Ireland Visa
Ireland is a popular European country with a strong economy, vibrant culture, and numerous areas of natural beauty. As such, it is a common destination amongst tourists and expats alike.
If you plan to travel to Ireland, you may require an Irish visa in order to do so. Ireland offers a wide variety of visas, designed for different circumstances. At IAS, we can help you to identify which route is right for you and to navigate the application process. Contact us today online or on +353 (0)61 518 025 to learn more about our full range of services and to get started on your own Irish travel journey.
Do I Need a Visa for Ireland?
Whether or not you require a visa in order to visit Ireland will depend on a variety of factors, such as your country of citizenship and the duration of your stay.
If you are a citizen of the UK or the EU, you will not require a visa in order to visit Ireland for any duration of time.
The citizens of certain other countries can visit visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days, but will require a visa for longer stays. The US, Australia, and the UAE are such examples; visa-free travel is possible for short visits, but visas are required for stays of over 90 days.
Finally, there are a number of countries whose citizens will generally always require a visa in order to visit Ireland, even for short stays, such as the following:
| India | Albania | Bahrain | Colombia |
| Dominica | Cuba | Egypt | Georgia |
| Indonesia | Iran | Jamaica | Jordan |
| Kuwait | Lebanon | Nepal | Oman |
| China | Philippines | South Africa | Sri Lanka |
| Thailand | Turkey | Vietnam |
Ireland offers a wide variety of visas designed to cater to different circumstances. It offers a range of Short Stay visas, Study visas, Work visas, and Family visas, each of which has different rules and regulations. The visa which is right for you will depend on your reason for visiting Ireland and the intended duration of your stay.
For more guidance on the Irish visa requirements associated with your specific circumstances, contact IAS today.
Page Contents
- Do I Need a Visa for Ireland?
- Types of Visas in Ireland
- Short Stay Visas for Ireland
- Long Stay Visas for Ireland
- Single and Multiple Entry Visas for Ireland
- Ireland Visa Waiver Programme
- British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)
- Transit Visas
- General Requirements for Ireland Visa Application
- Ireland Visa Application Process: How to Apply?
- Ireland Visa Fees and Processing Times
- How to Track Ireland Visa Application?
- What if My Ireland Visa Application is Rejected?
- How Can IAS Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Visas in Ireland
Ireland offers a wide variety of visas, designed for different categories of stay. In general, however, the visas fall into the following categories:
Visit visas
Ireland’s Short Stay C visas allow you to visit Ireland for periods of up to 90 days for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Short-term study
- Getting married
- Attending a conference
- Travelling the country
- Visiting friends and family
- Attending business meetings
While the eligibility criteria vary depending on the particular C visa in question, they will generally include the following:
- You have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay
- You have a legitimate reason for wanting to enter Ireland
- You are able to provide a detailed plan of your trip
- You are able to demonstrate that you have strong connections to your country of origin and plan to return there upon the expiry of your Irish visa
Further information on Ireland’s different Short Stay visas is given later in this article.
Work visas
Work visas allow you to enter Ireland in order to complete work. If you plan on working for under 90 days, you will need to apply for the relevant Short Stay C visa, for example the Short Stay Business visa or the Conference/Event visa. If you are planning on working in Ireland for longer than 90 days, you will need to instead apply for a Long Stay D visa.
While the eligibility criteria vary significantly depending on the specific Work visa for which you are applying, you will generally need to satisfy the following requirements:
- You have the financial means to support yourself (and any dependants) for the duration of your stay
- You have an offer of employment from a company in Ireland
- You have one of the following Employment permits (before applying for your visa):
- You have evidence of your ability to complete the job in question (e.g. relevant qualifications and professional experience)
- You have a letter from your employer outlining the details of the job in question
Business visa
Ireland has different Business visa routes depending on the nature and duration of the business in question. If the business can be concluded in under 90 days, the Short Stay C Business visa may be the best fit.
