Ireland•EuropeStamp 1A (Accountancy Trainee)
At a Glance
Varies
EUR €300
Up to 4 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Permission for non-EEA nationals to undertake full-time, paid accountancy training.
Stamp 1A is a permission for non-EEA nationals to undertake full-time, paid accountancy training in Ireland under a formal training contract with a practice registered with one of three recognised bodies: Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA Ireland, or CPA Ireland. The scheme is administered by Immigration Service Delivery and needs no separate employment permit.
Applicants must hold a third-level degree, vetted by the accountancy body for authenticity and exemptions before registration. The IRP fee is €300, payable at first registration and at each annual renewal. Renewal requires a supervisor progression report confirming exams passed and experience gained in the prior 12 months.
This visa is ideal for non-EEA graduates pursuing chartered or certified accountancy training with a recognised Irish accountancy body and an approved training employer.
Stay & Extensions
| Extension increments | 4 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
IrelandIrelandCSEP — Critical Skills Employment Permit
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Third-level degree qualification (Irish or international)
Full-time paid training contract with an accountancy practice registered with a recognised body
Registration with a recognised accountancy body (Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA Ireland, or CPA Ireland)
Degree authenticated and exemptions vetted by the relevant accountancy body before application
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Income
28,696 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Training contract
Proof of registration with accountancy body
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Pursue a recognised Irish accountancy qualification (CAI, ACCA, or CPA) while earning a full-time training salary
- No separate employment permit required — ISD registration alone authorises the trainee role
- Low, flat IRP fee of €300 for both first registration and each annual renewal
- Up to four years on Stamp 1A to complete the qualification, with annual renewal tied to progression
- Degree exemptions may shorten the path: the accountancy body assesses prior qualifications before registration
Worth Knowing
- Permission is locked to the specific training contract — you cannot change employer or take other work in Ireland
- Renewal each year depends on a progression report from your supervisor; weak progress can end the permission
- No family reunification: spouses and dependants cannot join you on a dependent permission
- Four-year cap within Stamp 1A plus an eight-year overall limit on student/trainee status in Ireland
- Not a permanent-residence pathway; you must transition to a work permit post-qualification to remain in Ireland
- No training contract with a registered accountancy practice
- Not registered with Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA Ireland, or CPA Ireland
- No third-level degree to support body registration
Application Process
Secure training contract
Register with accountancy body
Register with ISD for IRP card
Application Forms
| ISD Registration Portal | Fill online |
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