Visas
INIS Material
Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is your registration certificate. You will be given an IRP whenever you register with immigration. Your IRP is a very important document and you must carry it with you at all times.
NOTE: From 11 December 2017 the new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) has replaced the ‘GNIB card’. Do not apply for an IRP until your current GNIB card expires.
About the Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
An Irish Residence Permit (IRP) indicates:
That your immigration permission to stay in Ireland has been registered
The type of immigration permission you have, ie stamp number
The IRP is not an identity card. It is a registration certificate. It is not valid for any reason except to certify that you are registered with immigration in Ireland.
You must carry your IRP with you at all times and present it to an immigration officer or a member of An Garda Síochána (police) if requested. This includes whenever you leave or re-enter the country.
What an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) looks like
The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is a credit-card sized plastic card that displays basic information about you. This includes:
Your name, photo, date of birth and registration number
A brief description of your immigration permission, including your permission stamp number
A microchip with a copy of your photo, fingerprints and personal details as above
The IRP does not give you any new rights or entitlements.
For example, an IRP does not allow you to travel to or live freely in other EU countries. All existing travel and immigration rules still apply.
It is your responsibility to check what you need to enter other countries before you travel.
Who needs an Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
If you are a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizen and you wish to stay in Ireland for any reason for longer than 90 days, you must apply for immigration permission and (if successful) then register.
If your registration is successful, you will then be issued with an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
To register you must:
Be a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss national
Be aged 16 or older
Go to a registration office in-person
If you wish to stay in Ireland past the expiry date on your IRP, you must apply to extend your immigration permission and renew your registration. If successful, you will be given a new IRP.
An IRP costs €300 per person every time you register and renew.
You may also have to pay for a new IRP if your current card is lost or stolen.
How Irish Residence Permits (IRP) are issued
The process for issuing Irish Residence Permits (IRP) is different if you register in Dublin or outside Dublin.
Registration in Dublin
If your register in Dublin, the immigration officer will arrange to send your IRP to you by post.
Make sure to confirm your exact address (including Eircode) before you leave the registration office.
Your IRP should arrive within 10 to 15 working days. If it does not arrive within 15 working days, contact us.
Registration outside Dublin
If your register outside Dublin, the immigration officer will arrange a date/time for you to return to the registration office to collect your IRP.
You cannot get an IRP during your first visit to a registration office outside Dublin because parts of the process are managed centrally.
You must return to the registration office to collect your IRP.
Change or update your details
Contact us to update your registration information if your personal details or circumstances change, for example:
You change your home/postal address
We made an error, eg we misspelled your name
Other details change, eg you change your name/gender
In some cases, we may issue you with a new Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Contact us to update your registration details.
Lost or stolen Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB card
You must contact us if your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB card is lost or stolen.
You must also contact us if you were issued with a new IRP by post in Dublin, but it did not arrive after 10 working days.
We will then investigate and (if necessary) prepare a replacement for you.
‘GNIB cards’
From 11 December 2017 the previous registration certificate known as the ‘GNIB card’ has been replaced by the new Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
The new IRP has exactly the same legal status as the old GNIB card. It does not give you any new rights or entitlements and your responsibilities stay the same.
Do not apply for a new IRP if you currently hold a valid GNIB card. Wait until your GNIB card expires (or is lost or stolen) and then apply as normal.
If successful, you will then be given a new IRP. Read more about replacing the GNIB card.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply for your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) until you need to renew. Your existing registration certificate (GNIB card) remains valid until it expires (or is lost or stolen).
Contact & help
If you have questions, check the support centre for help.
Updated: 8 December 2017
Short stay tourist visa
A short stay tourist visa allows you to travel to Ireland for tourism or study for up to 90 days, subject to the conditions described below. All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Special visa programmes
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for:
Tourism
Study, eg a short term English language course
This visa does not allow you to:
Do work (paid or unpaid) of any kind
Use any publicly funded services, eg a public hospital
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries.
Each traveller must apply for a separate visa. There are no family visas.
A tourist visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian. Extra conditions for young people also apply.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Special visa programmes
Travel to Ireland using a UK visa
You may be able to visit Ireland without applying for an Irish visa if:
You have an eligible UK short stay visa
You are from an approved country
Your visit here will end before your UK ‘leave to remain’ ends
Read how this works under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
Travel between Ireland & UK for certain Chinese & Indian nationals
You may be able to visit Ireland and the United Kingdom using a single Irish or UK visa if you travel using a Chinese or Indian passport.
Read how this works under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.
Travel to Ireland on a school group trip from EU/EEA or Switzerland
You may not need an Irish visa if you are a high school (second level) student who is legally resident in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland and you want to come here as part of a school group trip.
Read how this works under the School Student Visa Waiver Decision.
4. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay visit (tourist) visa
To visit Ireland for tourism or study for less than 90 days, select the following options in AVATS:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Visit Tourist’
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
5. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
6. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
Your letter must include your full name and postal address, and the:
Reason you want to come to Ireland
Dates you plan to arrive and leave
Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Holiday, vacation or study plan
Type or write a description of your planned holiday, vacation or study trip to Ireland, including where you will stay.
Accommodation
Include printed reservation confirmations (emails or letters) of your accommodation from:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Reservation confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place.
Study
If you plan to study during your stay, include information about your study plan, such as:
The name, address, phone number, website and email of the place you are studying, eg school, college, institution
The name of the course you are attending and how long it will last
Proof you have reserved a place on the course, eg confirmation email or letter
Travel & medical insurance
If your application for a visa is approved, you must get travel/medical insurance before you travel. You will not be allowed to enter Ireland without it.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit proof that you have travel/medical insurance before a visa is granted.
iv. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
v. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-and-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-and-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
vi. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
vii. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own visit
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If a friend or family member in Ireland is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write an estimate of how much your friend/family member will spend (in Euro) and what they will pay for (if appropriate), eg cost of airline tickets in Euro.
Your friend/family member must also show that they can afford these costs. This applies to any friends/family members who will help to pay for your vacation, including Irish citizens.
To do so, you must ask them to send you the following original documents and include them with your application:
An up-to-date bank statement, following the same rules as described above
If they are employed, they must provide:
Their 3 most recent payslips
Their most recent P60 (tax document)
A letter from their employer that confirms they are employed
You must also include your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above.