Alternatively, if you are looking to invest in Ireland or start an Irish company, you should instead consider the Immigrant Investor Programme or the Start Up Entrepreneur Programme, respectively.
The details of each of these routes are given later in the article.
Study visas
If you are entering Ireland in order to study, you have 2 main visa routes. You can apply for the Short Stay C Study visa in order to complete short-term courses of up to 90 days, or you can apply for a Long Stay D visa in order to complete study over longer periods, for instance to attend an Irish university.
The eligibility requirements vary between the two routes, but you will generally need to provide evidence of the following:
- You have the academic ability to complete the course in question
- You have sufficient English or Irish language skills (in the case of the Long Stay D visa)
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay
- You have an offer for study from an eligible Irish educational institution
The details of both of the different Study visa routes are given later in this article.
Family visas
If you are looking to join family in Ireland, you may require a Family visa. If your partner or spouse lives and works in Ireland, for example, you may be able to obtain a visa in order to join them.
In general, you will need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Prove that you have an immediate family connection to an accepted sponsor (e.g. an Irish citizen, UK citizen, EU citizen, or an eligible international worker who is based in Ireland)
- Sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay
Further information on Ireland’s Family visas is provided later in this article.
Short Stay Visas for Ireland
The Irish Short Stay C visa is intended for short visits of up to 90 days. It cannot generally be extended, except in exceptional circumstances. There are a few different types of Short Stay C visa, depending on your reason for visiting Ireland, such as:
Tourist visa
The Short Stay C Tourist visa allows you to visit Ireland for a range of purposes, including to travel the country, visit friends or family within Ireland, complete a temporary educational course, receive medical treatment, and get married. However, you will not be able to complete paid work, volunteer, or use publicly funded services such as public hospitals when in Ireland on this visa type.
Training visa
The Short Stay C Training visa allows the holder to visit Ireland in order to complete a short training course. Your attendance on the course must have been organised by your employer or by an organisation of which you are a member.
Note that you will not be able to complete any work or volunteering during your time in the country (other than completing the training course), and nor will you be able to access public services like public hospitals.
Conference/ Event visa
The Conference/Event visa allows the holder to travel to Ireland temporarily in order to attend a conference, symposium, or similar event, whether for business or academic purposes.
However, as with the other Short Stay C visas, it does not allow the holder to work (outside of attendance at the conference or symposium) or to access public services.
Exam visa
An Irish Exam visa allows the holder to enter Ireland in order to complete an exam which is needed either for their employment or for their course of study, such as the Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) medical exams.
However, under this visa route, you will not be authorised to sit any exams which are not necessary for your particular course of study or employment, or to work in any capacity (including, in most cases, as an observer within a medical facility).
Nor will you be able to access Irish public services such as free hospital care.
Short Stay Business visa
The Short Stay C Business visa is intended to allow business persons to enter Ireland temporarily in order to complete certain professional activities, such as attending meetings, negotiating or signing contracts, and working for periods of up to 14 days.
However, the holder will not be able to work for 15 days or more or to access public services like public hospitals.
Long Stay Visas for Ireland
Ireland issues Long Stay D visas in the case of stays which are longer than 90 days. There are a range of Long Stay D visas, including the following:
Work visa
Ireland offers a variety of Long Stay Employment visas, including the following:
- Employment visa: This visa allows you to work in Ireland for a long-stay work period, once you have an offer of employment. You will first need to obtain an Employment permit, such as the Critical Skills Employment permit
- Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa: This visa allows you to work in Ireland as a scientific researcher, working for an accredited ‘host’ research organisation
- Employment (Van der Elst) visa: If you are a non-EU worker who is legally working in another EU member state, you can obtain the Van der Elst visa in order to temporarily work in Ireland as part of your work for your EU employer
For more information on which Work visa is right for you, contact IAS today.
Study visa
In the case of studies of over 90 days, prospective students will need to apply for the Long Stay D Study visa.
