Nearly 2,500 Ukrainians Apply for New Long-Term Residency Scheme in Ireland

Ireland's Department of Justice confirmed that 2,387 Ukrainian refugees have applied for a new temporary-protection transition scheme, which functions like a Stamp 4 residence permission and allows holders to live and work for up to two years, with renewals for another two years. To qualify, applicants must have resided in the country for at least one year before the scheme opened on September 30, earned at least €29,432 annually, and not be receiving any state-funded accommodation, including modular housing or accommodation-recognition payments.

The scheme does not replace existing EU-wide temporary protection, which is set to expire in March 2028, but provides an alternative route for those meeting the criteria. Time spent under the scheme will also count toward the increased eight-year residency requirement for Irish citizenship. Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy welcomed the high application numbers, noting the integration of Ukrainians into Irish society. As of now, no applications have been granted while assessments are ongoing.