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write a description that explains how and why your visit is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party’s:
Full name and address
Telephone number
Email address (if available)
Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
viii. Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your visit ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you have a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to it. To do so, you should provide:
Your 3 most recent original payslips
A letter from your employer that states:
How long you have been employed there
The dates you are on vacation
The date you will be returning to work in that job
Education or study
If you are a student at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to continue your studies. To do so, you should provide:
A letter from your school or college that states:
The course you are studying
How many years you have been a student there
How many years/semesters you have left there
The letter should also state that your school/college expects you return to your studies after your vacation or study trip to Ireland.
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family including:
Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc
Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or property title deed.
ix. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
x. Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person’s safety.
Click here for extra conditions for young people aged under 18
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
If you are making a visa application for yourself and another person, you may send them together. To send together:
Place each person’s application documents into separate envelopes
Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each applicant on each envelope
Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the application office
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
7. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
8. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay visit (tourist) visa is about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
9. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg tourism) and how long you can stay, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Leaving Ireland & returning home
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Extend a stay for unforeseen circumstances
In rare and exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland.
To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unforeseen way after you arrive in the country.
An extension will not be granted for any non-emergency or foreseeable reason, eg for additional tourism.
You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Business visa (short stay)
Short stay business visa
A short stay business visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for business or for work that lasts 14 days or less, subject to conditions described below. All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Special visa programmes
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ business visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for activities related to your job, including to:
Attend meetings
Negotiate or sign agreements or contracts
Work for 14 days or less (based on the rules below)
This visa does not allow you to:
Work in any way (paid or unpaid) for 15 days or longer
Rely on Irish public services, eg public hospitals
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Rules for working 14 days or less
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries. Each traveller must apply for a separate visa.
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian. Extra conditions for young people also apply.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Special visa programmes
Travel to Ireland using a UK visa
You may be able to visit Ireland without applying for an Irish visa if:
You have an eligible UK short stay visa
You are from an approved country
Your visit here will end before your UK ‘leave to remain’ ends
Read how this works under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
Travel between Ireland & UK for certain Chinese & Indian nationals
You may be able to visit Ireland and the United Kingdom using a single Irish or UK visa if you travel using a Chinese or Indian passport.
Read how this works under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.
4. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay business visa
To travel to Ireland for business for up to 90 days, select the following options in AVATS:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Business’
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
5. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
6. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
Your letter must include your full name and postal address, and the:
Reason you want to come to Ireland
Dates you plan to arrive and leave
Names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in Ireland or any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Your letter must include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Invitation letter
You must have a written invitation from a host in Ireland to apply for a short stay business visa. Your host may be a customer, a supplier or a company/organisation.
Ask your host to send you an invitation letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The host’s invitation letter must include:
The reason they are inviting you to Ireland
The dates they plan you to work or meet with them
Proof of an existing relationship between the host and you, for example:
Ask your host to include copies of their communications with you about your visit (printed emails or letters)
A statement by your host about what they will contribute to the cost of your visit (if any):
The statement must indicate if your host will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything your host will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, etc (see viii. Finance plan for more)
If you have been invited by and intend to work/meet with more than one host in Ireland, you must obtain a separate letter of invitation from each.
iv. Accommodation plan
In your application letter, type or write a description of everywhere you will stay in Ireland (eg hotel, hostel, B&B, etc), including the dates you will stay at each place.
Include printed reservation confirmations (emails or letters) of your accommodation, from:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Reservation confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place.
If you are staying with a host in their home
For each host you stay with, ask them to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must contain:
The host’s full name
The host’s home address in Ireland
Confirmation by the host that you have been invited to stay
The dates you will stay with the host
A statement by your host about what they will contribute to the cost of your visit (if any):
The statement must indicate if they will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything they will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see viii. Finance plan for more)
You must also ask your host to include proof that they live at their address. To do so, ask them to send you an original utility bill (on headed paper) from within the last 6 months and include it with your application, for example:
Electricity or gas
Fixed line telephone, TV or broadband
A print of a bill from the internet cannot be accepted
Travel & medical insurance
If your application for a visa is approved, you must get travel/medical insurance before you travel. You will not be allowed to enter Ireland without it.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit proof that you have travel/medical insurance before a visa is granted.
v. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may also have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
vi. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-or-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-or-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
vii. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
viii. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own business trip
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it. Do not submit your employer’s bank statements unless requested to do so.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If your business host or accommodation host is helping to pay for your business trip
Include the letter from your host that lists everything they will pay for, eg cost of airline tickets in Euro (as above).
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your business trip
Type or write a description that explains how and why your business trip is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party’s:
Full name and address
Telephone number
Email address (if available)
Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
ix. Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your business trip ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you are employed in a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to it. To do so, you should provide:
Your 3 most recent original payslips
A letter from your employer that states:
How long you have been employed there
The dates you are on a business trip
The date you will be returning to work at home
If you are self-employed at home, you must show that you have an obligation to continue it. To do so, you must provide a letter that includes:
A description of your business and the products or services you provide
Proof that your business is trading, for example:
Your most recent financial accounts
Recent tax return (original)
Confirmations of payments from customers from within last 6 months (printed emails or letters)
Proof of a business reason to come to Ireland, for example:
Communication by you with companies or organisations in Ireland (printed emails or letters)
The date you will return to your business at home
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family including:
Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc
Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or a photocopy of your property title deed.
x. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
xi. Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A business visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person’s safety.
Click here for extra conditions for young people aged under 18
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
If you are making a visa application for yourself and another person, you may send them together. To send together:
Place each person’s application documents into separate envelopes
Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each applicant on each envelope
Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the application office
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
7. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
8. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay ‘C’ business visa about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
9. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg business, work) and how long you can stay, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Leaving Ireland & returning home
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Extend a stay for unforeseen circumstances
In rare and exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland.
To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unforeseen way after you arrive in the country.
An extension will not be granted to attend a meeting/event or any non-emergency or foreseeable reason.
You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 7 September 2017
Tell us about any issues on this page
Family or friends visit visa (short stay)
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Short stay family/friend visa
A short stay family/friend visa allows you to travel to Ireland to visit family or friends for up to 90 days, subject to the conditions described below. All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Special visa programmes
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ visit (family/friend) visa allows you to travel to Ireland to visit family or friends who are resident here, for up to 90 days.
This visa does not allow you to:
Do work (paid or unpaid) of any kind
Use any publicly funded services, eg a public hospital
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries.
Each traveller must apply for a separate visa. There are no family visas.