In order to be eligible, you will need to have an offer for one of the following course types:
- An English Language course which is at least 25 weeks long
- A higher education course (e.g. undergraduate to postgraduate) from level 6 to level 10 according to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications
- Foundation year programmes
- Professional awards
You can find details of eligible courses and institutions on the Irish government website.
If your child is enrolled in a private fee paying school, they will also be eligible for a Long Stay D visa.
However, you must already have paid the relevant school fees before the child arrives in Ireland and the school in question must be on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. Note that free state schools are not eligible for this route.
Family visa
If you have a close family member in Ireland, you may be eligible to join them in Ireland on a Family visa. In general, you will need to fall into one of the following categories:
- Partner or spouse
- Dependent or minor child
- Dependant family member
Your family member, in turn, will generally need to be one of the following:
- An Irish citizen
- A UK citizen
- An EU or Swiss citizen
- A non-EU citizen who has one of the following Irish immigration permissions:
- Critical Skills Employment permit
- Stamp 4 holder
There are also a couple of specialist routes, including the following:
- Family Reunification under the International protection Act 2015
- Afghan Admissions Programme
Business visa
The Business visa which is right for you will depend on the nature and duration of the business which you plan to conduct in Ireland.
If you want to enter Ireland temporarily in order to complete business activities, such as negotiating or signing contracts, you may need to apply for the Short Stay Business visa. This visa allows you to enter Ireland for up to 90 days and to complete activities relating to your job, such as:
- Negotiate or sign contracts
- Work for up to 14 days
- Attend meetings
Alternatively, if you are hoping to either invest in Ireland or start your own Irish business, you have the following 2 routes, respectively:
- Immigration Investor Programme. This route offers a number of investment options for applicants who have a net worth of at least €2 million and have a clean criminal history. The specific investment options are as follows:
- An investment of at least €1 million in an Irish enterprise for at least 3 years
- An investment of an least €1 million in an investment fund which is approved and regulated by the Central Bank, with the investment lasting for at least 3 years
- An investment of at least €2 million, in an Irish REIT which is listed on the Irish stock exchange, for at least 3 years
- A philanthropic donation of at least €500,000 to a project which is of public benefit in one of the following areas: arts, sport, health, culture, or education
- Start Up Entrepreneur Programme. This route allows prospective start up founders to come to Ireland in order to start their business, provided they satisfy the following requirements:
- Are of good character and have a clean criminal record
- Have at least €50,000 available in funding
- Have an innovative business proposal
Single and Multiple Entry Visas for Ireland
If you are applying for an Irish Short Stay C visa, you will be asked to select whether you are applying for single or multiple entry when filling out the application form. This determines whether your visa authorises you to enter Ireland once or more than once during its period of validity.
However, note that permission for multiple entries is not guaranteed and will generally only be granted in certain circumstances, such as:
- You have had had at least 2 previous Irish visas and complied with the visa rules on both occasions (i.e. did not overstay and did not work illegally during your visit)
- You need to re-enter the country on a number of occasions for business reasons, e.g. to attend business meetings (note that you will be expected to provide evidence of this)
- You are travelling to a third country via Ireland
Note that the visa application fee is also more expensive in the case of Multi-Entry visas. It is €60 in the case of single entry and €100 in the case of multiple entry.
Ireland Visa Waiver Programme
The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows certain nationalities with eligible UK Short Stay visas to enter Ireland using their UK visa. If you have a UK Standard Visitor visa, for example, you may be eligible to use this visa in order to enter Ireland.
In order to remain compliant with the rules of your visa, you will only be able to visit Ireland within the valid duration period of your UK visa. If you stay in Ireland beyond the duration of your UK visa, you will no longer have valid immigration status within Ireland.
Note that UK Transit and Fiance visas are not eligible under this scheme. Nor are Long-Stay UK visas. Additionally, the programme is not reciprocal, meaning that you cannot enter the UK on the basis of holding a Short Stay Irish visa.
