Stamp 1A in Ireland: the simple guide

If you’re a non-EEA graduate who wants to qualify as an accountant in Ireland, Stamp 1A is the route for full-time, paid trainee accountants.

Here’s the zero-jargon version you can scan on your phone.

TL;DR

• Purpose: live in Ireland to do a full-time trainee accountant role under a training contract with an Irish employer.
• Who: non-EEA graduates registered with an accountancy body (CAI, ACCA, CPA).
• Limits: up to 4 years, with a possible extra 6 months to finish formalities.
• Work rules: trainee role only; no second job or self-employment.
• Pay: at least the National Minimum Wage (age-based). Many firms pay more.

Quick definition

Stamp 1A = immigration permission for trainee accountants only, linked to your training contract and your registration with CAI/ACCA/CPA.

What Stamp 1A is

Stamp 1A ties your stay to your training contract and your registration with a recognised accountancy body in Ireland. It is not a general work visa and not a study visa.

Time limits

• Core limit: up to 4 years to complete your training and exams.
• Extra time: up to 6 months more to finish membership formalities and next-step paperwork (not for re-sits).
• Overall cap: if you previously studied in Ireland, total time as a student/trainee is capped at 8 years (e.g., Stamp 2/1G plus up to 4 years on 1A).

Minimum pay (quick view)

• You must be paid at least Ireland’s National Minimum Wage (age-based). Trainee discounts no longer exist.
• Typical trainee offers are often above the legal minimum, especially in large cities.

Who is eligible

• You hold a third-level degree (Ireland or abroad).
• You’re registered with CAI, ACCA or CPA (exemptions assessed by the body).
• You have a full-time training contract with an Irish firm that’s registered with a professional accountancy body.

How to enter this route after UG/PG

If you are already in Ireland (on Stamp 2 or 1G)

1. Decide your body (CAI / ACCA / CPA) and check exemptions.
2. Apply for trainee accountant roles (many recruit in cycles). Mention you will register on Stamp 1A.
3. Get a training contract offer with role, start date and trainee status.
4. Register with your accountancy body and get your registration/exemptions letter.
5. Before your start date, book IRP and switch to Stamp 1A with the required documents.

Note: You may use Stamp 1G before moving to 1A, but time on 1G counts toward the overall 8-year student/trainee cap. Stamp 1G is not available once you have commenced or completed 1A.

If you graduated outside Ireland

1. Target Irish firms that hire trainee accountants on Stamp 1A.
2. Secure a training contract and register with CAI/ACCA/CPA.
3. If you need a visa, apply for a Long-Stay (D) visa. If not, travel with your documents.
4. On arrival, register your permission and receive Stamp 1A.

Documents checklist (first registration and renewal)

• Passport (bio page) and current IRP (for renewals).
• Confirmation from your accountancy body: registration and any exam exemptions.
• Training contract showing duration (max 4 years), pay, and study/leave terms.
• Annual supervisor report confirming exams passed and experience (for renewals).
• Private medical insurance that covers accidents and hospital stays for your full stay.

Keep PDFs of everything — employers and immigration may ask again.

After you qualify

• Most people move to Stamp 1 via an employment permit (General or Critical Skills) with their employer.
• Time on Stamp 1A does not count towards Long-Term Residency; time on certain later permissions (e.g., Stamp 1/4) can.

Quick answers

• Do I need a separate employment permit on 1A? Not under the current policy for trainee accountants; policies can change, so always check the latest guidance.
• Can I change employer mid-training? Only in exceptional cases with approval.
• Fees: you pay the standard IRP registration fee when you register/renew.

5-step starter plan

1. Pick CAI/ACCA/CPA → check exemptions.
2. Apply for trainee roles and secure a training contract.
3. Register with your accountancy body and collect your registration letter.
4. Book IRP and bring the contract + registration + insurance to register for Stamp 1A.
5. Keep exam progress steady and renew each year.

Final note

This guide is for information only. Always confirm details on official Irish immigration pages or with a qualified adviser, because rules can change.