Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
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A Without Condition as to Time (WCATT) application in Ireland is an application by a long-term resident for permission to remain in the State without a time limit on that permission. This solicitor-handled service is for long-term Irish residents seeking permanent residence with no expiry, who want their residence history and supporting documents prepared carefully before they apply. Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
What’s included
- A solicitor-handled Without Condition as to Time (WCATT) application for long-term Irish residents
- Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
- Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
- A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards
Who this is for
- Long-term non-EEA residents of Ireland who want permission without an expiry date
- People tired of renewing their permission on a regular basis
- Residents who want certainty about their status in Ireland
- Applicants who want a solicitor to check their residence history before applying
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- A solicitor would then review your residence history and prepares the WCATT application and supporting documents.
- The completed work is delivered to you by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a WCATT application cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
What does Without Condition as to Time mean?
It means your permission to remain in Ireland is not limited to a fixed period, so you do not need to renew it in the same way as a time-limited permission. Eligibility depends on your residence history, and the decision rests with the immigration authorities.
Is WCATT the same as Irish citizenship?
No. WCATT is an immigration permission, while citizenship gives you the full rights of an Irish citizen, including an Irish passport. Some long-term residents are eligible for both, and the solicitor can explain the difference in your case.
For more on Irish immigration, visas and citizenship, see our Immigration & Citizenship in Ireland guide.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.