The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years (ie: 60 months) on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years (ie: 60 months) may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not exempt the person from employment permit requirements.
The Immigration Division of my Department is currently giving priority to applications for a long term residency extension in respect of persons who fulfil the legal residency criteria and whose permission to remain expires in the coming weeks.
The documents concerned are: 1. Clear and legible copy of passport (all pages). In the event that the passport has been renewed since commencing employment, a copy of the previous passport must be provided. 2. Copy of Certificate of Registration. 3. Copies of work permits/working visa endorsements/work authorisation endorsements.
Persons who obtain a Certificate of Naturalisation are Irish citizens from the date of issue of the certificate. Such persons do not need to apply for permission to reside in the State.