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Stamp 1H (NCHD Doctor)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

EUR €1,000–€1,500

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Two-year permission for non-EEA Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors on a Multi-Site General Employment Permit, with immediate family reunification and a Stamp 4 path.

Stamp 1H is the Irish immigration permission for non-EEA Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) working in the public health system on a Multi-Site General Employment Permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The matching stamp is registered with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) after arrival.

Permission lasts up to 24 months and is renewable with the underlying permit; the €300 IRP registration fee is paid at the Burgh Quay appointment. Unlike standard GEP holders, NCHDs may bring family immediately rather than after 12 months, and spouses receive a Stamp 1G allowing work without a separate permit. After 21 months of NCHD employment a Stamp 4 upgrade is available.

This visa is ideal for non-EEA junior doctors taking up an NCHD post in an Irish public hospital who want family with them from day one and a clear two-year route to Stamp 4.

Cost Breakdown

IRP Registration Fee (per person, payable at Burgh Quay)EUR €300

per person

Multi-Site General Employment Permit (first application, up to 24 months)EUR €1,000

Multi-Site General Employment Permit (renewal, up to 36 months)EUR €1,500

TotalEUR €1,000–€1,500

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Ireland

Stamp 4 Residency

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1–2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Multi-Site General Employment Permit (Multi-Site GEP)

NCHD role in an Irish public hospital

Active registration with the Irish Medical Council

Minimum annual salary of €36,605 (1 March 2026 threshold; some exemptions for health roles)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

36,605 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Multi-Site General Employment Permit (issued by DETE)

Signed NCHD employment contract with the public hospital

Valid passport (minimum 12 months remaining)

Irish Medical Council registration certificate

Proof of address in Ireland

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Family can join immediately (no 12-month waiting period that applies to standard GEP)
Spouse/partner receives Stamp 1G and can work in Ireland without a separate permit
Stamp 4 upgrade available after 21 months of NCHD employment
Multi-site permit allows rotation between named public hospitals
Path to long-term residency and onward citizenship via Stamp 4
Qualifying for the Stamp 4 support letter route specific to NCHDs

Worth Knowing

Restricted to NCHD duties at the public hospital sites named on the permit
Requires active Irish Medical Council registration alongside the immigration permission
Multi-Site GEP fee is €1,000 first application (€1,500 on renewal) plus €300 IRP
Permission tied to the underlying employment permit; ending NCHD employment ends Stamp 1H
Salary threshold of €36,605/year applies from 1 March 2026 (with some health-role exemptions)
Role is not a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor post in an Irish public hospital
No Irish Medical Council registration in place at the point of application
Employer has not secured a Multi-Site General Employment Permit