Working in Ireland

Source: https://www.ucd.ie/global/currentstudents/workinginireland/

Important Employment Information

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Working in Ireland as an International Student

Students from Outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland & UK

Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK students holding a valid Stamp 2 permission are permitted to take up casual employment in Ireland.

They can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods. The designated holiday periods are from June to September (inclusive) and from December 15 to January 15. Please note that students with Stamp 2A permission are not allowed to work.

As a full-time non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK student, you are only permitted to work in Ireland if you possess a valid IRP card that indicates you have Stamp 2 permission, along with a Personal Public Services (PPS) Number.

Students on a Stamp 3 permission are allowed to work (up to 40 hours per week) without the need to obtain a separate Employment Permit of their own, which was not previously the case for Stamp 3 permission holders. Eligible dependent minor children with a Stamp 3 permission have had their permission to remain in the State changed to the same conditions as a Stamp 1G permission holder.

The amended Stamp 3 permission came into effect on November 26, 2025. Further information on this is available here.

EU, EEA, Swiss and UK Students

Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK can move to Ireland freely and participate in various activities, including employment, self-employment, study, and residency. Although these individuals do not need to apply for immigration permission, they are still required to apply for a PPS number.

Working Hours on Stamp 2

• Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week during term time

• Full-time: Up to 40 hours per week during designated holiday periods:

• 1st June – 30th September

• 15th December – 15th January

Working Rights with Stamp 1G Graduate Permission

Students availing of the Third Level Graduate Programme receive a Stamp 1G Graduate permission. This entitles them to work up to 40 hours per week for a period of 12 months following successful completion of their course, with the option of extending for a further 12 months, subject to certain conditions.

You can complete the application fully online, and check current processing times on the official application website. For full details, please visit the Stamp 1G Graduate section of our website.

Students are also welcome to share this letter for employers to explain their working rights and the process of transition from Stamp 2 to Stamp 1G Graduate permission.

Summary of non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss, and non-UK students' working rights

Please note that Stamp 2, 2A and 1G Graduate permission holders must not engage in any other business or trade, therefore cannot be self-employed.

Apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number

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Who can apply for a PPS number?

You can apply for a PPS number online through MyWelfare if you are living in Ireland, are at least 18 years of age, and have a basic MyGovID account.

What do you need to apply?

When you apply online, you need to upload:

• A copy of your passport ID page
• Your UCD Certificate of Attendance (used as both your reason for needing a PPS number and proof of address)

Who can sign the Reg 1 form as a witness?

Anyone who is known to you.

What should I write for Question 15 ("Reason for PPS number")?

Students can insert "Education" in the box provided.

What evidence can I provide with my application to show that I require a PPS number?

Your UCD Certificate of Attendance is sufficient.

How long does the PPS application take to process?

Processing times can vary depending on volume, so apply early.

Where can I find further information about PPS numbers?

You can find further information about PPS numbers on the gov.ie website.

Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4. T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map