HR Solutions

22 October 2026 | 3 minute read

Temporary Protection Transition Scheme Ukrainian Employees – What Employers Need to Know

The EU Temporary Protection arrangements for Ukrainian nationals working in the Republic of Ireland have now been extended to 4th March 2028. This means that Ukrainian employees who remain under Temporary Protection can continue to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit.

The Government has also introduced the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme (TPTS), which allows eligible Ukrainian nationals to apply to move to a Stamp 4 permission.

What should employers do now?

Employers should undertake an audit of Ukrainian employees’ right to work documentation currently working under Temporary Protection This should establish:

  • Who is currently relying on Temporary Protection to work
  • When their current documentation expires
  • Whether they may be eligible for the TPTS
  • Whether they intend to apply for the new Stamp 4 permission

Employers should make potentially eligible employees aware of the TPTS and its application deadline of 30th March 2027. Applying is voluntary and should not be made a condition of continued employment where the employee otherwise retains permission to work.

Employees should consider the implications for their individual and family circumstances and obtain independent immigration advice where appropriate. A person cannot hold TPTS permission and Temporary Protection simultaneously. Those who do not apply or do not qualify can continue to benefit from Temporary Protection while it remains in effect, subject to its applicable conditions.

The Key Eligibility Conditions for TPTS:

  • The individual must have been resident in Ireland under Temporary Protection for at least one (1) year on or before 30th September 2026.
  • They must have been employed or self-employed for at least six (6) months immediately before 30 September 2026.
  • They must have average annual gross earnings of at least €29,432 from employment or self-employment. Social welfare payments do not count towards this threshold.
  • They must continue to be employed or self-employed when they apply and when a decision is made.
  • They must be living in independent accommodation, rather than State-supported accommodation, when they apply.

The TPTS Stamp 4 permission is granted for up to two (2) years and can be renewed for further two (2) year periods, subject to the applicable renewal requirements. Importantly for employers, Stamp 4 holders can work without an employment permit.

Applications for the Temporary Protection Transition Scheme are now open and will remain open until 30th March 2027.

We’re Here to Help

At RBK HR Solutions, we understand that staying on top of new and evolving employment obligations can be challenging. Whether you need assistance with this matter, work permits, general employment-related queries, navigating gender pay gap reporting, or anything HR-related, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us

To ensure your Organisation is compliant and ready for what’s ahead or to discuss our HR services, please contact a member of the RBK HR Solutions Team.

 

Information correct as at 21st October 2026. For current eligibility requirements and application guidance, see the official TPTS guidance.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information within this publication is correct at the time of going to print, RBK do not accept any responsibility for any errors, omissions or misinformation whatsoever in this publication and shall have no liability whatsoever. The information contained in this publication is not intended to be advice on any particular matter. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without appropriate professional advice.