Irish Born Child (IBC 05)
Renewal

The Irish Born Child scheme, known as IBC/05, was a 2005 scheme for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland before 1 January 2005. Until that date, children born on the island of Ireland were entitled to Irish citizenship, and the scheme gave many of their parents permission to stay and raise their children here. The scheme closed to new applications in 2005, but parents granted permission under it continue to renew it. Renewals are granted as Stamp 4, which lets the holder work or run a business without an employment permit, for between 6 months and 3 years depending on the case. The key requirement is continuous residence in Ireland, shown with documents in the parent's name at their Irish address covering the whole period, such as bills, bank statements, tax records and leases. Renewals are made at the local immigration office with a passport, the current IRP or GNIB card and the residence evidence. Where the office can't decide the case, it's referred to ISD's Residence Unit using form RES3, sent by post, and incomplete RES3 applications are returned without being processed. A registration fee may apply after approval. Many long-term IBC/05 holders may also be eligible for Stamp 5 or citizenship.

You'll get written reasons and can reapply at any time. If you hold no other permission, ISD may issue a notice of intention to deport, so take advice quickly.

Depending on your residence history, you may be eligible for Stamp 5 (8 years' residence) or citizenship. We can assess this.

Yes. Stamp 4 lets you work or run a business without an employment permit.

Documents in your name at your Irish address covering the whole period, such as bills, bank statements, tax records and leases.

Many IBC/05 parents now meet the residence requirements for naturalisation. We can assess whether citizenship is a better long-term option.

If your local office refers your case, form RES3 and your documents go by post to ISD's Residence Unit 4. We prepare the pack for you.

ISD's IBC/05 guidance describes renewal at your local immigration office, with referral to ISD by post if needed. We'll confirm the current process for you.