Ireland: IRP card renewals take 6–9 weeks, apply early before travel
Announced by irishimmigration.ieOct 29, 2026Checked on the official page Oct 31
NewIrelandVisas and rules
In short
- What
- Renewing an IRP card in Ireland takes 6–9 weeks, and the new card may take a further two weeks to arrive by post.
- What to do
- If your card expires before or during travel, apply online for renewal now.
Does this apply to you?
It applies to
- Non-EEA nationals living in Ireland who need to renew their IRP card
- People planning international travel over the coming holiday period whose IRP card expires before departure or during travel
Key terms
- IRP card
- Irish Residence Permit, the residence card held by foreign nationals living in Ireland.
- EEA
- European Economic Area: the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
- ISD
- Immigration Service Delivery, Ireland's government immigration service.
Key points
- Effective date
- Not confirmed
irishimmigration.ie (external site)
What changed
ISD is receiving an extremely large volume of renewal applications. At the time of the announcement, renewing an IRP card takes 6–9 weeks.
After the renewal is completed, the new card may take a further two weeks to arrive by post. An in-date IRP card may be required to travel to and from Ireland.
Who it applies to
- Non-EEA nationals living in Ireland who need to renew their IRP card
- People planning international travel over the coming holiday period whose IRP card expires before departure or during travel
When it applies
Announced by ISD on 29 October 2026. The 6–9 week processing time is the time stated in that announcement.
Exceptions
Renewals submitted close to planned travel may not be processed, and the card may not be delivered, in time, although every attempt will be made to do so. Applicants should not rely on re-entry visas.
Re-entry visas are only considered where appointments are available, the applicant is awaiting delivery of the IRP card and can show a genuine need in an emergency.
Planned work-related or recreational travel is not an emergency. Whenever the renewal is submitted or processed, the renewed permission is based on the current expiry date of your IRP card.
What to check or do
- Compare your departure date and travel period with the expiry date of your current IRP card.
- If it expires before or during your trip, apply for renewal now through the ISD online portal.
- Plan your trip allowing 6–9 weeks for renewal and possibly a further two weeks for the card to arrive by post.
- Check the official ISD announcement for the latest information.
Official sources
- Officially announced
- Oct 29, 2026
- Effective from
- Not confirmed
- Last checked
- Oct 31, 2026
Checked against official sources
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irishimmigration.ie (external site)
