Ireland Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Ireland attracted over 6.3 million overseas visitors in 2023, drawn to its captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and lively pub scene.

Whether you're tracing the footsteps of the literary giants of Dublin, starting a business or new job, or experiencing the excitement of Irish hospitality, it's crucial to understand Ireland's visa requirements before your journey.

This guide will equip you with comprehensive information on the visa application process, necessary documents, and other essential details to ensure your trip/move to the Emerald Isle is seamless.

When do you need a visa for Ireland?

Ireland offers short-stay visas for tourism and business purposes, alongside specific visas for work, study, and family reunification. Here are the available options:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: If you're a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA - Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland, you have the right to visa-free entry and stay in Ireland.
• Visa-exempt countries: Ireland has visa waiver agreements with several countries, allowing their citizens to enter Ireland without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). A list of these countries can be found here.
• UK citizens: British citizens can travel to Ireland without a visa and stay indefinitely due to the Common Travel Area agreement. This includes various types of British nationality, except for 'British protected persons'.
• Short Stay Visa Waiver for Indian and Chinese citizens: If you have a short-stay visa for the UK and are an Indian or Chinese citizen, you can travel to Ireland without a separate Irish visa.
• Long stays and specific purposes: If you plan to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days or intend to work, study, or join family members there, you'll likely need a long-stay visa or a residence permit, regardless of your nationality.
• Preclearance: Even if you are from a visa-exempt country, you may need to apply for preclearance before travelling to Ireland if you are moving there for specific reasons, such as joining a de facto partner or working as a volunteer. Check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website for more information.

Remember:

• Visa requirements and exemptions can change. Always verify the latest information with the official Irish authorities or the Irish embassy or consulate in your country before travelling.

Ireland visa requirements

The specific documents and eligibility criteria for an Irish visa can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you're applying for. However, here's a general overview of the requirements:

General requirements

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Ireland.
• Completed application form: Fill out the online application form accurately and completely.
• Supporting documents: You'll need to provide various supporting documents depending on the visa type, such as:
  • Proof of the purpose of your visit (e.g., letter of acceptance from an educational institution, employment contract, etc.)
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ireland
  • Proof of accommodation in Ireland
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Evidence of your ties to your home country (e.g., property ownership, family ties, etc.)

Specific requirements

• Schedule 1: Check the to see if your nationality requires a visa to enter Ireland.
• Convention travel documents: If you hold Convention travel documents issued by certain EEA states, refer to the relevant legislation or the Irish Immigration website for specific requirements.
• Visa waiver programme (Schedule 2): If you have a UK visa, you might be eligible to travel to Ireland without a separate Irish visa. Check the Irish Immigration website for details.
• British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) (Schedule 3): Certain nationalities with a UK visa may be eligible for the BIVS, allowing them to travel to both the UK and Ireland on the same visa. Check the Irish Immigration website for eligibility criteria.
• Transit Visa (Schedule 4): If you're transiting through Ireland to another country, you may need a transit visa. Check the Irish Immigration website for details.

Remember:

• Visa requirements and exemptions can change. Always verify the latest information with the official Irish authorities or the Irish embassy or consulate in your country before travelling.
• It's essential to submit all required documents and meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen visa type. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may lead to delays or refusals.

Ireland visa application process

Applying for an Irish visa is primarily an online process, followed by submitting supporting documents. Here's how it works:

1. Complete the online application form: Fill out the online application form available on the Irish Immigration website via AVATS. Guidance is available in several languages to assist you.
2. Gather supporting documents and pay the fee: Collect all the necessary supporting documents, including a passport photograph and the visa application fee. The specific documents required will depend on your visa type.
3. Submit documents: The online application system will direct you to submit your supporting documents to one of the following:
   • The appropriate Irish Embassy or Consulate
   • The dedicated Visa Offices in Abu Dhabi, Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, New Delhi, or Ankara
   • Directly to the Immigration Service Delivery in Dublin, Ireland
4. Wait for a decision: Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the office handling your application. Most applications are processed within a few weeks, but it's recommended to apply at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date, especially for long-term visas.
5. Track your application: You can track your application status by contacting the embassy, consulate, or Visa Office where you submitted it, providing your reference number.

Remember:

• Providing false or misleading information can result in your visa application being refused and may affect future applications.
• Some visa categories, like Study, Visit, or Join Family visas, may take longer to process, especially during peak seasons.
• It's crucial to submit all required documents and meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen visa type.

Need assistance?

For further guidance and specific requirements, refer to the official Irish Immigration website or contact the relevant Irish embassy or consulate.

How to get a permanent residence permit in Ireland?

If you've lived in Ireland legally, you might be eligible for permanent residency. This means you can stay and work in Ireland indefinitely without renewing your visa or permit yearly.

Who's eligible?

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: If you've been living legally in Ireland for at least 5 years, you're automatically eligible for permanent residency. You can apply for a permanent residence certificate, but it's not mandatory.
• Family members of EEA nationals: If you've lived in Ireland for at least 5 years as a family member of an EEA national, you can apply for a permanent residence card. This card is valid for 10 years and allows you to work or run a business in Ireland.
• Long-term residents with employment permits: If you've been legally resident in Ireland for at least 5 years with an employment permit, you can apply for long-term residency, allowing you to work in Ireland for another 5 years without needing a new work permit.
• Start-up entrepreneur programme participants: Non-EEA nationals who have successfully participated in the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme for at least 2 years may also be eligible for permanent residency.

How to apply:

You'll need to submit an application along with supporting documents, such as:

• A valid registration certificate
• Evidence of residence in Ireland (e.g., utility bills, rental contracts)
• Evidence of employment, study, or self-employment (e.g., payslips, bank statements, tax returns)

Remember:

• Specific requirements and application procedures may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
• It's crucial to consult the official Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website for the most up-to-date and detailed information on permanent residency.

Learn More

How to get Irish citizenship?

There are a few paths to achieving this:

• Birthright: If you were born in Ireland before 2005, or if one or both of your parents were born in Ireland, you might already be an Irish citizen. Check the details, just to be sure.
• Naturalisation: This is the most common way for people who weren't born in Ireland to become citizens. You'll need to have lived in Ireland for a certain amount of time and meet other requirements.
• Foreign births register: If your grandparents were born in Ireland, you might be able to claim citizenship through this special register.

Here's the lowdown on becoming Irish through naturalisation:

• Residency: You need to have lived in Ireland for at least 5 years, with the last year being continuous.
• Good character: You need to be of good character, meaning no criminal record or other issues.
• Intention to stay: You must intend to continue living in Ireland after becoming a citizen.
• Ceremony and declaration: You'll need to attend a citizenship ceremony and declare fidelity to the Irish state.

Special cases

• Spouses/civil partners: If you're married to or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen, you might be eligible to apply for citizenship sooner.
• Children: There are specific rules for children born in Ireland or to Irish parents.

Learn More