How to register your immigration permission in Ireland (IRP card)

What it is

If you're not an EU, EEA, Swiss or UK citizen and you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you must register your immigration permission with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). You then receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, which proves you're allowed to live in Ireland and shows your permission type (your "stamp").

Do you need this guide?

Non-EEA national staying more than 90 days? Yes.
EU, EEA, Swiss or UK citizen? No registration needed.
Already have an IRP and need to renew it? Renewals are done online, not at Burgh Quay.

Before you start

You'll need:

Your passport, with the entry stamp you got at the border.
Documents for your reason for staying: for example an employment permit, a letter from your school or college, or proof of your family relationship.
Proof of private medical insurance, if your permission type requires it (for example students).
Proof of address in Ireland.
A way to pay the registration fee by card.

Steps

Create an account on the ISD online customer portal, with your own email address. Everyone aged 16 or over needs their own account.
Book a first-registration appointment. All first registrations take place at the ISD Registration Office, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, wherever in Ireland you live. Appointments are usually available within a few weeks.
Go to your appointment with your passport and supporting documents. Your fingerprints and photo are taken.
Pay the fee, unless your permission type is exempt.
Wait for your IRP card by post at the address you gave. It usually arrives within about two weeks.

Cost

A registration fee for most people. Some groups are exempt; the immigration website lists them.

Common pitfalls

Letting your entry stamp expire. The date stamped in your passport on arrival is when you must register by. Book your appointment as soon as you arrive.
Booking for the wrong office. First registrations are only at Burgh Quay in Dublin, even if you live elsewhere in Ireland.
Missing insurance or college documents. Students in particular are often turned away for these. Check the list for your permission type.
Travelling before your card arrives. Check the rules before leaving Ireland without your IRP card.

When to ask a helper

If you can't find an appointment before your entry stamp expires, your permission type is unusual, or you've been asked for extra documents, ask someone who registered with the same permission.