How to retire to Ireland (Stamp 0, independent means)

What it is

Stamp 0 is Ireland's permission for people of independent means, mostly retirees from outside the EEA. It lets you live in Ireland on your own income, but not work. It's granted for a year at a time and renewed while you still meet the conditions.

EU, EEA, Swiss and UK citizens don't need it: they can simply move to Ireland.

The conditions

• Income of at least €50,000 a year per person (for example from a pension or investments).
• Access to a lump sum to cover sudden major expenses (ISD gives the price of a home as an example).
• Private medical insurance that covers you in Ireland.
• You won't work or rely on public funds.

Apply before you travel

Everyone applies before coming to Ireland, including citizens of countries that don't need a visa:

• Non-visa-required nationals (for example from the United States or Canada) apply to ISD for Stamp 0 and, once they get a conditional letter of offer, can travel.
• Visa-required nationals also need a Long stay D (Reside) visa to travel.

Before you start

You'll need:

• Your passport.
• Proof of your income and savings, in euros, showing what comes in and goes out each month. ISD asks for it to be certified by an Irish accountancy firm.
• Proof of private medical insurance.
• A police certificate from the countries you've lived in, if asked.

Steps

1. Apply to ISD for Stamp 0 (or for a D Reside visa, if you're from a visa-required country), with your financial documents.
2. Receive the conditional letter of offer and the agreement form.
3. Travel to Ireland.
4. Send the signed agreement form and your passport to the Stamp 0 office in Dublin, as the letter tells you.
5. Register your immigration permission (IRP card) when instructed.
6. Renew every year, showing your income and insurance again.

Cost

You pay the registration fee for your IRP card, and the visa fee if you need a visa. An Irish accountant charges for certifying your finances.

Common pitfalls

• Coming as a visitor and applying from inside Ireland. Stamp 0 is applied for before you arrive.
• Statements that don't add up. Income must be clearly shown month by month in euros.
• Looking for work. Stamp 0 doesn't allow it.
• Letting insurance lapse. It's checked at every renewal.

When to ask a helper

Ask someone who got Stamp 0 recently from your country: they'll know how they presented their finances and how long the letter of offer took.