All you need to know about changing from GNIB to IRP in Ireland

Yesterday December 8th the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), an Irish government agency responsible for immigration, citizenship and visa services, issued an official notice on the change from GNIB to IRP in Ireland.

According to INIS, a new card is being introduced on 11th December 2017, the existing registration certificate (GNIB card) will be replaced by a new registration certificate called the Irish Residence Permit (IRP). But stay calm, there is no reason to despair, because overall there are no major changes, and this post will help you to clarify any questions you may have. Here’s all you need to know about changing from GNIB to IRP in Ireland:


IMPORTANT: Do not apply for your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) until you need to renew. Your existing registration certificate (GNIB card) remains valid until it expires.


New card. New design.

The new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is based on EU standards, including:

  • New design, based on EU colour and layout rules.
  • New information, including a brief description of your immigration permission.
  • New features, including robust security and identity protection.

 What an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) looks like

The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is a credit-card sized plastic card that displays basic information about you. This includes:

  • Your name, photo, date of birth and registration number
  • A brief description of your immigration permission, including your permission stamp number.
  • A microchip with a copy of your photo, fingerprints and personal details.

New card. Same rules.

The IRP does not give you any new rights or entitlements.
For example, an IRP does not allow you to travel to or live freely in other EU countries. All existing travel and immigration rules still apply.


New process.

If you live in Dublin, you will receive your IRP by post after you register from now on. It will not be given to you at your registration appointment.
The process outside Dublin has not changed.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Same responsibilities.

Your responsibilities for the new IRP are the same as your old registration certificate (GNIB card).
For example, you must carry your IRP with you all times and present it to an immigration officer or a member of An Garda Síochána (police) if requested. This includes whenever you leave or re-enter the country.

About the Irish Residence Permit (IRP)

An Irish Residence Permit (IRP) indicates:

  • That your immigration permission to stay in Ireland has been registered.
  • The type of immigration permission you have, ie stamp number.
  • The IRP is not an identity card. It is a registration certificate.
  • It is not valid for any reason except to certify that you are registered with immigration in Ireland.


Who needs an Irish Residence Permit (IRP)

  • If you are a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizen and you wish to stay in Ireland for any reason for longer than 90 days, you must apply for immigration permission and (if successful) then register.
  • If your registration is successful, you will then be issued with an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

To register you must:

  • Be a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss national.
  • Be aged 16 or older.
  • Go to a registration office in-person.
  • If you wish to stay in Ireland past the expiry date on your IRP, you must apply to extend your immigration permission and renew your registration. If successful, you will be given a new IRP.

Cost

An IRP costs €300 per person every time you register and renew.
You may also have to pay for a new IRP if your current card is lost or stolen.

Get more info about exchange programs in Ireland

Read more about the new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) here

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