Visas for Ireland

Whether you are heading to Ireland for holiday or business, some nationals need to acquire the relevant visa. To ensure a smooth transition, familiarise yourself with the various visas for Ireland and understand what is necessary to enter the Republic legally.

Visa regulations for Ireland can change periodically, so stay updated by checking the Irish Immigration Service website for the latest requirements. This site is your primary source for visa information, application processes and regulation changes. Irish embassies and consulates also provide region-specific details on visa requirements.

Short Stay C Visas for Ireland

Planning a trip to Ireland? Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, some travellers need a visa. Familiarising yourself with the various visa requirements for a hassle-free journey is crucial.

While Ireland is an EU member, it's not part of the Schengen Area. This means you can't use a Schengen visa to enter Ireland. Nationals from EU and EEA member states, Switzerland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and others can visit Ireland without a visa.

If you hold a valid UK visa, you might enter Ireland without an Irish visa under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British-Irish Visa Scheme. This applies to nationals from countries like China, India, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and more. Ensure your UK visa is valid and check specific requirements with your Irish embassy or consulate.

Short Stay C Visas for Ireland allow visits up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, attending conferences, visiting family or friends and medical treatment. However, these visas do not permit employment or long-term study in Ireland.

For a smooth transition, follow these steps:

• check if you need a visa based on your nationality, and gather all required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation and proof of sufficient funds
• submit your visa application through the Irish Immigration Service or at an Irish Embassy or Consulate
• plan your travel, including booking flights and accommodation in advance, and research Irish customs and laws to ease your transition.

Useful links

• Irish Immigration Service: Visiting Ireland
• Department of Foreign Affairs: Visas for Ireland
• GOV.UK: Check if you need a UK visa

Long Stay D Visas for Ireland

If you are not from the EU/EEA, the UK, or Switzerland and want to stay in Ireland for over three months, you will need a Long Stay D Visa. This visa is necessary if you intend to work, study, or join family in Ireland. You must also prove you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.

To apply for a Long Stay D Visa, you need the following documents:

• a completed visa application form
• a valid passport
• passport-sized photos
• proof of accommodation
• health insurance coverage
• evidence of the purpose of your stay (like an employment contract or acceptance letter from a school)
• a police clearance certificate

We encourage you to have all your documents in English or have certified translations.

If you are planning to work in Ireland, first secure a job offer. Then, apply for an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE). With your employment permit, apply for the Long Stay D Visa. Once in Ireland, you must register with the Irish Immigration Service (IIS) and apply for a residence permit.

Upon arrival, register with the immigration authorities before your visa expires. Book an appointment at a nearby immigration office, attend it and apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). You will need your passport, visa, photos, and proof of address for this process. The IRP allows you to stay in Ireland legally for the duration of your visa.

Useful links

• Irish Immigration Service: Study in Ireland
• DETE: Employment Permits

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.