What is Immigration Registration?
Immigration registration is a process whereby your immigration permission is verified and recorded. Non-EU citizens are required to register in the state if they are staying in Ireland for longer than 90 days.
Where do I register?
Register in Dublin
In Dublin all registrations take place at the Burgh Quay Immigration Registration Office. In order to book an appointment you will need to use the Immigration Registration Booking System. Take into account that the booking site is extremely busy and finding a slot may sometimes take two or three days.
Register outside Dublin
Outside of Dublin registration is handled by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). To register you will need to visit a Local Registration Office located at a Garda station closest to you. No prior appointment is necessary.
Registration process
The process will depend on whether you already have a document confirming your Immigration Permission or whether you will be applying for both, the permission, as well as registration.
The registration process also involves having your photo taken and fingerprints scanned.
Register only
In this scenario you already have a letter from INIS outlining the details of your immigration permission. For instance, this option is applicable if you applied and received an Employment Permit while in your home country. Citizens of visa-required countries have to apply for Immigration Permission before coming to Ireland.
Apply for Immigration Permission and Register
In this scenario you are applying for a specific permission and registering in the state at the same time. An example of this would be a citizen of a non-visa-required country coming to study in Ireland full-time. In that case it is not a requirement to apply for an Immigration Permission before coming to Ireland as both the Permission and Registration can be processed during a single visit.
Successful registration
The Immigration Officer will review your documents and determine if they are sufficient to confirm your immigration permission. If all is OK, you will receive a relevant Immigration Stamp in your passport confirming the type and duration of your permission. In about a week you will receive a letter containing your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card (formerly called the GNIB card).
Registration and each subsequent renewal costs €300. Please note that payment by cash is not available. Please have your credit or debit card with you.
Unsuccessful registration
If your registration is unsuccessful, unfortunately you will be required to leave the country. The INIS website does not provide any more detailed information about unsuccessful registrations or appeal process.
Unsuccessful registrations are not very common. If you have followed the guidelines carefully and you have the necessary documents, registration in the state should be a formality.