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Business Visa Ireland

The Business Visa is a Short Stay C visa designed for those who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes for a period of up to 90 days.

Call us on (+353) 061 518 025 for any help you might need with the business visa. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.

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    What is a Business Visa?

    If you would like to travel to Ireland solely to attend a conference or business event, you should apply for the Conference/Event visa.

    The requirements which you will need to fulfil to be considered for the conference/event visa are similar to the business visa.

    The one major difference between the conference/event visa and the business visa is that you will not be able to do any form of work if you enter Ireland under the conference/event visa, whether paid or unpaid.

    If you are not sure which visa you should apply for, one of our immigration law specialists will be happy to help. Contact us now on (+353) 061 518 025.

    What is the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme?

    The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme is a scheme which permits those from certain countries entry into Ireland without needing to apply for a visa. You will need to have been granted a UK short-stay visa which expires after you propose to leave Ireland.

    The Short Stay Visa Waiver programme applies to citizens of the following countries, who meet the requirement above:

    • Belarus
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Montenegro
    • Russian Federation
    • Serbia
    • Turkey
    • Ukraine
    • Bahrain
    • Kuwait
    • Oman
    • Qatar
    • Saudi Arabia
    • India
    • Kazakhstan
    • People’s Republic of China
    • Thailand
    • Uzbekistan
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    Who needs to apply for an Irish business visa?

    You will not need to apply for a visa to go to Ireland on business if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA and Switzerland, or if you are from a non-visa required country.

    However, individuals who do not fall into these categories will need to apply for the Business Visa to visit Ireland for business purposes.

    The business visa is a short stay ‘C’ visa which will expire 90 days after you officially enter into Ireland. Bear in mind that the business visitor visa cannot be extended, and you must leave Ireland within 90 days of entering the country, unless there are very exceptional circumstances.

    You can engage in general and business activities and engagements whilst you are in Ireland, including attending business meetings and negotiating agreements and contracts. You can also officially work for up to 14 days whilst you are in Ireland.

    The 15th February 2023 is the final closing date for the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme, which will cease accepting new applications form this date onwards.

    However, alternative routes such as the the Start up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) similar to the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme are open to foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Ireland for business purposes. Alternatively, those who are seeking a non-business pathway into Ireland to retire may consider applying for Stamp 0.

    Ireland business visa requirements for a short stay ‘C’ visa

    If you are considering to come to the UK and applying for a business visa, you need to have a passport which is valid for a minimum of six months after your proposed leave date from Ireland. Your business visa application will be automatically rejected if you cannot meet this most fundamental requirement.

    Also, the following information and documentation will need to be provided with any short stay ‘C’ visa application.

    • Your passport
    • Two passport-sized photographs with your signature and Visa Application Tracking Number on the back of each
    • Your application summary sheet. (This can be printed out after you have completed the online application)

    The Department of Justice & Equality will consider your full immigration history when you apply for a business visa. If you have a criminal record, this will also be taken into account.

    Where do I submit the application?

    The form you print will tell you where to send your documents for an Ireland business visa, either at:

    • The Dublin Visa Office
    • An International Visa Agency
    • An Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country

    Which documents do I need to include in a business visa application?

    The specific documents which need to be provided are particular to each business visa application.

    Still, anyone who wishes to travel to Ireland on a business visa will definitely need to include the following documents/information in their application:

    • An application letter which explains the reasons for travelling to Ireland and your commitment to the conditions of the business visa
    • Confirmation of where you will be staying in Ireland. Full details of the accommodation will be required
    • Letter of invitation from an Irish company, detailing what you will be doing during your visit to Ireland, and how long you will be staying for
    • You must provide information confirming who will be responsible for your costs and expenses whilst you are in Ireland. You need to be able to show that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Ireland. If you are paying for your own trip, an up-to-date bank statement will be required
    • Information which shows that you are obligated to return to your home country. For example, you could provide a letter from your employer which details the dates of your business trip and the date you are expected back in your home country to work

    With any documents or information, it is important to keep the following points in mind:

    • Documents must be provided in their original form
    • Documents and information which are not written in Irish or English must be translated by an official, accredited translator
    • Any letters or information from companies and educational establishments needs to be on headed paper

    The Immigration Advice Service’s highly experienced immigration consultants can guide you through the entire business visa application. Our team can offer any business in the UK same advice as an immigration lawyer.

    With our expertise, you can be sure that your application will have the greatest possible chance of being successful. Call us now on (+353) 061 518 025 for more information.

    What is the Ireland business visa application process?

    The application process for a business visa is as follows:

    1. Create and complete the visa application online. The application summary sheet can be printed out once this has been completed. This summary sheet must be included in the visa application
    2. Pay the business visa application fee
    3. Gather all the required documents to support your application
    4. Compile all documentation together with the application summary sheet and send it to the visa application office. (The application summary sheet will show where your visa application needs to be sent to)

     What is the fee for a business visa application?

    The fees for a business visa application are:

    • €60 for a single-journey visa
    • €100 for a multiple-journey visa

    Also, keep in mind that there might be other costs involved with business visa applications, such as the cost of the professional translation of your documents and information.

    What is the process after a business visa application has been sent?

