Ireland – Irish Residence Permit Replaces GNIB Card
December 15, 2017
Effective December 11, 2017, the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) has replaced the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card with a new registration card called the Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Current GNIB card holders should not apply for a new IRP until their GNIB card expires (or is lost or stolen).
What has changed?
- For registration in Dublin, the IRP will not be issued on the day of application, but will be sent by post.
- For those outside Dublin, it will still be a two-step process: 1) Present documents and make payment; 2) Return to the Immigration office to collect the IRP card.
- The layout now includes the applicant’s name, photo, date of birth and registration number, a brief description of their immigration permission, their permission stamp number, and a microchip with a copy of their photo, fingerprints and personal details.
What has not changed?
- The IRP, like the GNIB, applies to all non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals, aged 16 years or over, who wish to stay in Ireland for any reason for longer than 90 days.
- The new IRP has exactly the same legal status as the old GNIB card. It does not give any new rights or entitlements and the holder’s responsibilities remain the same. It should be carried at all times and presented to an immigration officer or a member of An Garda Síochána (police) if requested, including on leaving or re-entering the country.
- The fee is still EUR 300 per registration.
Non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals, aged 16 years or over, who wish to stay in Ireland for any reason for longer than 90 days, should be sure to register with the immigration authorities and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).