On July 13, 2026, the Department of Justice announced that it is extending its provision for delayed Irish Residence Permit (IRP) renewal processing and issuing a Summer Travel Notice for international travelers, as the current processing time exceeds 17 weeks for some categories.
Following the completion of the registration renewal, it may take a further two weeks to receive the new IRP card.
Notice to Employers
A month earlier, the Department had announced, in a Notice to Employers, processing times of approximately 10 weeks and permission for employment permit holders (or those otherwise entitled to work) with pending IRP renewal applications to remain in Ireland for a maximum of 12 weeks.
Now, with even longer processing times, the Department has clarified that the existing Notice to Employers will continue to apply after August 31, 2026 to all expired IRP cards regardless of the number of weeks elapsed.
All permission renewals in the Republic of Ireland are processed online and applicants are issued a receipt of application detailing the date of application and a unique application number (OREG number). Once the online renewal application has been approved, an application-completed email is sent to the applicant. This email confirmation can be used as proof of registration while the applicant awaits delivery of their new IRP card.
If, however, their current permission expired prior to submitting an application for renewal, this interim notice does not apply.
Summer Travel Notice
To facilitate non-EEA nationals legally resident in the State who are required to renew their current permission and who wish to travel internationally during the summer period, the Minister is issuing a Travel Confirmation Notice, requesting carriers to allow individuals to travel on their recently expired IRP card where an application to renew their permission was submitted before the expiry date of their IRP card.
Non-EEA nationals in the State who are required to apply for renewal of their IRP card may use their recently expired IRP card to enable them to travel with confidence from July 13, 2026, to August 31, 2026, provided an application to renew their registration permission was submitted before the expiry date of their IRP card.
This Travel Confirmation Notice is valid from July 13, 2026, to August 31, 2026, only.
Note:
- Customers should download and print this notice and present it, along with their expired IRP card, and proof of renewal application (email confirmation which details the date of application) to immigration authorities and airlines if requested to do so.
- It is highly recommended that travelers contact their airline before travel to ensure they are aware of and will recognize this notice.
- Those who plan to transit through a third country to return to Ireland are strongly advised to check if that jurisdiction can accept this travel notice to permit transit on to Ireland before booking their tickets.
- The Department will advise all airlines and foreign missions of the initiatives in place.
- The Department will continue to process applications for renewals.
Further details on these arrangements can be found here.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.