Stamp 0 – Retiring to Ireland

Important Information on Retirement in Ireland:

If you or your spouse (or de facto partner) holds a European Union, Irish, or British passport, you may qualify for alternative immigration routes to live and work in Ireland. These routes include different rules regarding retirement.

If both you and your spouse hold only South African passports and wish to retire in Ireland, you must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to fully support yourselves.

The conditions of the retirement visa are HERE

Retiring to Ireland – Financial Requirements for People of Independent Means

If you wish to retire to Ireland, you must be financially independent and meet specific conditions set by Irish immigration authorities.
You must apply for Stamp 0 permission before arriving in Ireland.

Financial Requirements:

• You must have a minimum annual income of €50,000.

  • For couples, a combined income of €100,000 per year is required.

• You must also have access to a lump sum sufficient to cover major unexpected expenses, typically equivalent to the cost of purchasing a residential property in Ireland.

Who Qualifies as a Person of Independent Means?

• Individuals who have a secure and verifiable annual income of at least €50,000.

• Individuals who have access to a substantial lump sum, intended to meet any significant financial needs that may arise during residence in Ireland.

Financial Documentation Requirements:

• All financial documentation must be compiled in spreadsheet format, converted into euros.

• It must clearly outline monthly income and expenditure.

• The documentation must be independently verified and certified by an Irish accountancy firm with expertise in assessing overseas financial and banking records.

Important Notes:

• While residing in Ireland under retirement permission, you are not entitled to access State benefits.

• Proof of financial independence must be maintained and presented as required by immigration authorities.

Visa Requirements for Retiring to Ireland

If you are a visa-required national and have received your Conditional Letter of Offer from the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division to retire to Ireland, you must then apply for a visa through your local visa office.

To reside in Ireland under retirement conditions, you must apply for a D-Reside Visa.
When submitting your visa application, you must include your Conditional Letter of Offer as supporting documentation.

It is essential that you obtain a D-Reside Visa before entering Ireland.
Failure to enter the State with the correct visa will prevent you from completing the registration process necessary to lawfully reside in Ireland.

Once you have received both your Conditional Letter of Offer and your approved D-Reside Visa, you may travel to Ireland.

Important:
Please be aware that entry into Ireland is always at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry, even if you hold a valid visa.

Required Documents for Initial Application – People of Independent Means

When applying for permission to retire to Ireland as a person of independent means, you must submit the following documents:

• A clear and legible copy of your passport, including all pages.

• A copy of your birth certificate.

• A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable).

• A statement outlining your reasons for requesting permission to reside in Ireland.

• Details of any family members currently resident in Ireland, including their legal status.

• Details of any Irish associations, if relevant.

Financial Documentation:

• Evidence of all available finances, such as bank statements for the last six months.

• Verification of finances by an Irish-based accountant, including a detailed listing of annual income and any financial liabilities.
  (Note: Investment sums are generally not considered. Income must come from pensions or other readily accessible funds.)

Additional Requirements:

• Proof of private medical insurance, providing full cover in private hospitals.

• A Police Clearance Certificate from your country of residence.

• A Health Declaration confirming your good health.

• Any additional information you believe is relevant to support your application.

Renewal of Stamp 0 Permission

If you have been granted Stamp 0 by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and your residence permission letter states that your permission is renewable, you may apply for renewal one month prior to the expiry date.

Your renewal application must include:

• A full copy of your current passport (all pages).

• Proof of ongoing private medical insurance.

• Evidence of continuing financial means.

Important:
If you are found to have breached any conditions of your permission, your renewal may be refused, and you may be required to leave Ireland.
The specific conditions attached to your permission are outlined in the original approval letter issued by INIS.

Key Notes About Stamp 0:

• Stamp 0 is granted for a limited and specific stay in Ireland.

• It is renewable annually but does not count towards Long Term Residence.

• Holding Stamp 0 does not grant automatic eligibility to apply for naturalisation.

Contact Information:

• Renewal applications are managed by Unit 2, Domestic Residence & Permissions Division, INIS,
  13–14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

• For queries, contact: unit2residencedivision@justice.ie

Summary of Conditions for Stamp 0

• You must be of independent financial means and fully self-sufficient.

• Alternatively, you may be supported by a sponsor in Ireland who must also demonstrate independent financial means.

• You are not entitled to access state benefits or publicly funded services, such as treatment in public hospitals.

• You must maintain private medical insurance at all times.

• You are not permitted to work or engage in any business, trade, or profession unless explicitly authorised in a letter of permission from Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).

Examples of When Stamp 0 May Be Issued:

• To individuals retiring to Ireland or living in Ireland as a person of independent means.

• To visiting academics at an Irish university or college.

• To elderly dependent relatives of non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens residing in Ireland.