Stamp 0 – Permission Types and Financial Requirements
Temporary, discretionary residence for non-EEA nationals with no right to work
Stamp 0 is a temporary, discretionary residence permission granted by the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) to non-EEA nationals who wish to live in Ireland with no right to work, business activity, access to public funds, permanent residence or citizenship.
Stamp 0 is currently not a single regime. In administrative and legal practice, there are two distinct Stamp 0 models, each with its own purpose, requirements and financial criteria.
Stamp 0 – Independent Financial Means
The Independent Financial Means Stamp 0 is intended for people who have sufficient means of their own to live in Ireland without needing to work. This model is widely used by retirees, personal investors and individuals who wish to reside in the country for personal or family reasons, without any dependency link.
The permission is granted in renewable 12-month periods, provided the applicant continues to meet the financial and continuous-residence criteria.
Financial criterion – Independent Financial Means
The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to fully support themselves in Ireland without relying on the State. In administrative practice, the ISD requires:
- €50.000 per person, per year, in net, regular and verifiable income;
- An additional amount ("lump sum"), usually around €100.000, to cover extraordinary expenses or emergencies.
Stamp 0 – Dependent Adult / Dependent Parent
The second Stamp 0 model applies to dependent parents, dependent adult children and other adult relatives who are financially dependent on a sponsor legally resident in Ireland.
Under the Family Reunification Policy revised on 26/11/2025, all adult dependents must first apply for Stamp 0 from outside the State before any family reunification request.
It is essential to understand that, in this model, the applicant is not regarded as a person of independent financial means. The assessment is based on financial and social dependency on the sponsor.
Sponsor's financial criterion (policy updated 26/11/2025)
The sponsor must prove that, in each of the three years prior to the application, they earned a gross income above certain percentage indices, calculated on the Irish average earnings. The thresholds currently applicable are:
- 185% of the annual average earnings in Ireland for one dependent adult;
- 250% of the annual average earnings in Ireland for two dependent adults, with proportional increases for additional dependents.
The average earnings used are the Average Weekly Earnings, published quarterly by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), applying the figure for Q2 of the year prior to the application. These same indices are also required on renewals of the permission.
The dependent's own income
If the dependent has guaranteed future income, such as a pension, that amount may partially offset the threshold required of the sponsor. However, if the income is enough to fully secure their subsistence, the applicant may cease to be regarded as dependent, which rules out this category.
Mandatory additional conditions
Once approved, Stamp 0 for adult dependents is subject to strict conditions, including:
- Private health insurance with cover equivalent to a private hospital;
- A legal undertaking signed by the sponsor, assuming full financial responsibility;
- Proof of adequate accommodation in Ireland;
- A possible requirement, by the ISD, of a statutory declaration or the setting up of a financial bond.
Difference between the two Stamp 0 models
In short, Stamp 0 – Independent Financial Means is based on the applicant's own financial self-sufficiency, whereas Stamp 0 – Dependent Adult / Parent is grounded in financial dependency on a sponsor, with thresholds indexed to national average earnings.
| Criterion | Independent Financial Means | Dependent Adult / Parent |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of application | The applicant's own financial self-sufficiency | Financial dependency on a sponsor |
| Financial requirement | Own income of €50.000/year + lump sum (~€100.000) | Sponsor income: 185% (one dependent) or 250% (two dependents) of average earnings |
| Typical profile | Retirees, investors and self-sufficient individuals | Dependent parents and adult children of a sponsor |
| Right to work | No | No |
| Duration | Renewable 12-month blocks | Renewable 12-month blocks |
| Nature | Temporary and discretionary | Temporary and discretionary |
Both are temporary, granted in 12-month blocks and assessed case by case, with a high degree of administrative discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stamp 0
No. Stamp 0 grants no right to work or business activity.
Need guidance on Stamp 0?
We assess which Stamp 0 model applies to your case and prepare the financial documentation required by the ISD.
Need guidance on Stamp 0?
We assess which Stamp 0 model applies to your case and prepare the financial documentation required by the ISD.
We assess which Stamp 0 model applies to your case and prepare the financial documentation required by the ISD.
Need guidance on Stamp 0?
We assess which Stamp 0 model applies to your case and prepare the financial documentation required by the ISD.