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian. Extra conditions for young people also apply.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Special visa programmes
Travel to Ireland using a UK visa
You may be able to visit Ireland without applying for an Irish visa if:
You have an eligible UK short stay visa
You are from an approved country
Your visit here will end before your UK ‘leave to remain’ ends
Read how this works under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
Travel between Ireland & UK for certain Chinese & Indian nationals
You may be able to visit Ireland and the United Kingdom using a single Irish or UK visa if you travel using a Chinese or Indian passport.
Read how this works under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.
4. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay family/friend visa
To come to Ireland to visit family or friends for less than 90 days, select the following options in AVATS:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Visit Family/Friend
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
5. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
6. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
Your letter must include your full name and postal address, and:
The reason you want to come to Ireland
The dates you plan to arrive and leave
The place(s) you will stay, eg home address of your friend/family, hotel, hostel, B&B, etc
A description of who will pay (or help to pay) for your vacation, eg you, friend/family
If you are visiting a friend(s), your letter must also include:
The name(s) and address(es) of your friend(s) in Ireland
A description of how you and your friend(s) know each other
Proof of the relationship between you and your friend(s), eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc
The names and addresses of any members of your family who also live in Ireland (even if you will not visit them)
The names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
If you are visiting family, your letter must also include:
The names and addresses of all members of your family who live in Ireland (including family members you will not be visiting)
The names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Proof of your relationship, eg birth certificate, marriage certificate, copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc
Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Invitation letter
Ask the friend(s) or family member(s) you plan to visit in Ireland to type or write a letter that states that they are inviting you to Ireland to visit them. Ask them to sign and date the letter. Include the letter with your application.
The letter must state:
The reason they are inviting you to Ireland
The dates they plan to see you in Ireland
A description of how they know you
The letter must include a photocopy of the picture page of their National Identity Card or passport (including for Irish citizens).
The letter must also include a statement by your friend(s) or family member(s) that they understand you must:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
You must get a separate letter from each friend/family member you are visiting who has a different home address. A single letter for friends/family who live at the same address is acceptable.
Conditional requirements for the invitation letter
If you are invited to stay with your friend(s) or family member(s) in their home, the letter must state:
That they are inviting you to stay with them in their home
The dates you are invited to stay and their full postal address (including EirCode)
If the friend(s) or family member(s) inviting you to Ireland is a non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizen, the letter must include:
A photocopy of their current valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB card
A photocopy of the current valid immigration permission stamp in their passport
If your friend(s) or family member(s) will help to pay for your vacation, the letter must include:
A cost estimate and a description of what they will pay for (if appropriate), eg cost of airline tickets in Euro
Documents that prove they can afford to pay – a full description of necessary documents is below
iv. Accommodation plan
Type or write a description of everywhere you will stay in Ireland, including the dates you will stay at each place.
If you are staying with your friend or family in their home
For each friend or family member you stay with, include their:
Full name
Full home address in Ireland
The dates you will stay with them
For each friend or family member you stay with, you must include proof that they live at their address. To do so, ask them to send you an original utility bill (on headed paper) from within the last 6 months and include it with your application, for example:
Electricity
Gas
Water
Fixed line telephone, TV or broadband
A print out of a bill from the internet cannot be accepted
If you are staying in other accommodation
Include printed reservation confirmations (emails or letters) of your accommodation from:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Reservation confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place.
Travel & medical insurance
If your application for a visa is approved, you must get travel/medical insurance before you travel. You will not be allowed to enter Ireland without it.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit proof that you have travel/medical insurance before a visa is granted.
v. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
vi. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-and-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-and-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
vii. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
viii. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own visit
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If a friend or family member in Ireland is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write an estimate of how much your friend/family member will spend (in Euro) and what they will pay for (if appropriate), eg cost of airline tickets in Euro.
Your friend/family member must also show that they can afford these costs. This applies to any friends/family members who will help to pay for your vacation, including Irish citizens.
To do so, you must ask them to send you the following original documents and include them with your application:
An up-to-date bank statement, following the same rules as described above
If they are employed, they must provide:
Their 3 most recent payslips
Their most recent P60 (tax document)
A letter from their employer that confirms they are employed
You must also include your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above.
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write a description that explains how and why your visit is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party’s:
Full name and address
Telephone number
Email address (if available)
Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
ix. Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your visit ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you have a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to it. To do so, you should provide:
Your 3 most recent original payslips
A letter from your employer that states:
How long you have been employed there
The dates you are on vacation
The date you will be returning to work in that job
Education or study
If you are a student at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to continue your studies. To do so, you should provide:
A letter from your school or college that states:
The course you are studying
How many years you have been a student there
How many years/semesters you have left there
The letter should also state that your school/college expects you return to your studies after your visit to Ireland.
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family including:
Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc
Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or property title deed.
ix. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
x. Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person’s safety.
Click here for extra conditions for young people aged under 18
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
If you are making a visa application for yourself and another person, you may send them together. To send together:
Place each person’s application documents into separate envelopes
Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each applicant on each envelope
Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the application office
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
7. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
8. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay visit (family/friend) visa is about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
9. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg visit family/friends) and how long you can stay, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Leaving Ireland & returning home
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Extend a stay for unforeseen circumstances
In rare and exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland.
To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unforeseen way after you arrive in the country.
An extension will not be granted for any non-emergency or foreseeable reason, eg to visit other friends.
You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 15 February 2017
Tell us about any issues on this page
Short stay conference/event visa
A short stay conference/event visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to attend a conference, symposium or other event, subject to conditions described below. All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.
Note: Contact Visas Division for advice if you are organising a conference or event in Ireland and expect that many of your attendees will need a visa.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Special visa programmes
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ conference/event visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to attend a conference, symposium or other event, eg for business or academic reasons.
This visa does not allow you to:
Work in any way (paid or unpaid)
Rely on Irish public services, eg public hospitals
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries. Each traveller must apply for a separate visa.
A conference/event visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian. Extra conditions for young people also apply.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Special visa programmes
Travel to Ireland using a UK visa
You may be able to visit Ireland without applying for an Irish visa if:
You have an eligible UK short stay visa
You are from an approved country
Your visit here will end before your UK ‘leave to remain’ ends
Read how this works under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
Travel between Ireland & UK for certain Chinese & Indian nationals
You may be able to visit Ireland and the United Kingdom using a single Irish or UK visa if you travel using a Chinese or Indian passport.
Read how this works under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.
4. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay conference/event visa
To travel to Ireland to attend a conference or event for up to 90 days, select the following options in AVATS:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Conference/event’
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
5. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
6. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
Your letter must include your full name and postal address, and:
A description of the conference or event and who is organising it
The reason you want to attend the conference or event
The dates you plan to arrive and leave
The names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in Ireland or any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Your letter must contain confirmation of your attendance at the conference, including:
Confirmation that you are registered to attend, eg confirmation email or original letter
Confirmation that your registration fees have been fully paid (if relevant), eg original receipt or payment
Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Letter from the conference organiser
You must ask the organiser of the conference to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must include:
A description of the conference and who has organised it
Confirmation that you are officially registered to attend
Confirmation that your registration fees have been fully paid (if relevant)
A statement by the conference organiser about what they will contribute to the cost of your visit (if anything):
The statement must indicate if the organiser will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything the conference organiser will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see viii. Finance plan for more)
If you wish to attend more than one conference or event in Ireland, you must obtain a separate letter from each conference organiser.
iv. Accommodation plan
In your application letter, type or write a description of everywhere you will stay in Ireland (eg hotel, hostel, B&B, etc), including the dates you will stay at each place.
Include printed reservation confirmations (emails or letters) of your accommodation from:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Reservation confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place.
If you are staying with a host in their home
For each host you stay with, ask them to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must contain:
The host’s full name
The host’s home address in Ireland
Confirmation by the host that you have been invited to stay
The dates you will stay with the host
A statement by your host about what they will contribute to the cost of your visit (if anything):
The statement must indicate if they will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything they will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see viii. Finance plan for more)
You must also ask your host to include proof that they live at their address. To do so, ask them to send you an original utility bill (on headed paper) from within the last 6 months and include it with your application, for example:
Electricity or gas
Fixed line telephone, TV or broadband
A print of a bill from the internet cannot be accepted
Travel & medical insurance
If your application for a visa is approved, you must get travel/medical insurance before you travel. You will not be allowed to enter Ireland without it.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit proof that you have travel/medical insurance before a visa is granted.
v. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
vi. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-and-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-and-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
vii. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
viii. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own visit
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If your conference organiser or accommodation host is helping to pay for your visit
Include the letter from your conference organiser or host that lists everything they will pay for, eg cost of airline tickets in Euro (as above).
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write a description that explains how and why your travel is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party’s:
Full name and address
Telephone number
Email address (if available)
Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
ix. Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your visit ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you are employed in a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to your employer. To do so, you should provide:
Your 3 most recent original payslips
A letter from your employer that includes:
How long they have employed you
A description of the conference and why you are attending
The dates you will be at the conference
The date you will be returning to work
A statement about what they will contribute to the cost of your visit:
The statement must indicate if your employer will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything your employer will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see viii. Finance plan for more)
If you are self-employed at home, you must show that you have an obligation to continue it. To do so, you must provide a letter that includes:
A description of your business and the products or services you provide
Proof that your business is trading, for example:
Your most recent financial accounts (photocopy)
Recent tax return (original)
Confirmations of payments from customers from within last 6 months (printed emails or letters)
Proof of a business reason to attend the conference in Ireland, for example:
Communication by you with the conference organiser (printed emails or letters)
The date you will return to your business at home
Education or study
If you are a student at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to continue your studies. To do so, you should provide a letter from your school or college that states:
The course you are studying
How many years you have been a student there
How many years/semesters you have left there
A description of the conference, how it relates to your studies and why you are attending
That your school/college expects you return to your studies after your visit to Ireland
The date you will be returning to study
A statement about what your school/college will contribute to the cost of your visit (if relevant):
The statement must indicate if your school or college will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything your school or college will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see viii. Finance plan for more)
The letter should also state that your school/college expects you return to your studies after your visit to Ireland.
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family including:
Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc
Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or property title deed.
x. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
xi. Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A conference/event visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person’s safety.
Click here for extra conditions for young people aged under 18
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
If you are making a visa application for yourself and another person, you may send them together. To send together:
Place each person’s application documents into separate envelopes
Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each applicant on each envelope
Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the application office
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
7. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
8. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay ‘C’ conference/event visa about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
9. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg conference) and how long you can stay, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Leaving Ireland & returning home
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Extend a stay for unforeseen circumstances
In rare and exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland.
To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unforeseen way after you arrive in the country.
An extension will not be granted for any non-emergency or foreseeable reason, eg to attend another conference/event.
You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 6 September 2017
Tell us about any issues on this page
Employment Visa (Atypical Working Scheme)
1. When you can apply
You can apply for an employment visa (Atypical Working Scheme) if you have approval from the Atypical Working Scheme Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service to take up short term employment in Ireland.
Further information on the Atypical Working Scheme can be found here.
You can apply for the visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
If you are visiting another state prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that state in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation. The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometric Informationas part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in your being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of visa fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted the necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the Visa Decisions page.
5. Activities not permitted with this Visa
You are not permitted to:
undertake other paid or unpaid work,
access any public funds.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
the date of the translation;
the translator’s full name and signature; and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted.
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documents set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
If you are not a national of the country where you are applying from, you must submit evidence of your permission to be in that country e.g. a residence card. You must also have at least 3 months permission to be in that country after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details
outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
stating how long you intend to stay,
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
providing details of where you intend to stay while you are in Ireland, and
undertaking that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
Valid Atypical Working Scheme Approval Letter
Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent residence.
As you are applying for a short stay visa for Ireland (which permits visits of less than 90 days), it is important that you provide evidence that you have strong family, social or economic ties to your country of residence. This is necessary in order to satisfy the Visa Officer that you will leave Ireland on, or before, your intended date of departure from Ireland.
It is your responsibility to provide this evidence. All of the information that you provide must be in the form of documentary evidence which can be verified by the Visa Officer.
Suggestions on how to show evidence your obligations to return
Details of any family members living in your country of residence – if you are married or have any dependent children, you should submit your marriage certificate and birth certificates for the children.
Evidence of any property you own/rent e.g. Title deed/tenancy agreement.
All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in company/college, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
Medical/Travel Insurance
Evidence of medical/travel insurance does not need to be provided with your application. However, the Visa Officer may request it before they make a decision on your application.
