Ireland | New measures address IRP card renewal backlogs

On July 13, 2026, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in Ireland released two measures addressing backlogged renewals of Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards. Current processing times for renewing IRP cards are surpassing 17 weeks in some categories, with an additional two weeks expected to receive a new IRP card.

Interim notice to employers for IRP renewals

According to the July 13 announcement, employees will be permitted to remain in the country on existing conditions of their current IRP card until Aug. 31, 2026, if:

• The IRP card has expired
• The employee holds a valid in-date employment permit or has a permit that does not require employment
• The employee cannot obtain a new registration card by the expiration date of their current IRP card

The measure applies to all expired IRP cards regardless of the number of weeks past the expiration date. The employee must provide proof of having applied for an IRP card renewal prior to their current card expiring.

Applicants can apply for an IRP card renewal on the Irish Immigration Service Online website. The email confirmation after applying for renewal may be used as proof of registration while the new IRP card is processing.

Traveling with an expired IRP card

On July 13, the department issued a travel confirmation notice requesting transportation carriers to allow non-EEA nationals who are Irish legal residents to travel with a recently expired IRP card. Non-EEA nationals may travel with an expired IRP card effective July 13, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2026, if they applied to renew before the expiration date.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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