Your eligibility will also depend on your particular nationality. The following countries are included in the programme:
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Bahrain | India | Colombia |
| Kosovo | Kuwait | Indonesia | Peru |
| Montenegro | Oman | Kazakhstan | Republic of North Macedonia |
| Qatar | China | Serbia | Saudi Arabia |
| Philippines | Turkey | Thailand | Ukraine |
| Uzbekistan | Vietnam |
Note that the rules and regulations vary between each country which is included in the waiver, so make sure to check how the rules apply in your case before using a UK Short Stay visa to try and enter Ireland.
British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)
The British Irish Visa Scheme, or BIVS, refers to a scheme through which certain individuals are permitted to visit and travel around the Common Travel Area, i.e. the UK and Ireland. This permission is only granted in the case of Short Stay visas.
In order to be eligible, you must be either a Chinese citizen who lives in China or an Indian citizen who lives in India. You must also be applying for one of the following Short Stay visas:
- Eligible Irish visas:
- Visit visa
- Conference/Event visa
- Business Short Stay visa
- Eligible UK visas:
- Permitted Paid Engagement visa
- Standard Visitor visa (excluding Transit visa and Fiance visa)
Note that the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are excluded from the Common Travel Area.
Visas which have BIVS permission will have the letters ‘BIVS’ on them. In order to use the permission, you will need to first enter the Common Travel Area through the country which granted your visa.
Transit Visas
Irish Transit visas allow you to enter Ireland temporarily in order to complete onward travel to another country. If you are travelling to your final destination via an Irish airport, in other words, you may require an Irish Transit visa. .
Citizens of the following countries will generally require Transit visas in order to pass through an Irish airport on their travels:
| Afghanistan | Albania | Bolivia | Botswana |
| Cuba | Democratic Republic of Congo | Dominica | Eritrea |
| Eswatini | Ethiopia | Georgia | Ghana |
| Honduras | Iran | Iraq | Lebanon |
| Lesotho | Moldova | Nauru | Nigeria |
| Somalia | South Africa | Sri Lanka | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Somalia | Vanuatu | Zimbabwe |
While Ethiopia is included on this list, Ethiopian citizens do not require a Transit visa in order to travel to the US or Canada via Ireland.
General Requirements for Ireland Visa Application
Specific eligibility criteria vary significantly depending on the particular visa for which you are applying.
In general, however, there are a number of criteria which you will need to satisfy, including the following:
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay
- Offer to study at an eligible educational institution or an offer of employment, if applicable
- Private medical/travel insurance
- Proof that you have a valid reason for entering the country
- Proof of strong ties to your country of origin
For more information on the specific eligibility criteria which you will need to satisfy, contact IAS today.
Ireland Visa Application Process: How to Apply?
While the exact steps of applying for an Irish visa depend on the visa route in question, you will generally need to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Complete an online application using the AVATS online form, found on the Irish government website.
Step 2: Print the Summary Application Form which will be generated automatically once you have completed your online application. Print, sign, and date this form; it will need to be submitted along with your other supporting documents.
Step 3: Send your supporting documents to the address given on your Summary Application Form. This will likely be the address of your local Irish embassy or consulate, which varies from location to location.
Step 4: Once you have submitted your application, you now need to wait for it to be processed. Once a decision is made, your documents will be returned to you by post. If your application was successful, a visa will be added to your passport. If your application was unsuccessful, you will be told the reasons why, and will generally be given the opportunity to appeal.
Step 5: If you successfully obtain an Irish visa, you can now use this visa to enter Ireland, provided that the immigration officer who interviews you at the border believes that you have a legitimate reason for entering the country.
Ireland Visa Fees and Processing Times
Processing times vary according to the particular visa route and embassy, whether or not your application is submitted correctly, and how many other applications are also being processed.
In general, you should expect to wait a few weeks for a decision on your visa application. In the event that you are asked to provide additional information, you should make sure to do so as quickly as possible in order to minimise processing delays.
You should also make sure that your application is submitted correctly in the first place.
