Irish Visas: A Guide to Entry and Stay in Ireland

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of visas you might need when travelling to Ireland:

1. Business Visa

• Purpose: Business travellers visiting Ireland for meetings, conferences, or other professional purposes.
• Duration: Up to 90 days.

2. Conference or Event Visa

• Purpose: To attend conferences, seminars, or events in Ireland.
• Duration: Up to 90 days.

3. Critical Skills Employment Visa

• Purpose: For highly skilled workers whose expertise is in demand in Ireland.
• Duration: Long-term stay; requires a job offer and is a pathway to permanent residency.

4. Employment Visa (Atypical Working Scheme)

• Purpose: For short-term work in Ireland under the Atypical Working Scheme, which covers specific types of employment that don’t fall under standard employment permits.
• Duration: Varies, typically up to 90 days.

5. Exam Visa

• Purpose: For individuals needing to enter Ireland to sit for an exam.
• Duration: Up to 3 months.

6. Child Dependent Visa

• Purpose: For children joining their parents, who are residents of Ireland.
• Duration: Long-term stay, typically linked to the parent’s visa or residency status.

7. De Facto Partner Visa

• Purpose: For genuine, long-term partners of Irish citizens or residents.
• Duration: Long-term stay, provided the relationship meets certain criteria.

8. Internship Visa

• Purpose: For full-time students offered paid work experience in Ireland.
• Duration: Typically, up to 12 months.

9. Working Holiday Visa

• Purpose: For young people (usually aged 18-30) from certain countries who wish to work and travel in Ireland.
• Duration: Up to 12 months.

10. Marriage Visa

• Purpose: For partners of Irish citizens or residents who plan to marry in Ireland.
• Duration: Short-term for marriage; long-term if applying for residency afterwards.

11. Medical Treatment Visa

• Purpose: For those entering Ireland to receive medical treatment at a private hospital.
• Duration: Typically, up to 90 days.

12. Retirement Visa

• Purpose: For individuals wishing to retire in Ireland, provided they have sufficient income or savings.
• Duration: Long-term stay; requires proof of income of at least €50,000 annually.

13. Spouse Visa

• Purpose: For spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens or residents.
• Duration: Long-term stay, often tied to the sponsor’s residency.

14. Study Visa

• Purpose: For students enrolled in educational courses in Ireland, ranging from short courses to university degrees.
• Duration: Varies depending on the length of the course.

15. Tourist Visa

• Purpose: For short-term visits to Ireland, such as holidays or visiting friends and family.
• Duration: Up to 90 days.

16. Training Visa

• Purpose: For individuals participating in training courses in Ireland.
• Duration: Typically, up to 90 days, but may be longer for extensive training programmes.

17. Volunteer Visa

• Purpose: For individuals volunteering with registered Irish organisations.
• Duration: Over 90 days.

18. British-Irish Visa Scheme

• Purpose: Allows Chinese and Indian nationals holding a UK short-stay visa to travel freely between the UK and Ireland without requiring a separate Irish visa.
• Duration: Tied to the validity of the UK visa.

The Irish Visa Application Process

Applying for an Irish visa typically involves the following steps:

1. Determine Your Visa Type: Based on your purpose of visit, identify the correct visa category.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website.
3. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of purpose (such as an invitation letter for a conference or a job offer), financial statements, and any other supporting evidence required for your visa type.
4. Submit Your Application: Depending on your location, submit your application online or at an Irish embassy/consulate. Ensure you pay the required visa fee.
5. Attend an Interview (if required): Some visa applications may require an in-person interview at an Irish consulate or embassy.
6. Await a Decision: Processing times vary, so apply well before your intended travel dates.
7. Registration Upon Arrival: If your stay exceeds 90 days, you must register with an immigration office or Garda station and obtain a residence permit upon arrival in Ireland.

Staying in Ireland: Registration and Residency

Registration with the local authorities is usually required for those planning a long-term stay in Ireland. Within 90 days of your arrival, you’ll need to visit an immigration office or Garda station to register your stay and obtain a residence permit.

Navigating the visa system is key to ensuring a successful and stress-free entry into Ireland. Whether you’re visiting for business, study, work, or leisure, understanding the visa requirements and categories will help you make the appropriate preparations.

Apply well in advance and provide all the necessary documentation to avoid delays in your travel plans. With the right visa, you can enjoy everything Ireland offers, from its vibrant cities to its stunning countryside and rich cultural heritage.