired card alongside the Travel Confirmation Notice and proof of your application to travel between 8 December 2025 and 31 January 2026.
Q: Do my teenage children need a separate work permit?
No. Under the revised policy effective 26 November 2025, minor children of employment‑permit holders receive Stamp 1G permission at age 16, allowing them to work without a separate employment permit.
Q: What salary must I show to sponsor family members?
Sponsors must now prove they earn at least the median annual wage (~€44,000) and have suitable accommodation before bringing non‑EEA family members to Ireland.
