Permanent Residence
Card

Non-EEA family members of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who have lived in Ireland continuously for 5 years under EU free movement rules can apply for a permanent residence card on form EUTR3. The card is valid for 10 years and confirms a permanent right to live, work and run a business in Ireland, which no longer depends on the EU citizen's ongoing activity. The application must show 5 continuous years of residence as a family member, and evidence that the EU citizen was exercising their rights in Ireland throughout that period, such as Revenue employment records or tax documents, along with bills, bank statements and tenancy agreements showing the family member's own residence. Family members who kept their right of residence after a divorce or the EU citizen's death can also apply once their retention has been approved, because retained residence counts towards the 5 years. Once acquired, permanent residence is generally only lost through an absence from Ireland of more than two consecutive years. ISD doesn't list a fee, and decisions can take up to 6 months. Permanent residence isn't citizenship, but many holders are also eligible for naturalisation.

You need evidence that the EU citizen exercised their EU rights in Ireland during your qualifying 5 years.

Yes, if your retention of residence was approved. See our Retention of Residence Card service if you haven't applied for it.

No. It's permanent residence. You may also be eligible for citizenship by naturalisation, which we can assess.

Your residence card shows your right to live in Ireland. Check entry rules for each country before travelling.

Some absences don't break continuous residence, but longer ones can. Tell us your travel history and we'll assess it.

Generally only through an absence from Ireland of more than two consecutive years.