Ireland is known for so many things: music, literature, food, sports, and amazing landscapes. A visit to Ireland will be like a visit to a fairy tale town. The country is a mix of modern and old, which makes it so beautiful. Not to mention the nature of this country, the mountains, the greenery, everything is so perfect.
If you plan to visit Ireland then you should check out this guide which can help you learn more about Irish visas that may be necessary during your stay in Ireland.
Who needs an Irish visa?
Since Ireland is a member of the European Union and the EEA, citizens of other countries that are also members, are allowed to travel to Ireland without the need of a visa. However, there are many countries that are not part of such agreements and will need a visa if they plan to travel to Ireland.
Ireland visa types
Similar to other countries, Ireland has also divided the types of visas which depend on your travel purposes or how long you plan to stay in the country. Thus, the types of Ireland visas are divided into short-stay and long-stay.
Short-stay visas
Ireland tourist visa
The Irish tourist visa known also as a visitor visa, is for those people who wish to travel to Ireland for tourism purposes.
It can be valid for 90 days, however, the date of your stay will be decided by the relevant authorities. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days then you might need to apply for an extension.
To apply for the tourist visa, you can do so online. First, you will need to submit the application online and afterwards you must print and send it to the application centers.
The steps to take are as follows:
- Submit the online application.
- Check where the application can be delivered at.
- Gather the necessary papers.
- Pay the demanded fee.
- Provide your biometric informations
The required documents are:
- A passport that has not expired
- A statement that specifies the purpose of your travel
- If you have a relative waiting for you in Ireland then you can submit a letter of invitation
- Accommodation evidence
- Evidence of financial support
- Proof that you have already bought the ticket
- Some evidence that you are not going to stay in Ireland after the expiry date of the visa, instead you should convince them that you are returning to your home country.
- Criminal records (If you have any)
Ireland business visa
This visa is for individuals who plan to travel to Ireland for business purposes such as meetings or negotiations.
It is a short stay visa that can be valid for about 90 days and allows you to travel to Ireland to:
- Participate in business meetings
- Make deals or sign contracts
It does not enable you to:
- Continue working after 14 days
- Have access to public services
To apply for a business visa, you can do so online by submitting the required documents. The steps to take are similar to the tourist visa:
- Submit the online application.
- Check where the application can be delivered at.
- Gather the necessary papers.
- Pay the demanded fee.
- Provide your biometric information.
When you apply for the visa online, then make sure to pick the type of visa you want to apply for. You must pick the following for a business visa:
- Visa for a short stay
- The entries which can be single or multiple
- Purpose of travel, which in this case should be for business purposes.
The Ireland business visa also has some documents that need to be submitted. Besides the general ones that were mentioned in the tourist visa, a business visa has some additional documents.
Papers to submit if you are hired:
- Letter from the one who employed you
- A statement that you are traveling to Ireland on behalf of the organization and the purposes
- Information of the day you are going to be gone and when you are planning to come to work
- Documents that state who is paying for your flight costs
- A registration certificate of the company’s taxes
- Certificate or a copy of the company trade register
Documents required to be submitted by the business that is employing you:
- Confirmation that you are hired by the organization
- A statement of the terms and conditions of the job contract
- Travel dates confirmation
If you are a freelancer who is employed by yourself:
- A written marked and approved document from your attorney, accountant, or tax consultant.
- Certification of approval from your organization.
- Financial records for the last six months of your company bank account.
Long stay visas in Ireland
Ireland student visa
Are you looking to study in Ireland? If so then a student visa is what you need. Find below everything you need to know about the Irish student visa.
The requirements to apply for an Ireland student visa are:
- You’re admitted to an educational institution and plan to study there
- You’re following a full-time course
- The fees of the courses have been paid
The required documents for the Ireland student visa are:
- Approved and printed application form
- Two biometric photographs
- A valid passport
- Information regarding the job position
- Evidence of lodging
- Evidence of your finances which prove that you can support yourself during your stay
- A letter of application that indicates your traveling purposes and additional information about you
- A confirmation letter that you have been approved by the institution you are planning to study at.
If more additional information or documentation is required then you should contact the embassy or consulate in your country or check the online website of the visa application center.
Ireland work visa
Careers that do not apply for the Essential Skills permit are given this Irish working visa. Under the General Work permit, there is no database of qualifying professions. Under any occupation, you can apply for this form of Ireland Employment Permit.
The conditions you must meet to be qualified for a work permit are:
- Either have a job contract from an Irish corporation or a job proposal.
- The company you are applying at has passed the Labor markets examination which will identify the employer to be ideal for the job.
- The minimum salary of the job you apply for must be at least EUR 30.000
Required documents for the Ireland work visa:
- Passport copy
- Biometric photographs that meet the photo criteria
- A signed agreement by you and the company
- Copy of the immigration stamp
- Individual’s contact information
- Company’s contact information
- Job information such as wage, obligations, responsibilities, and the length of your job
Ireland family visa
The family visa is also known as the family reunification visa. If you are a friend or relative of an Irish national or non-EU/EEA national, you are qualified for this type of visa. Documents needed for the family visa are:
- Overview of the application form
- Biometric photographs
- A valid passport
- An application letter that indicates additional data: purposes of traveling, information about the relative.
- Evidence that your relative can support you
- A passport copy of your relative
- For partners, you will need to provide a certificate of marriage.
- For minors under 18 years old, you need a certificate of birth and if the relative is taking the minor into custody then you will need to provide additional papers.
- You need evidence of finances such as bank statements.
- Evidence of revenue sources
- Living expenses evidence from your relative
For any other additional information make sure you also check the official visa application center website.
Ireland holiday work permit
Through the Ireland Working Holiday Visa, undergraduates and graduates may travel to Ireland and work for up to a year.
That being said, there are limits, such as age, with regard to the qualifications of applicants. Ireland has an arrangement with 10 states for a working holiday permit.
The visa requirements of a holiday work permit are as follows:
- An approved application form for the holiday work permit
- Terms and conditions documents
- Statement of insurance
- Passport copy with all your personal information
- Two biometric photographs
- A CV will also be required
- Evidence that you are currently pursuing some higher education
- Financial documents such as records, bank statements, etc
- Medical insurance
