Stamp 0 permission to remain is a low-level immigration permission granted to people of independent financial means to reside in the State on a temporary basis.
The reference to “0” is quite metaphorical in that it is a low-level immigration permission which gives the holder no permanent residence, employment or social assistance rights. It is however a very suitable immigration permission for many individuals in circumstances where it allows a person to reside in Ireland without restriction and to enter and exit the State generally without difficulty.
Permission to remain is granted in one-year blocks. It will be renewed without complication provided that the holder continues to satisfy the criteria upon which the permission was originally granted. Stamp 0 permission to remain is a very popular option for non-EEA national retirees who like Irish life, culture and although hard to believe occasionally the Irish climate which does not have extreme hot or cold seasons. It is often referred to by our clients as “a retirement visa”.
It has also become a popular option in recent times for younger individuals who have financial means, or who may perhaps be availing of remote working options to live in Ireland but work outside of the State. It is important to note that the holder of a Stamp 0 permission to remain cannot work, establish or operate a business in Ireland. This is not permitted and to do so would be a breach of the terms and conditions of the permission to remain and may result in a revocation of the permission and/or refusal to renew.
For persons of independent means, the financial criteria are that the person has access to €50,000 per person per annum, plus access to a lump sum of money to cover any unforeseen major expenses. This should be equivalent to, for example, the price of a dwelling house in the State. Notably the purchase price of a property in Ireland varies greatly depending on location, but the general lump sum figure is approximately €100,000.
Applicants must submit their financial documentation in tabular format, which has been converted into euros showing monthly income and expenditure. Only finances from readily accessible funds or pension income will be accepted. Invest sums will not be accepted. Supporting documentation such as bank statements and other financial documentation must be submitted. The financial information and documentation must also be certified by an Irish based practising accountant who understands the system of overseas banking and accountancy documentation.
Police clearance certificates and evidence of private medical insurance with full cover in private hospitals is also required.
Non-visa required nationals can submit their application from inside or outside of the State. For example, a US citizen can enter the State on a 90-day visitor permission and submit their application, or they could do so from outside of the State should they so wish.
Visa required nationals must submit the application from outside of the State. Once the application is approved, they may then apply for a visa to enter the State – the relevant application being a D-Reside visa.
Both visa and non-visa required nationals are required to register with their local immigration office in due course following the grant of the immigration permission/entry to the State.
The Immigration team at Sinnott Solicitors are specialists in all aspects of immigration law. If you have any queries on a Stamp 0 application or any other immigration matters, do not hesitate to contact our Immigration Department today on 0035314062862 or info@sinnott.ie.
