Many parents in Ireland arrived as the spouse or partner of someone with a work permit, often on what people call a spouse visa. Once the children are settled, the question comes up: can I work from home? The answer depends on your immigration stamp, and the difference between “employment” and “self-employment” matters a lot for remote work.
Quick answer: on Stamp 3 you can’t do paid work. On Stamp 1G (for eligible spouses and partners of employment permit holders) you can work as an employee for any employer without a permit, but you can’t be self-employed or run a business. On Stamp 4 you can work, freelance and run a business. Always check your own permission on irishimmigration.ie.
Please note: this guide explains the general rules as of November 2026. It isn’t legal advice. Your exact conditions are on your Irish Residence Permit and in your permission letter.
Spouse visa work: employment vs. self-employment
Many popular work-from-home options are self-employment, even if they feel like a job:
- Freelance virtual assistant or bookkeeping work for your own clients
- Selling on Etsy or selling digital products
- UGC content creation for brands
- Freelance proofreading, tutoring through your own clients, or social media management
Employment means you’re on an employer’s payroll, with a contract and a payslip. Remote customer support roles, many admin roles and some tutoring platforms that employ staff fall into this category.
Your stamp may allow one but not the other.
What each spouse visa stamp allows
Stamp 3
Stamp 3 is a permission to live in Ireland as a dependant. You cannot do paid work or run a business on Stamp 3. That includes freelance work, online selling and remote work for a company abroad.
Since May 2024, many spouses and partners who were on Stamp 3 have moved to Stamp 1G (see below). If you’re still on Stamp 3, check whether you’re now eligible.
Stamp 1G (spouse or partner route)
Stamp 1G is given to eligible spouses and de facto partners of:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit holders
- General Employment Permit holders
- Intra-Company Transfer permit holders
- Researchers on a Hosting Agreement
- Some others, including non-consultant hospital doctors on a multi-site permit
On Stamp 1G you can work as an employee in almost any job, full-time or part-time, without needing your own employment permit. That includes remote jobs with an employer in Ireland.
But you are not permitted to be self-employed or to establish or operate a business. So freelancing, an Etsy shop or selling digital products isn’t allowed on this stamp. Stamp 1G is renewed every year, and after five years you may be eligible to apply for Stamp 4.
Stamp 4
Stamp 4 allows you to work for an employer, be self-employed and run a business. Spouses of Irish citizens are usually given Stamp 4, and people can also move to Stamp 4 after a period of residence on other permissions. Stamp 4 opens up every option on RemoteGlide.
Stamp 0
Stamp 0, often given to dependent parents, doesn’t allow any work or business activity.
Not eligible for Stamp 1G?
If you’re a family member who isn’t eligible for Stamp 1G, a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit may still be possible once you have a job offer.
Common spouse visa questions
Can I work remotely for a company outside Ireland?
If you live in Ireland, you generally need permission to work here, even if the employer is abroad. A foreign employer usually also needs to set up Irish payroll or use an “employer of record” service. Check with the employer and your own conditions before you accept.
Can I do paid surveys or user testing on Stamp 1G?
Regular paid activity for your own account is closer to self-employment than employment. If in doubt, ask the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or an immigration adviser rather than risk your permission.
Will working affect my partner’s permit?
Your Stamp 1G depends on your relationship and your partner’s permission staying valid. Working as an employee doesn’t affect their permit, but you need to keep your own registration up to date.
Beware of “visa sponsorship” remote job scams
Fake job ads often target people on immigration permissions with promises of “visa sponsorship” or “work permit included”. Genuine employers never charge you for a permit or a job. If someone asks you to pay, walk away and check the offer with our work-from-home scam checker.
Coming to Ireland, or bringing your family?
For step-by-step guides on Irish family and spouse visas, employment permits and moving to Ireland, see our sister site VizGuides, including its Irish spouse and family visa guide and guides to the Critical Skills and General Employment permits. For the official rules, always check irishimmigration.ie.
On a spouse visa in the UK or US?
The same principle applies: your visa conditions decide what you can do.
- UK: many dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders can work, but conditions vary by visa. Check yours with the government’s “view and prove your immigration status” service on gov.uk.
- US: work rights depend on your visa type. For example, H-4 spouses generally need an Employment Authorization Document before working. Check USCIS for your category.
Next steps
Once you know what your stamp allows, use the Remote Work Matcher and choose “A job with an employer” if you’re on Stamp 1G. Then see where to find genuine remote jobs and get your CV ready for remote roles.
Answer 8 quick questions and see which work fits your life.
