Ireland Working Holiday Visa
The Ireland Working Holiday Visa, otherwise known as the Working Holiday Authorisation scheme, is a program for young people of certain countries to visit Ireland to work. It is part of a reciprocal agreement which Ireland has with ten other countries.
You can stay in Ireland for up to 12 months on this visa (and for up to 24 months if you are Canadian).
Call us on (+353) 061 518 025 for expert guidance on the Irish Working Holiday Visa. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.
Page Contents
- Who is eligible for the Irish Working Holiday Visa?
- Main Ireland Working Holiday Visa requirements
- Working Holiday Authorisation eligibility and rules based on country
- Working holiday visa Ireland restrictions
- How to apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Ireland?
- What happens if I am permitted entry into Ireland
- How do I register in Ireland?
- What happens at the registration office?
- What do I need to know about the Irish Residence Permit?
- Frequently asked questions
What is the Ireland Working Holiday Visa?
The Irish Working Holiday Visa program is a scheme for young people of certain countries to work in Ireland. for up to 12 months, or 24 months for Canadian citizens. Places on this scheme are limited, and you cannot apply if you are already in Ireland.
If you are eligible, you can stay in Ireland for up to 12 months under the Working Holiday Authorisation program. Citizens of Canada can stay for up to 24 months under this program.
It is vitally important that you register at an immigration registration office when you arrive in Ireland as soon as possible. You will receive an Irish Residence Permit if your registration is successful.
Who is Eligible for the Ireland Working Holiday Visa?
The Irish Working Holiday Visa scheme is designed for young people who wish to spend up to 12 months (24 months for Canadian citizens) working in Ireland. Currently, Ireland has reciprocal working holiday agreements with ten countries.
The Irish Working Holiday Visa is available to citizens of a certain age from the following countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- USA
Main Ireland Working Holiday Visa Requirements
Every eligible candidate for an Irish Working Holiday Visa must:
- Hold a valid passport which was issued by one of the countries listed above and is valid for 30 months from the date of entry into Ireland
- Have not previously taken part in the program
- Have no criminal record
- Be able to show that they have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. This can be proved through showing they have €1,500 and a return air ticket or €3,000 without a return air ticket
- Have proof that they have paid the visa fee
- Have medical and accident insurance
- Not be travelling accompanied by dependent family members (unless they have their own visa)
Each country has slightly different rules and eligibility criteria, which are shown in greater detail below.
Ireland Working Holiday Visa Authorisation and Rules Based on Country
| Country | Age range | Duration |
| Argentina | 18-35 | 12 months |
| Australia | 18-35 | 12 months (max 6 months with any employer) |
| Canada | 18-35 | 24 months |
| Chile | 18-30 | 12 months |
| Hong Kong | 18-30 | 12 months (max 3 months with any employer) |
| Japan | 18-30 | 12 months |
| New Zealand | 18-30 | 12 months |
| South Korea | 18-30 | 12 months |
| Taiwan | 18-30 | 12 months |
| USA | 18+ (no upper age limit. Person must be enrolled in full-time post-secondary education, or graduated in last 12 months) | 12 months |
Working holiday visa Ireland restrictions
The specific restrictions of the Ireland Working Holiday visa will vary based on the country you’re applying from.
Because of this, it’s important to note that the restrictions for the visa may include the following. There may be limits on:
- How many applicants from your home country can apply for the visa each year
- The specific eligible age range
- How long you’re able to stay in Ireland for
- How long you can work for a specific employer for
- Whether or not you should be in full-time education at the time of application, or if you should be a recent graduate from full-time education
- Whether or not you can study and/or train while in Ireland
- Whether or not you’ll be able to leave and re-enter Ireland with your Working Holiday visa
In addition to the above, a general rule for all applicants is that the main purpose of your trip should simply be to holiday or to travel. Looking for work and working during your trip should be a secondary priority.
How to apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Ireland?
In most cases, you will need to apply for an Irish Working Holiday visa through your country’s Irish embassy or consulate.
Citizens of Taiwan, however, will need to apply through the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), rather than an embassy.
The application process will involve filling in the application form provided by the embassy (or ISD) and sending it to them with your supporting documents enclosed.
