Ireland has long held a special appeal for non-European
nationals, not only due to its rich cultural heritage, but also as
an attractive, English-speaking destination within Europe. In
recent years, there has been a marked increase in interest from
individuals seeking to relocate to Ireland for retirement or to
enjoy an extended stay as persons of independent means. If you are
considering such a move, Stamp 0 permission offers a viable and
structured pathway.

Overview of Stamp 0 Permission

Stamp 0 is an immigration permission designed for nationals from
outside the European Economic Area (‘non-EEA nationals’)
who wish to reside in Ireland without engaging in employment or
business activities. It is particularly suited to retirees and
individuals of independent means who can demonstrate that they are
not a risk for becoming a financial burden on the Irish State.
Stamp 0 is typically granted for one year at a time, with the
possibility of annual renewal, provided the eligibility criteria
continue to be met.

Key Eligibility Criteria

If you wish to qualify for Stamp 0, you must be able to show you
can fully support yourself financially throughout your time in
Ireland. The main requirements include:

  • Minimum Annual Income: You must have a
    verifiable annual income of at least €50,000. If you are a
    married couple relocating, a combined income of €100,000 is
    required (but it doesn’t need to be an even split, one spouse
    can cover a majority of the income or all of it). This income must
    be from accessible sources such as savings or pensions; speculative
    investments are generally not considered.


  • Lump Sum for Contingencies: In addition to an
    annual income, you must have access to a lump sum of money to cover
    unforeseen major expenses, such as medical emergencies or the
    purchase of a property.


  • Private Medical Insurance: You must hold
    private medical insurance with full cover for medical emergencies
    or hospital stays due to illness or disease, ensuring you do not
    become a burden on Ireland’s public healthcare system.


  • No Access to State Benefits: If you are
    granted Stamp 0 permission, you are not entitled to any State
    benefits or publicly funded services and must remain financially
    independent throughout your time in Ireland.

Application Process

The application for Stamp 0 is made directly to the Department
of Justice’s Immigration Service Delivery. Applications are
typically processed within 4 to 6 months from the date of
receipt.

Once the application is approved, a Conditional Letter of Offer
and Agreement Form is issued, and you can then plan to travel to
Ireland. If you are a visa-required national, you must make a
pre-entry application for a visa allowing you to travel to and
enter Ireland. If you are a non-visa required national, such as a
US national, you may travel to Ireland once you have received your
Conditional Letter of Offer and Agreement Form without needing to
make a pre-entry application for a visa.

Upon arrival, you must complete a registration process. This
includes sending a signed copy of the Agreement Form and your
passport to the relevant section in the Department of Justice. The
passport will be stamped and returned to you. You must then
register in person with the Immigration Service Delivery to obtain
your Irish Residence Permit Card with your Stamp 0 permission.

Financial Verification Requirement

A crucial aspect of the application is the requirement to
provide a verified statement of accounts. You must present your
financial information in a clear, tabular format, converted into
euros, and this must be certified by an Irish-based accountancy
firm. The accountant’s verification is essential to demonstrate
that your income and resources are both sufficient and readily
accessible, and to provide assurance to the Department of Justice
regarding your financial self-sufficiency.

While there is no set deadline to travel to Ireland after
receiving a Conditional Letter of Offer and Agreement Form, if 6
months or more elapses between a Conditional Letter of Offer and
Agreement Form being issued and your relocation to Ireland, you may
be asked to submit updated and verified financial information and
documentation covering the intervening period.

Living in Ireland on Stamp 0

Stamp 0 permission does not allow work or to engage in business
activities in Ireland, unless specific permission is granted by the
Department of Justice. However, you may participate in voluntary
activities and continue to receive passive income from pensions or
investments.

Conclusion

If you are a non-European national seeking to retire or reside
in Ireland as a person of independent means, Stamp 0 offers a
flexible and attractive option for experiencing life in
Ireland.

The process to obtain Stamp 0 is designed to ensure that only
those who can fully support themselves are granted permission, with
the requirement for a verified statement of accounts from an Irish
accountant serving as a key safeguard. With careful planning and
the right professional support, Stamp 0 can open the door to a
rewarding and enriching experience in Ireland.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.