Do I have to visit Ireland to keep my residency

Ireland offers various residency programs, each with different requirements for maintaining your status. Whether you need to visit Ireland regularly depends on the specific visa you hold. Here’s a breakdown of common scenarios:

1. Stamp 4 Residency

• General Rule: If you have Stamp 4 residency, you are generally required to maintain continuous residence in Ireland. This means you cannot be absent from the country for extended periods.
• Specific Requirements: While there’s no hard and fast rule for the maximum time you can be absent, it’s generally recommended not to stay outside Ireland for more than 6 months in any given year. Longer absences may jeopardize your residency status.
• Exceptions: There can be exceptions for compelling reasons like work assignments abroad, medical treatment, or family emergencies. It’s crucial to document these reasons and maintain ties to Ireland during your absence.

2. Other Residency Permits

• Stamp 1 and Stamp 2: These permits often have more stringent residency requirements. You might need to be present in Ireland for a specific number of days each year to renew your permit.
• Long-Term Residency: Once you obtain long-term residency, you generally have more flexibility regarding absences from Ireland. However, it’s still advisable to maintain ties to the country and avoid excessively long periods abroad.

3. Investment-Based Residency

• Investor Visas: If you obtained residency through an investment program, the requirements for maintaining your status can vary. Some programs may have specific conditions regarding physical presence in Ireland.
• Consult Program Guidelines: It’s essential to carefully review the conditions of your specific investment visa and consult with an immigration advisor if needed.

Key Considerations

• Re-entry Visa: If you plan to be outside Ireland for an extended period, you might need to apply for a re-entry visa before leaving.
• Maintaining Ties to Ireland: To demonstrate continuous residence, it’s important to maintain ties to Ireland even during absences. This can include:
  • Owning property in Ireland
  • Having an Irish bank account
  • Paying taxes in Ireland
  • Maintaining family ties in Ireland