Ireland has opened a new Ukraine immigration scheme designed to give eligible people displaced by the war a clearer route to remain, live and work in the country after Temporary Protection ends. The Temporary Protection Transition Scheme offers qualifying applicants a Stamp 4 permission lasting up to two years.
Ukraine immigration scheme provides longer-term certainty
Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy announced the scheme on 30 September 2026. The initiative responds to the planned conclusion of the EU Temporary Protection Directive on 4 March 2028, although the directive could still be extended at European level.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said the new route is intended to support employment, skills development and progression towards independent living. Successful applicants will receive permission for up to two years, with the option to renew for further two-year periods.
Unlike time spent under Temporary Protection, residence under this new permission will count towards naturalisation. Applicants should review the official guidance on gov.ie immigration services before submitting an application.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet all of the main conditions below:
- They must have been resident in Ireland as a Beneficiary of Temporary Protection for at least one year on or before 30 September 2026.
- They must have been employed or self-employed for six months by that date.
- They must earn a minimum annual salary of €29,432.
- They must not be living in State-supported Ukrainian accommodation, Rapid Build accommodation or hosted accommodation supported by the Accommodation Recognition Payment when applying.
Applications opened at noon on Wednesday 30 September 2026. Detailed eligibility rules and application instructions are available through the Ukraine updates section on gov.ie.
Temporary Protection remains available for those who do not qualify
People who do not meet the criteria for the Ukraine immigration scheme will continue to hold Temporary Protection while the EU directive remains in force. Temporary Protection has currently been extended until 4 March 2028.
The new permission cannot be held alongside Temporary Protection or another immigration permission. Anyone moving to Stamp 4 will therefore need to understand the consequences of changing status before applying.
Accommodation changes for people from Ukraine
The Government is also phasing out accommodation provided to people from Ukraine since 2022. The withdrawal of State-contracted commercial accommodation began in August 2026 and is expected to continue until March 2027.
Vulnerable residents have been able to self-declare a need for continued State-supported accommodation, with supporting evidence. People who leave State-contracted accommodation for independent housing may qualify for standard social welfare assistance, subject to the usual conditions.
What the scheme means for applicants
The Temporary Protection Transition Scheme creates a potential bridge between emergency protection and a more stable immigration status. It may provide eligible Ukrainian citizens with greater certainty about employment, residence and future naturalisation, while preserving Temporary Protection for those who do not qualify.
Applicants should check the latest official requirements carefully, prepare evidence of residence and employment, and seek qualified immigration advice if their circumstances are complex.
Key takeaway: The Ukraine immigration scheme gives eligible people displaced by the war a route to Stamp 4 residence in Ireland, while Temporary Protection remains available until the current EU arrangement ends.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