If your visa is approved, you must have evidence of medical/travel insurance when you arrive at the port of entry (airport/seaport) and must present it to the Immigration Officer on request.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
Click to apply for a visa
Exam visa (short stay)
Short stay exam visa
A short stay exam visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to sit an exam that is necessary for your current employment or course of study, subject to conditions below. All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ exam visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to sit an exam that is necessary for your current employment or course of study, for example:
PRES (Pre-Registration Examination System) exams for doctors
Professional accreditation, eg for accountants
Some distance learning courses (as described below)
This visa does not allow you to:
Sit an exam that is not necessary for your current employment or course of study
Work in any way (paid or unpaid), including acting in an observer capacity
Rely on Irish public services, eg public hospitals
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries. Each traveller must apply for a separate visa.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay exam visa
To travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to sit an exam, select the following options in AVATS:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Exam’
Purpose of travel: Enter the name your exam, eg ‘PRES exam’
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
4. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
5. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
Your letter must include your full name and postal address, and the:
Reason you want to come to Ireland
Dates you plan to arrive and leave
Names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in Ireland or any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Your letter must contain an estimate of the total cost of your visit to Ireland (in Euro), including separate estimates for:
All costs and expenses you personally will pay for (if any)
All costs and expenses paid for by a third-party (if any), eg your employer (see viii. Finance plan if your visit is being paid for)
Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not apply to any hospital (public or private) to gain experience in any capacity, eg acting as an observer
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Proof of exam & registration
Type or write a description of the exam you wish to attend in Ireland and include it with your application. The description must contain information about:
Why the exam is necessary for your current employment or course of studies, eg:
PRES (Pre-Registration Examination System) exams for a doctor
Professional accreditation, eg accountant
Distance learning course
Why you need to sit the exam in Ireland
Note: For a distance learning course you must prove that there is no testing centre in the country where you live and that Ireland is your nearest testing centre
You must also include proof that you have registered and paid for your exam. To do so, include the following (original) documents from the institution that is organising your exam:
Confirmation of registration, ie confirming that you will attend the exam in Ireland
Receipt of payment that confirms your exam fees (if any) have been paid in full
If you wish to sit more than one exam, you must include a separate description and proof of registration (& payment) for each exam.
iv. Accommodation plan
In your application letter, type or write a description of everywhere you will stay in Ireland (eg hotel, hostel, B&B, etc), including the dates you will stay at each place.
Include printed reservation confirmations (emails or letters) of your accommodation, from:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Reservation confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place.
If you are staying with a host in their home
For each host you stay with, ask them to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must contain:
The host’s full name
The host’s home address in Ireland
Confirmation by the host that you have been invited to stay
The dates you will stay with the host
A statement by your host about what they will contribute to the cost of your visit (if anything):
The statement must indicate if they will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything they will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see viii. Finance plan for more)
You must also ask your host to include proof that they live at their address. To do so, ask them to send you an original utility bill (on headed paper) from within the last 6 months and include it with your application, for example:
Electricity or gas
Fixed line telephone, TV or broadband
A print of a bill from the internet cannot be accepted
Travel & medical insurance
If your application for a visa is approved, you must get travel/medical insurance before you travel. You will not be allowed to enter Ireland without it.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit proof that you have travel/medical insurance before a visa is granted.
v. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees..
vi. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-or-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-or-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
vii. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
viii. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own visit
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If your accommodation host is helping to pay for your visit
Include the letter from your host that lists everything they will pay for, eg cost of airline tickets in Euro (as above).
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write a description that explains how and why your travel is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party’s:
Full name and address
Telephone number
Email address (if available)
Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
ix. Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your visit ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you have a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to it. To do so, you should provide:
Your 3 most recent original payslips
A letter from your employer that states:
How long you have been employed there
The dates you will be absent
The date you will be returning to work
Education or study
If you are a student at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to continue your studies. To do so, you should provide:
A letter from your school or college that states:
The course you are studying
How many years you have been a student there
How many years/semesters you have left there
That your school/college expects you return to your studies after your visit to Ireland
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family, including:
Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc.
Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or your property title deed.
x. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
6. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
7. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay ‘C’ exam visa about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
8. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg exam) and how long you can stay, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Leaving Ireland & returning home
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Extend a stay for unforeseen circumstances
In rare and exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland.
To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unforeseen way after you arrive in the country.
An extension will not be granted to attend another exam or any non-emergency or foreseeable reason.
You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 7 September 2017
Internship
1. When you can apply
You can apply for an internship visa to travel to Ireland if, as an integral part of your studies, you are required to undertake unpaid work experience (an internship).
You can apply for an internship visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
If you are visiting another state prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that state in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation. The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometric Information as part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in your being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of visa fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted the necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the Visa Decisions page.
5. Activities not permitted with this Visa
You are not permitted to:
undertake other paid or unpaid work,
access any public funds.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
the date of the translation;
the translator’s full name and signature; and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted.
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documentation set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
If you are not a national of the country from where you are applying, you must submit evidence of your permission to be in that country e.g. a residence card. You must also have at least 3 months permission to be in that country after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details
outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
stating how long you intend to stay,
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
giving details of where you intend to stay while you are in Ireland,
stating that the cost of trip is being borne by yourself, or where that is not the case, details of the third party funding the costs of the trip (e.g. the host company /organisation, your university or government body), and
undertaking that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
Accommodation and travel details
Details of your accommodation and travel details, for example:
hotel/guesthouse/hostel booking confirmation (may be by email), or if staying with a host, a supporting letter from the occupant confirming the accommodation details and that you are able to stay with them,
travel booking confirmation (may be by e-mail),
travel agent confirmation (may be by e-mail).
Finances
You must provide an up-to-date bank statement, showing what money has been paid into and out of the account over the last six months. You must submit this whether or not you are covering the costs of the visit yourself.
Bank statements must be on headed paper – internet printouts will not be accepted.
Your name, address, account number and account type must be visible on the statement. Any large lodgements must be explained.
If you are sending a bank statement from a deposit/savings account, you must also include a letter from your bank confirming that you are allowed to withdraw money from that account.
If a third party e.g. the host company/organisation, your university or government body is responsible for covering your costs, you must provide full details of the funding.
Documentary evidence from your university
A letter from your course director detailing:
the course that you are studying, how many years you have been a student there, how many years/terms you have left at that university,
the nature and duration of your internship and how the internship relates to your course of study,
who will cover the cost of the internship and how you will be supported for the duration of stay inclusive of travel, accommodation and living expenses etc.,
where applicable, how the host company/organisation is linked to the university and supporting evidence of same e.g. hosting agreement,
the date you will be expected to return to your studies.
Link to host company/organisation
A letter from the host company/organisation in Ireland detailing:
the nature and duration of your internship,
who will cover the cost of the internship and how you will be supported for the duration of stay inclusive of travel, accommodation and living expenses etc. Supporting documentary evidence must be provided, where applicable,
how the host company/organisation is linked to the university and supporting evidence of same (e.g. hosting agreement) where applicable.
