Right to Work for Minor Children of Employment Permit Holders – 2026 Policy Update

Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has updated the rules regarding the right to work for minor children of employment permit holders. Under these changes, eligible dependent children can now work in Ireland without requiring a separate employment permit once they reach 16 years of age.

Previously, dependent minors were registered on Stamp 3, which did not permit employment. From 26 November 2025, qualifying children are instead registered on Stamp 1G, granting automatic access to the Irish labour market. This applies to children whose family reunification permissions were issued under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy.

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from this update, the child must:

• Be a dependent minor of a General Employment Permit holder, Critical Skills Employment Permit holder, Intra-Company Transfer Permit holder, Researcher on a Hosting Agreement, or a person previously in one of these categories now holding Stamp 4 permission.

• Hold valid immigration permission under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy.

• Currently reside in Ireland on Stamp 3.

• Not be an EU, EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen.

  
  

For children already holding a Stamp 3 IRP card, ISD will automatically vary their conditions to Stamp 1G. No new registration or application is required. The updated Stamp 1G will appear on the next IRP card issued. Between 26 November 2025 and 26 November 2026, employers can accept an ISD permission variation letter together with the child’s existing Stamp 3 card as proof of work entitlement.

Practical Implications

Under Stamp 1G, eligible minor children:

• May undertake employment in Ireland without a separate work permit.

• May continue their studies.

• Cannot operate a business or engage in self-employment.

• Must renew their Stamp 1G permission annually via the standard IRP renewal process.

Exclusions

This policy does not apply to:

• Adult children are granted family reunification under exceptional circumstances.

• Spouses or partners of permit holders.

• Children in Ireland under visitor, student (Stamp 2), or other non-dependent permissions.

• Children whose Stamp 3 permission was issued for reasons unrelated to dependency under the employment permit family reunification.

Families and employers should ensure that IRP renewals are completed on time to maintain valid work permissions. Employers are advised to verify that a child’s Stamp 1G conditions are in place before permitting employment. It is also important for families to understand that the automatic variation from Stamp 3 to Stamp 1G applies only to eligible minor children; other dependants or non-EEA family members may need to submit a separate application.

This policy update reflects Ireland’s broader efforts to modernise family immigration rules and integrate dependents of skilled workers into the labour market. While it provides greater flexibility for eligible minors, careful attention to IRP management and compliance with employment regulations remains essential.

Need Help Understanding This Change?

If you are a parent or guardian of a minor child affected by this update and want to understand how it applies to your situation, Future Direct can help. We provide professional guidance on family reunification, immigration permissions, and employment rights in Ireland.

Contact Future Direct today at +353 1513 4085 or email info@futuredirect.ie to learn more about how this policy update may benefit your family and to get expert assistance with your application.