Ireland Employment Visa

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 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Receiving a job offer in Ireland is an exciting milestone, the next step is to organise a work visa.

The Ireland Employment Visa, issued by Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, simplifies this journey for non-EU citizens who have obtained an Employment Permit. This visa streamlines the immigration process, allowing you to focus on your new career and settle into your life in Ireland with ease.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the Ireland Employment Visa?

As of September 2024, the Employment Visa process is being updated by the government, so it's important to check the official website to ensure you get the correct information.

At this point, you may only apply for an Employment Visa once you've obtained an Employment Permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. The permit you acquire will vary in nature, depending on the job you've secured.

However, this list of permits and categories is changing, with a new range of permits being released shortly. You can check the website or use a visa consultancy service to check the most up-to-date changes, ensuring you choose the correct visa for your move.

Once you've secured the right permit (subject to having an employment contract with your employer), you can then apply for an Employment Visa up to three months before your due travel date to Ireland.

Upon acceptance, you can move to Ireland and begin this new chapter of your life.

What is the application process for the Ireland Employment Visa?

Most of the application process is done via the online portal. The first step is to apply for an employment permit. Once you’ve received a permit from the Irish government, you can then apply for the Employment Visa through the AVATS system:

• Access AVATS: Visit the AVATS website and create an account.
• Complete the application: Answer all questions in the online application form fully and honestly.
• Generate application form: The system will generate an Application Form with instructions on where to submit your supporting documents.
• Print, sign, and submit: Print, sign, and date the Application Form. Gather your supporting documents and submit them along with the form to the designated location.
• Biometrics: You may be required to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process.

The full supporting guide to the documentation you need to provide can be found here.

Important considerations:

• Accurate information: It's crucial to provide truthful and accurate information in your application. Providing false or misleading information or documents can lead to your application being refused, and you may be barred from applying for an Irish visa for up to five years.
• Supporting documents: Ensure you gather all the necessary supporting documents as outlined in the "Supporting Documentation" section below.
• Visa fees: You'll need to pay the applicable visa fee, which can vary depending on your circumstances. Some applicants may be exempt from the visa fee. Check the official fee table for details.
• Additional charges: You might also incur additional charges related to document submission or other services. Check the website of the visa office, embassy, or consulate handling your application for details on these charges and local payment options.

What supporting documentation does the Ireland Employment visa need?

Providing comprehensive and accurate supporting documentation is crucial for a successful Employment Visa application. These documents offer insights into your personal circumstances, qualifications, and the legitimacy of your employment in Ireland.

Key documents:

• Signed and dated application form: The form was generated after completing the online application in AVATS.
• Two colour passport-sized photographs: These should be recent (not more than six months old) and meet the standard passport photo requirements.
• Current passport and full copies of all previous passports: Your passport must be valid for at least 12 months from your intended date of arrival in Ireland. Include copies of all pages from your current and previous passports, even blank ones.
• Employment Permit from DETE: The original Employment Permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.
• Contract of employment: A copy of your signed employment contract with your Irish employer.
• Letter from employer in Ireland: A letter from your employer confirming your employment, job title, salary, and start date.
• Evidence of qualifications: Copies of diplomas, degrees, or certificates relevant to your profession.
• Financial information: Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself in Ireland, such as bank statements or payslips.
• Medical or travel insurance: Proof of adequate medical or travel insurance coverage for your stay in Ireland.
• Previous visa refusals: If you have been refused a visa for any country in the past, you must provide details of these refusals.

Additional considerations:

• Translations: Any documents not in English or Irish must be accompanied by a full translation by a qualified translator. The translation should include the translator's confirmation, date, full name, signature, and contact details.
• Letters from organisations: Any letters from businesses, companies, or other organisations must be on official headed paper and include the organisation's full name, address, telephone number, website, email address, contact person's name and title, and a written signature from an authorised representative.
• Originals and copies: Submit original documents with photocopies. Original documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates will be returned, but others, like bank statements, will not.

What are the fees for the Ireland Employment Visa?

Applying for the Ireland Employment Visa requires payment of a non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount depends on your circumstances and the type of visa you're applying for.

• Standard employment visa fee: As of 2024, the standard fee for an Employment Visa is €60.
• Exemptions: Certain applicants may be exempt from paying the visa fee, such as family members of Irish citizens or EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
• Additional charges: In addition to the visa fee, you may be required to pay additional charges for services like document submission or biometric enrollment. The specific charges and payment options will vary depending on the visa office, embassy, or consulate handling your application.

What is the processing time for the Ireland Employment visa?

The average processing time for the Ireland Employment Visa is eight weeks. You can check the current dates on the visa decisions page here. If your application is incomplete or missing documents, expect a longer processing time.

Important notes:

• It's not advisable to purchase travel tickets or make any irreversible travel arrangements until you have received a decision on your visa application. A flexible ticket could also be a good idea to save money.
• If you have any concerns about the processing time or the status of your application, you can contact the visa office, embassy, or consulate directly for updates.

While the standard processing time is 8 weeks, it's always best to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Other important things to know

Beyond the core application process, fees, and processing times, several additional aspects are important to understand when considering the Ireland Employment Visa:

Activities not permitted

While the Employment Visa allows you to work in Ireland, it's crucial to remember that you are not permitted to take up any form of employment other than the one specified in your Employment Permit. This includes freelancing or any side work.

Engaging in unauthorised work can lead to serious consequences, including visa revocation and deportation.

Guide to supporting documentation

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) provides detailed guidelines on the required supporting documents for your Employment Visa application. These guidelines cover aspects such as:

• Document format: All documents must be originals. Keep copies for your records, as some originals may not be returned.
• Translations: Documents not in English or Irish must be accompanied by a full translation by a qualified translator.
• Letters from organisations: Letters from businesses or organisations must be on official headed paper and include specific contact information.

Return of documents

While original documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates will be returned to you, other documents like bank statements and letters of invitation may not be returned. If you want specific documents returned, provide a list with your application.

Contact information

If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the Ireland Employment Visa, don't hesitate to contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) or seek professional advice from an immigration consultant.

Talk to a visa consultant

There's no better way to get access to Ireland if you have a job position secured than with the Ireland Employment Visa.

If you have any doubts or worries regarding the process, an experienced immigration consultant can streamline your journey, ensuring your application is complete.

From identifying the right permit to maximising your chances of approval, their expertise can save you time and alleviate stress, giving you more time and energy to focus on the more important parts of your transition.

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