Those who qualify for the scheme will be issued with an authorisation which they must carry with them when they travel to Ireland. You will need to provide this to immigration officials when you land in Ireland.
When you arrive in Ireland, you will need to report to border officials. You will need to provide them with the documents they request and explain why you wish to enter the State.
Unfortunately, even if you receive prior Working Holiday Authorisation, it isn’t guaranteed that you will be permitted entry into Ireland. The immigration officials will decide whether you can enter the country based on the documents you provide.
What Happens if I am Permitted Entry into Ireland
If border control is satisfied, a landing stamp will be placed in your passport. The landing stamp indicates permission to enter and to stay up until a certain date, which is usually 90 days from the date you landed.
It is imperative that you register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau at an immigration registration office as soon as possible after you enter Ireland.
Through completing your registration, your permission to stay longer than 90 days in Ireland will be official. If you fail to register in time, you may be forced to leave the country.
How do I Register in Ireland?
The registration process differs somewhat depending on where you are living in Ireland.
If you live in Dublin City or county, you will need to go to Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin city centre. You must book an appointment before visiting the office – you will not be able to register without an appointment.
It is possible to book the appointment up to ten weeks in advance. You can also book the appointment before you arrive in Ireland.
Those living outside of Dublin City or county will need to register at the registration office nearest to where they live. It is a good idea to get in touch with the registration office to find out whether you need to book an appointment or not.
What Happens at the Registration Office?
You will need to bring your passport and original Working Holiday Authorisation with you when you go to register. If you do not bring both of these documents, you will not be able to register.
The cost of registration is €300 per person, which can be paid by bank giro or by credit or debit card (at most registration offices).
At the registration office, an immigration officer will examine the documents you provide. They will decide whether you qualify to have your immigration permission extended beyond 90 days.
If your registration is successful, the immigration officer will place a new permission stamp in your passport and issue you with an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
What do I Need to Know About the Irish Residence Permit?
The IRP indicates that your permission to stay in Ireland has been registered, as well as the type of permission you have (stamp number). You ought to carry your IRP with you at all times.
If you registered at the Dublin immigration office, the immigration officer will stamp your passport and register you before your appointment ends. Your IRP will be sent to you by post and should arrive within ten working days.
If you registered at a different registration office and your registration was successful, you will be asked to return to the office at a new date and time to complete the registration.
During your second visit, you will be registered, your passport will be stamped, and you will receive your IRP.
Last modified on August 23rd, 2023 at 9:26 am
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Document Check Package
Document checking service that ensures your documents are sufficient to prove your eligibility.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration experts will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
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.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our team and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Document Check Package
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Immigration Advice Service is a leading immigration firm with offices in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
We understand that immigration applications can be arduous and extremely time-consuming. That is why we created our application package.
The application package is designed to assist you through the entire Working Holiday Visa application process. One of our expert immigration consultants in Ireland will work with you and complete the application to the highest possible standards, maximising your chances of a successful outcome.
Our team of competent specialists are qualified to give you the same advice as an immigration lawyer.
Call us now on (+353) 061 518 025 to find out more.
If you applied from the Dublin office and were successful with your application, an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) will be sent to you by post.
You must get in contact with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) If you do not receive your IRP within 15 working days.
If your circumstances change, including your employment status, you need to inform INIS. You may be sent a new IRP if INIS deem it to be necessary. You can also contact INIS if there are any errors on the IRP, such as a misspelling of your name.
If your IRP is lost or stolen, you must get in contact with INIS immediately.
It is not possible to extend the Irish Working Holiday Visa. If you wish to remain longer in Ireland when your visa expires, you must leave the country and make another immigration application.
Generally speaking, there are no limits on how many hours you can work with an Irish Working Holiday visa.
However, it’s important to note that applying from certain countries may impose restrictions that may affect this. For example, being a citizen of certain countries may mean that you can only take temporary employment while in Ireland.
Generally speaking, it’s not advisable to stay in Ireland for any amount of time after your visa or permission expires, as this may mean you’ll be in breach of the immigration rules.
If you wish to stay in Ireland after your Working Holiday visa expires, you will need to apply for another valid visa before your permission expires.