In terms of application fees, the exact cost will depend on the particular visa for which you are applying. In general Standard visa application processing fees are:
| Single journey visa | €60 |
| Multiple journey visa | €100 |
| Transit visa | €25 |
Contact IAS today for help submitting your application correctly and for information on how much your application will cost.
How to Track Ireland Visa Application?
In general, you should expect to wait a few weeks before receiving a decision on your application.
However, you can contact the embassy or consulate through which you have applied directly in order to receive an update. You can also use the online customer portal.
What if My Ireland Visa Application is Rejected?
In the event that your Irish visa application is unsuccessful, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons(s) for the decision. In most cases, you will also be given the option to appeal (unless you were found to have provided inaccurate or misleading information as part of your application, for example).
If you do choose to appeal, you will generally need to submit it within 2 months of the date given on your refusal letter. You will need to submit a letter of appeal clearly stating why you believe the decision made was wrong. When doing so, you should directly refer to the reasons why your application was unsuccessful.
For help navigating the appeal process, contact IAS today to learn more about our appeal package.
How Can IAS Help?
Ireland is a popular destination with travellers from around the world. Whether you are looking to visit temporarily or relocate permanently, travelling to Ireland may well be the right choice for you. It boasts beautiful nature, thriving cities, a rich cultural scene, and world-class educational and professional opportunities.
However, obtaining an Irish visa can often be difficult. At IAS, our legal experts can provide you with bespoke immigration advice and help to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible. Contact us online today or on +353 (0)61 518 025 to learn more about our full range of services.
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.
Last modified on January 29th, 2026 at 1:39 pm
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.
You may be interested in reading about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether or not it is easy for you to get an Irish visa will depend on whether or not you satisfy the eligibility criteria and whether you are able to provide sufficient evidence in support of your application.
If you are unable to prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself for the duration of your stay, for example, it is likely that you will find it difficult to obtain an Irish visa.
For help maximising your chances of a successful visa application, contact IAS today on +353 (0)61 518 025.
As Ireland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, an EU Residence permit is generally not sufficient in order to enter Ireland. Instead, whether or not you can enter Ireland visa-free will depend on your particular nationality. It may be that you need to obtain a separate Irish visa in addition to your EU Residence permit in order to visit Ireland.
No, you cannot use your UK Biometric Residence permit in order to visit Ireland. Whether or not you need a visa in order to visit Ireland will therefore depend on your nationality.
However, the UK does have a Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme with Ireland, wherein individuals with a Short Stay visa for the UK may be able to also use this visa to enter Ireland if they are from one of the following countries:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bahrain
- India
- Colombia
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Indonesia
- Peru
- Montenegro
- Oman
- Kazakhstan
- Republic of North Macedonia
- Qatar
- China
- Serbia
- Saudi Arabia
- Philippines
- Turkey
- Thailand
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Note that UK Biometric Residence Permits are in the process of being replaced with eVisas.
You will be given instructions on how to pay the application fee when completing the online application. In general, you will need to make an online bank transfer to the Irish embassy or consulate through which you are applying for your visa.
There are a number of reasons why Ireland visa applications may be rejected. In most cases, it will be because you have failed to satisfy the eligibility criteria, or failed to provide enough evidence that you satisfy the eligibility criteria. You may have failed to provide sufficient evidence that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay, for example.
If you have had prior visa rejections or have previously overstayed or worked illegally when on another visa, this may also lead to an unsuccessful visa application.
Yes, provided that you still satisfy the eligibility criteria and your visa is eligible for extension, it should be possible to extend your visa. Note that not all visas are eligible for extension, however, such as the Short Stay C visa. You will only be able to extend this visa in extenuating circumstances, such as if you become medically unfit to travel.
No, Ireland does not offer a designated fast-track application option. The best way to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible is to make sure that it is complete and correct.
At IAS, we also offer a fast-track package designed for individuals who need to submit their application by a certain deadline. Contact us today on +353 (0)61 518 025 to learn more about our full range of services.