    The Department of Justice & Equality will examine your application and determine whether you qualify for the business visa.

    Immigration officials may contact government and international agencies and departments in relation to your case if they deem it to be necessary.

    If your application is accepted, your passport will be stamped with the business visa. If your application is refused, a refusal letter will be sent to you detailing why your application was rejected.

    Once a decision has been made, your passport and any birth/death certificates will be returned to you. It is also possible to request the return of other documents which were included in your business visa application.

    If you prefer, you can request for your documents to be sent to an Irish embassy or consulate rather than to your home address.

    Get in touch with our expert immigration consultants to learn how to apply for a business visa. Contact us

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      When will I receive a decision on my business visa application?

      Each and every application is unique, meaning that there isn’t a definitive answer to this question. Whilst some business visa applications might be relatively straightforward, others can be quite complex, requiring significant evidence and documentation. Also, visa processing times also vary among different visa application offices.

      Keep in mind that during busy periods and holidays, it will take longer for your visa to be processed.

      With that being said, the Department of Justice & Equality should process your business visa application within eight weeks of it being received.

      What is the multi entry visa?

      A multi entry visa enables you to travel to Ireland on a number of occasions during the dates which are shown on your visitor visa.

      Multi entry visas are only approved in limited circumstances and if justified by an application. Whether you are granted the multi entry visa or not is solely at the discretion of the visa officer.

      If you are given a single-journey visa rather than a multi entry visa, you will not be reimbursed for the difference in cost between the visa applications.

      Can I extend my business visa when I am in Ireland?

      Unless there are significant unforeseen circumstances, you won’t be able to extend your business visa once you are in Ireland. By law, you must leave Ireland within 90 days of entry UK business visa.

      If you want to stay in the UK or Ireland longer, you will need to leave the country and then apply for a form of long stay ‘D’ visa. If your long stay D visa is accepted, you can travel to Ireland and, with permission of the immigration officer, you will be able to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days.

      Can I automatically enter into Ireland if my business visa application is accepted?

      You are not guaranteed entry into Ireland if your business visa application is accepted. A business visa application will grant you the permission to travel to Ireland, but not to actually pass through border control once you arrive.

      When you land in Ireland, you will need to report to immigration officials and show a number of documents. It is imperative that you provide these documents. If you cannot provide them, the chances of being refused entry into Ireland are significantly increased.

      The documents which you need to show to border control are:

      • Your passport with your Irish visa
      • A photocopy of your application summary sheet
      • A photocopy of the application letter which was sent with the application
      • A photocopy of your invitation letter from your host
      • Accommodation plan confirmations. These confirmations must show the dates that you are staying
      • Financial information. You will need to provide an original, up-to-date bank statement which covers the last six months if you are funding your trip to Ireland. If your trip is being funded by a business host or third party, you will need to provide confirmation, as well as your own bank statement
      • Confirmation showing your obligation to return home. This includes photocopies of your last three payslips as well as a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your business trip to Ireland and your expected return date at work in your home country. Note that different rules apply if you are self-employed

      Irish border control will consider your application and if they are satisfied, the officer will place a landing stamp in your passport, giving you official permission to enter.

      Unfortunately, if immigration officials have any suspicions about your application, you could be refused entry into Ireland.

      For detailed advice on what to expect when reporting to immigration officials, please do not hesitate to call us on (+353) 061 518 025.

      We offer immigration advice sessions face to face, over the phone or online. Learn more

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        How can IAS help?

        At IAS,  we provide help with Ireland business visa applications.

        We can advise you where to send your application, advise on a first-time application and give you information on the application requirements.

        Your IAS consultants will assess your eligibility for Ireland business visa, compile the documents you need to Ireland business visa and ultimately verify that you meet the qualifying criteria for an Ireland business visa.

        We have helped many people achieve a short stay business visa. Ring us today on (+353) 061 518 025 to see how we can provide a tailored advice or application session with an expert to suit you and your Ireland business visa needs.

        Legal Disclaimer

        The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

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          With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Department of Justice & Equality on your behalf.

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              Our Document Checking Package is a service for those who need to submit their application but choose to do so on their own but want help with ensuring their documents are in line with the requirements for the visa. Our immigration consultants will check your documents in this case.

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                Frequently Asked Questions

                It is not an absolute requirement to employ an immigration specialist to process a business visa application. However, employing an immigration consultant will give your application the greatest possible chance of success.

                Here at the Immigration Advice Service, we can utilise our unrivalled expertise to help you secure your business visa. One of our specialists will work with you to formulate a complete and thorough application, before submitting it to the Department of Justice & Equality.

                You must:

                • Leave by the stamped date.
                • Extension only for unexpected changes.

                You can’t extend if:

                • Nothing changed since arrival.
                • Nothing changed since visa.
                • Here for medical, marriage, childcare, or permanent stay.

                If you are refused, you will be able to appeal within 2 months.

                With a single-entry Ireland Business Visa, you can enter only once. Once you leave, you can’t come back, even if your visa is still valid.

                With a multiple-entry Ireland Business Visa, you can enter and leave Ireland as many times as you need while your visa is valid. You usually get this visa if you travel to Ireland often or if you’ve had visas for Ireland before.

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