Medical/Travel Insurance
Evidence of medical/travel insurance does not need to be provided with your application. However, the Visa Officer may request it before they make a decision on your application.
If your visa is approved, you must have evidence of medical/travel insurance when you arrive at the port of entry (airport/seaport) and must present it to the Immigration Officer on request.
Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent residence
As you are applying for a short stay visa for Ireland (which permits visits of less than 90 days), it is important that you provide evidence that you have strong family, social or economic ties to your country of residence. This is necessary in order to satisfy the Visa Officer that you will leave Ireland on, or before, your intended date of departure from Ireland.
It is your responsibility to provide this evidence. All of the information that you provide must be in the form of documentary evidence which can be verified by the Visa Officer.
Suggestions on how to show evidence of your obligations to return
If you are employed, you must provide your 3 most recent payslips and a letter from your employer stating:
how long you have been employed there,
the dates you will be absent from your employment,
the date you will be returning to work in that employment.
If you are a student, you must provide a letter from your college stating:
the course you are studying,
how many years you have been a student there,
how many years/terms you have left at that college, and that you will be returning there following your visit to Ireland.
Details of any family members living in your country of residence – if you are married or have any dependent children, and your spouse or children are remaining at home, you should submit your marriage certificate and birth certificates for the children.
Evidence of any property you own/rent e.g. Title deed/tenancy agreement.
All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in company/college, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
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Join ship visa (short stay)
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Short stay join ship visa
A short stay join ship visa allows you to come to Ireland as a seafarer to join a ship that is departing from this country, subject to the conditions described below. All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Note: You do not need a visa if you hold a Seafarer’s Identity Document issued by a country that has ratified the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Conventions on Seafarers’ Identity Documents (C105 & C185). Check if you need a visa.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ join ship visa allows you to travel to Ireland as a seafarer to join a ship that is departing from this country. This visa does not allow you to:
Work in any other way (paid or unpaid)
Rely on Irish public services, eg public hospitals
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a join ship visa if you:
Are a seafarer travelling to Ireland to join a ship that is departing from this country, and
Hold a Seafarer’s Identity Document issued by a country that has not ratified the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Conventions on Seafarers’ Identity Documents (C105 & C185), and
Travel using a passport or travel document issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian. Extra conditions for young people also apply.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay join ship visa
To travel to Ireland to join a ship, select the following options in AVATS:
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Join ship’
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
4. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
5. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
The letter must include your full name and postal address, and the:
Reason you want to come to Ireland
Dates you plan to arrive and leave
Names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in Ireland or any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Letter from your employer (ie shipping company or agency)
You must ask your employer (ie shipping company or agency) to send you a letter on headed paper with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must describe:
Your exact job on-board ship, eg your title, the activities you will perform
How long you have been employed by the company or agency
The name of the ship you will be joining in Ireland
The date of your planned arrival in Ireland
The date and harbour where you will join the ship
The ship’s schedule, including docking periods and planned route
The letter must also contain your employer’s contact details.
iv. Letter from the shipping company or agency that has engaged you in Ireland (if different from iii above)
If the shipping company or agency that has engaged you in Ireland is different from the shipping company or agency above (ie in iii.), you must ask them to send you a letter on headed paper with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must describe:
Your exact job on-board ship, eg your title, the activities you will perform
The name of the ship you will be joining in Ireland
The date of your planned arrival in Ireland
The date and harbour where you will join the ship
The ship’s schedule, including docking periods and planned route
The letter must also contain the shipping company or agency’s contact details.
v. Accommodation plan (if relevant)
In your application letter, type or write a description of everywhere you will stay in Ireland (eg hotel, hostel, B&B, etc), including the dates you will stay at each place.
If you plan to go directly to your ship and stay there, put that in your application letter.
Include printed reservation confirmations of your accommodation (if relevant), from:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Reservation confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place.
If you are staying with a host in their home
For each host you stay with, ask them to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must include:
The host’s full name
The host’s home address in Ireland
Confirmation by the host that you have been invited to stay
The dates you will stay with the host
Travel & medical insurance
If your application for a visa is approved, you must get travel/medical insurance before you travel. You will not be allowed to enter Ireland without it.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit proof that you have travel/medical insurance before a visa is granted.
vi. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
vii. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-or-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-and-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
viii. Seafarer’s Identity Document (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
Include your current Seafarer’s Identity Document (Continuous Discharge Certificate) with your application.
ix. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
x. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
Your finances
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
xi. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
xii. Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A join ship visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person’s safety.
Click here for extra conditions for young people aged under 18
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
6. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
7. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay ‘C’ join ship visa about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document, Seafarer’s Identity Document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document, Seafarer’s Identity Document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
8. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport/travel document, Seafarer’s Identity Document (Continuous Discharge Certificate), visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
+ Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg join ship) and how long you can stay.
In most cases, you must join ship within 24 hours.
Leaving Ireland
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 11 December 2017
Tell us about any issues on this page
Marriage/Civil partnership Visa
1. When you can apply
You can apply for a marriage/civil partnership visa after you and your prospective spouse/civil partner have received an acknowledgement from the Registrar confirming the date of receipt of notification of your intention to marry/ enter into a civil partnership.
You can apply for a marriage/civil partnership visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
If you are visiting another state prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that state in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation.
The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometric Information as part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in your being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of visa fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted the necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the Visa Decisions page.
5. Activities not permitted with this Visa
You are not permitted to:
undertake any form of employment, paid or otherwise,
access any public funds.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document,
the date of the translation,
the translator’s full name and signature, and
the translator’s contact details. All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted.
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documentation set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
If you are not a national of the country where you are applying from, you must submit evidence of your permission to be in that country e.g. a residence card. You must also have at least 3 months permission to be in that country after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details
outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
stating how long you intend to stay,
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
providing details of where you intend to stay while you are in Ireland,
stating that the cost of trip is being borne by yourself, or where that is not the case, details of the third party who is funding the costs of the trip, and
undertaking that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
Accommodation details
Details of your accommodation, for example:
if you are staying with a host, accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that you are able to stay with them and documentary evidence of your host’s proof of address e.g. utility bill, or hotel/guesthouse/hostel booking confirmation (may be by e-mail).
Finances
You must provide an up-to-date bank statement, showing what money has been paid into and out of the account over the last six months. You must submit this whether or not you are covering the costs of the visit yourself.
