Ireland Launches New Residency Scheme for Citizenship Pathway

Ireland's Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has opened applications for a new residency scheme called the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme. This scheme, first published on 26 May 2026 and updated on 9 October 2026, is designed for individuals currently residing in Ireland under temporary protection.

Successful applicants will receive a Stamp 4 immigration permission, valid for up to two years and renewable in two-year intervals. Importantly, the time spent under this permission counts towards naturalisation, aiding holders in qualifying for Irish citizenship.

The scheme covers the entire family unit of those under temporary protection. To qualify, applicants must meet three criteria: they must have been residents for at least one year as beneficiaries of temporary protection by 30 September 2026, have been employed or self-employed for at least six months with a minimum yearly salary of €29,432, and must not be living in state-supported accommodation at the time of application.

The Department clarified that this scheme does not replace existing temporary protection.