Dependent Parent of an Irish
National

Irish citizens can sponsor a parent who depends on them to live in Ireland permanently, but the rules are among the strictest in the Irish system. The route is the Stamp 0 scheme for dependent adult relatives, and the parent must apply from outside Ireland. The sponsor's income is the main hurdle. Under the 2026 thresholds, the Irish sponsor must have earned at least €96,929 gross a year for one parent, or €130,985 for two parents, in Ireland in each of the previous 3 years, and only one sponsor's income counts. The sponsor must have suitable accommodation, which can't be State-funded, emergency or social housing. The parent needs fully comprehensive private medical insurance with full private hospital cover, because Stamp 0 doesn't give access to public health services. There are two stages: Stamp 0 approval from ISD, then, for visa-required parents, a long stay join family visa applied for within 3 months of the approval letter. Permission is granted for one year at a time and renewed each year. For shorter stays, parents can visit on a short stay visit visa for up to 90 days.

No. Stamp 0 doesn't allow access to public services, which is why comprehensive private insurance is required.

No. Only one sponsor's income counts towards the threshold.

Use our Parents' Visit Visa service for stays of up to 90 days.

With our Stamp 0 Application – Dependent Family Member service.

Your parent needs fully comprehensive private medical insurance with full private hospital cover. Travel insurance isn't accepted. We'll check the policy before you apply.

Stamp 0 is granted for one year at a time and can be renewed each year, provided the conditions, including insurance, continue to be met.