Who needs a Visa?
Certain nationalities must be in possession of a valid Irish Visa when landing in the state.
- Visa requirements are based on nationality (the country that issued the passport or travel document) not residency.
- Visa applications are made online with follow-up paperwork submitted to the relevant Consulate/Embassy.
- Please see www.irishimmigration.ie for a list of countries that require a visa for Ireland.
Visas Types
- Short Stay C Visa
- Long Stay D Visa
- The British Irish Visa Scheme
| Visa Type | Purpose |
| Short Stay C Visa* | A short stay business visa that allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for business or for work that lasts 14 days or less. |
| Long Stay D Visa* | A long stay visa must be applied for once you have obtained your employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. You can apply for an Employment visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland. |
| The British Irish Visa Scheme Only available to Chinese and Indian nationals |
Allows travel to and around the Common Travel Area on a single visa. The holder of such a visa must first travel to the country that issued the visa. Thereafter, the holder can travel freely between Ireland and the U.K for the duration of that visa. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/british-irish-visa-scheme/ |
* Both multi-entry and single-entry visas can be applied for.
Re-entry Visas
A valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card replaces re-entry visas.
Visa required nationals residing in Ireland with a valid permission to remain do not need to apply for a re-entry visa to return to the State if they leave for a short period of time.
General Tips for Visas
- Visa applications should be made well in advance of travel, as processing times may vary.
- Long Stay Type D Visas can only be applied for once an Employment Permit has been obtained
- Application must be initiated through AVATS, the Irish online visa application system.
Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
An individual holding an employment permit will need to seek permission to remain in Ireland and apply for their IRP card.
- An Irish Residence Permit is a small wallet-sized card that shows you are legally in the State and the type of immigration permission you have, represented by a stamp number (study, work etc)
- All first-time appointment must be done in Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
- An IRP card is not a visa, which is a travel document that allows you to travel to the State. However, holders of valid IRP cards do not need to apply for separate visa permission.
- An IRP card is not an identity card but it’s an important document that proves you are legally in Ireland.
- The IRP does not give you any new rights or entitlements.
Employment Permit Requirement
In Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must apply for an employment permit to work. An Employment Permit is issued by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. For more information on employment permits and how IDA Ireland can assist please click here