Bank statements must be on headed paper – internet printouts will not be accepted.
Your name, address, account number and account type must be visible on the statement. Any large lodgements must be explained.
If you are sending a bank statement from a deposit/savings account, you must also include a letter from your bank confirming that you are allowed to withdraw money from that account.
If a third party is covering your costs, you must show how you are linked/known to this person.
There is no set amount of funds that will result in the approval or refusal of an application. The Visa Officer will decide whether your have enough funds based on your individual circumstances.
Evidence of your intention to marry/enter into a civil partnership
You must provide one of the following:
Acknowledgement from the Registrar confirming the date of receipt of notification of intention to marry/enter into a civil partnership,
Marriage Registration Form (MRF), or
Civil Partnership Registration Form (CPRF)
Evidence of your Relationship History
You must submit evidence of your relationship with your prospective spouse/civil partner, for example, evidence of your prospective spouse/civil partner having travelled to your country of residence on a number of occasions to visit you, evidence of correspondence etc.
Please note that for immigration purposes it is not sufficient for a relationship to have developed solely over the internet or by telephone/sms. A relationship must include a number face to face meetings (excluding webcam) between the parties. You must satisfy the Visa Officer that the relationship is bona-fide.
If either you or your prospective spouse/civil partner were married or in a civil partnership previously you must submit evidence of this:
marriage /civil partnership certificate
divorce/ dissolution of civil partnership certificate
Evidence of your obligations to return to your country of permanent residence.
As you are applying for a short stay visa for Ireland (which permits visits of less than 90 days), it is important that you provide evidence that you have strong family, social or economic ties to your country of residence. This is necessary in order to satisfy the Visa Officer that you will leave Ireland on, or before, your intended date of departure from Ireland.
It is your responsibility to provide this evidence. All of the information that you provide must be in the form of documentary evidence which can be verified by the Visa Officer.
Suggestions on how to show evidence your obligations to return
If you are employed, you must provide your 3 most recent payslips and a letter from your employer including:
how long you have been employed there,
the dates you will be absent from your employment
the date you will be returning to work in that employment.
If you are a student, you must provide a letter from your college stating:
the course you are studying,
how many years you have been a student there,
how many years/terms you have left at that college, and that you will be returning there following your visit to Ireland.
Details of any family members living in your country of residence – if you have any dependent children and your children are remaining at home, you should submit your marriage certificate and birth certificates for the children.
Evidence of any property you own/rent e.g. Title deed/tenancy agreement.
All letters submitted should be on official company headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in company/college, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
Medical/Travel Insurance
Evidence of medical/travel insurance does not need to be provided with your application. However, the Visa Officer may request it before they make a decision on your application.
If your visa is approved, you must have evidence of medical/travel insurance when you arrive at the port of entry (airport/seaport) and must present it to the Immigration Officer on request.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
Click to apply for a visa
Medical treatment visa (short stay)
Short stay medical treatment visa
A short stay medical treatment visa allows you to come to Ireland for up to 90 days for a medical procedure in a private hospital, subject to the conditions described below. All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ medical treatment visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for private medical treatment if:
The medical procedure you need cannot be performed in your home country (ie country of permanent residence), and
You have confirmed an appointment with a private hospital in Ireland to carry out the procedure here, and
You can pay for the treatment in full
This visa does not allow you to:
Work in any way (paid or unpaid)
Rely on Irish public services, eg public hospitals
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries. Each traveller must apply for a separate visa.
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian. Extra conditions for young people also apply.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay medical treatment visa
To travel to Ireland for up to 90 days for medical treatment, select the following options in AVATS:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Medical treatment’
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
4. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
5. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
Your letter must include your full name and postal address, and the:
Reason you want to come to Ireland
Dates you plan to arrive and leave
Place(s) you will stay when in Ireland, eg hotel, hostel, B&B, etc
Names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in Ireland or any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Your letter must contain an estimate of the total cost of your visit to Ireland (in Euro), including medical treatment. Include separate estimates for:
All costs and expenses you personally will pay for
All costs and expenses paid for by a third-party (if any), eg family, employer, insurer (see x. Finance plan below)
Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Letter from your referring hospital
You must ask the hospital in your home country that is referring you for treatment in Ireland, to send you a letter (on headed paper) with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must contain contact details for your hospital and your doctor, and a description of your medical condition, including:
Diagnosis and prognosis
The medical treatment you need
Why the treatment you need is not being carried out by the referring hospital or in another hospital in your home country
The letter must contain confirmations that:
Your doctor has discussed your treatment with the private hospital in Ireland where you have an appointment
You are healthy enough to travel to Ireland
You will be healthy enough to leave Ireland after treatment and before your immigration permission expires (maximum of 90 days)
Lastly, the letter should state whether the treatment you need is available in other countries (ie except Ireland) that are closer to where you live.
iv. Letter from your private hospital in Ireland
You must ask the private hospital in Ireland where you have an appointment, to send you a letter (on headed paper) with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must contain contact details for the hospital and doctor(s) who will carry out your treatment and a confirmation that they:
Have discussed your treatment with the referring hospital or doctor(s) in your home country, and
Agreed that it is necessary for you to travel to Ireland for treatment
The letter must contain confirmations of the dates and the duration of your treatment, including:
The date of your appointment, ie when you will be admitted and when you are expected to leave
How long your recovery will take
The letter must contain confirmations that:
No Irish public funds or resources will be used to treat you
You will be healthy enough to leave Ireland after treatment and before your immigration permission expires (maximum of 90 days)
Lastly, the letter must contain an estimate of the total cost of your treatment in Euro €.
v. Accommodation plan
Type or write a description of everywhere you will stay in Ireland, including the dates you will stay at each place.
If you are staying with a host (eg friend, family) in their home
Include your host’s:
Full name
Full home address in Ireland
The dates you will stay with them
You must also ask your host to include proof that they live at their address. To do so, ask them to send you an original utility bill (on headed paper) from within the last 6 months and include it with your application, for example:
Electricity or gas
Fixed line telephone, TV or broadband
A print of a bill from the internet cannot be accepted
If you will stay with more than one host in Ireland, you must include separate details and a separate utility bill for each.
If you are staying in other accommodation
Include confirmations (printed emails or letters) of your accommodation, such as:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place
vi. Travel & medical insurance
Include proof that you have travel and medical insurance to cover your for the full duration of your stay in Ireland, including any risks associated with your medical treatment.
For example, include an original insurance certificate that lists what you are insured for.
vii. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
viii. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-or-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-or-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
ix. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
x. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own visit and treatment in Ireland
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your visit and/or treatment
Type or write a description that explains how and why your travel is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party’s:
Full name and address
Telephone number
Email address (if available)
Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
xi. Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your treatment ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you have a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to it. To do so, you should provide:
Your 3 most recent original payslips
A letter from your employer that states:
How long you have been employed there
The dates you will be absent
The date you will be returning to work
Education or study
If you are a student at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to continue your studies. To do so, you should provide:
A letter from your school or college that states:
The course you are studying
How many years you have been a student there
How many years/semesters you have left there
That your school/college expects you return to your studies after your visit to Ireland
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family including:
Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc
Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or a photocopy of your property title deed.
xii. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
xiii. Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A medical treatment visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person’s safety.
Click here for extra conditions for young people aged under 18
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them in a single envelope and send them to your processing office.
If you are making a visa application for yourself and another person (eg a young person), you may send them together. To send them together:
Place each person’s application documents into separate envelopes
Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each applicant on each envelope
Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the processing office
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
6. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
7. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay ‘C’ medical treatment visa about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
8. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg medical treatment) and how long you can stay, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Leaving Ireland & returning home
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Extend a stay for unforeseen circumstances
In rare and exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland.
To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unforeseen way after you arrive in the country.
An extension will not be granted for any non-emergency or foreseeable reason.
You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 6 October 2017
Tell us about any issues on this page
Performance or tournament visa (short stay)
Visas
Short stay performance/tournament visa
A short stay performance/tournament visa allows you to come to Ireland for up to 90 days to stage a performance (eg theatre, music, etc) or to take part in a competitive tournament (eg sport, dance, etc). All short stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.
Check if you need a visa and plan your journey before you apply.
About this visa
Who needs to apply
Apply online
Pay the fee
Send your documents
After you apply
Visa decisions
When you travel
1. About this visa
A short stay ‘C’ performance/tournament visa allows you to come to Ireland for up to 90 days to stage a performance or to take part in a competitive tournament. This includes:
Sport
Culture, eg music, theatre, dance, etc
Competitions, eg chess, debating, etc
This visa also allows you to be paid to perform or take part in an event, if the event lasts 14 days or less, eg concert, sport competition with prize money (based on the rules below).
This visa does not allow you to:
Be paid to perform or take part in an event that lasts 15 days or longer
Work in any other way (paid or unpaid)
Rely on Irish public services, eg public hospitals
Read the general assessment criteria for all short stay ‘C’ visas.
Rules for a paid performance/event of 14 days or less, eg paid concert
Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse you entry even if you have a visa.
2. Who needs to apply
You need a visa to come to Ireland if you travel using a passport issued by a country that is visa required or using a travel document issued by certain countries. Each traveller must apply for a separate visa.
A visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian. Extra conditions for young people also apply.
You should not purchase travel tickets before you receive a decision on your visa application.
How to apply
You must apply for a visa from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident. Prepare your application 3 months before you travel.
Your application has 3 parts:
Create a visa application online
Pay the visa application fee
Send your passport & other documents for processing
Note: In some cases, you may also need to provide biometric information
You will be given information about where to send your documents after you create your visa application.
If your application is successful, an Irish visa will be placed into your passport/travel document and returned to you. In general, you can expect a decision about 8 weeks after we receive your documents.
Important: Do not include false or misleading information or documents in your application. If you do, your application may be refused. You can also be denied a right of appeal and blocked from getting an Irish visa for 5 years.
3. Create your visa application online
AVATS is the online visa application system. To apply for a visa, answer all questions in AVATS fully and honestly.
Apply for an Irish visa online via AVATS
Short stay performance/tournament visa
To travel to Ireland to stage a performance or take part in a tournament for up to 90 days, select the following options in AVATS:
Visa type: ‘Short Stay (C)’
Reason for travel: ‘Performance/tournament’
Journey type: ‘Single’ or ‘Multiple’ (as appropriate for you)
Note: Multiple entry visas are approved in limited circumstances only
Get answers to common questions when applying for a visa in AVATS.
Application summary
When finished, you will be shown a web page with important summary information, including your:
Visa Application Transaction Number: Keep a note of this number. You will need it to check progress on your application or when contacting us.
Application summary sheets: Print, sign and date these sheets and send them to your application office (as below), along with your passport and other documents.
Application office: Send your application to the office address shown on your summary sheet. Your application office may be the Dublin Visa Office, an international Visa Office or an Irish Embassy or Consulate worldwide, depending on where you apply from. (In some cases, your application office may send your application to a different office for a visa decision.)
4. Pay the visa application fee
Payment methods and currency options may differ between offices. Contact your application office to find out how to pay. Some applicants are exempt and do not pay visa fees.
Current fees are:
€ 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
€ 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees
The visa fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application. It will not be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused.
5. Send your visa documents for processing
You must send the documents listed below to your application office within 30 days of creating an application via AVATS. Your application will not be processed until everything is received.
Prepare your documents carefully. They contain information we need to make a decision about you. It is your responsibility to satisfy us that a visa should be granted.
Click here to read important rules for documents
Your application may be refused if you do not submit all documents. Even if you submit everything required, there is no guarantee that a visa will be granted.
i. Application summary sheets
Print, sign and date the Application summary sheets (from AVATS) and include them with your application documents.
ii. Application letter
Type or write a letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland. Sign and date the letter and submit it with your documents.
Your letter must include your full name and postal address, and:
A description of the performance or tournament and who is organising it
The reason you want to take part and if you will be paid
The dates you plan to arrive and leave
The names and addresses of any members of your family who currently live in Ireland or any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Your letter must contain a description of:
How the organiser of the performance or tournament knows you
The reason that they asked you to attend
Your letter must also include a commitment from you that you will:
Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Not rely on public services (eg public hospitals) or become a burden on the State
Leave Ireland before your immigration permission expires
iii. Letter from the organiser
You must ask the organiser of the performance or tournament to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must include a description about:
The event, including when and where it will be held
The organiser, including their past experience of organising similar events (if any)
How the organiser knows you and why they asked you to attend
The letter must include:
Confirmation that you have been asked to attend
A statement that the only reason you have been invited to Ireland is to attend the performance or tournament
A statement about whether you will be paid to attend or not
A statement about whether the organiser will help to pay for the costs of your visit (if anything):
This statement must indicate if the organiser will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything the organiser will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see ix. Finance plan for more)
If the organiser has agreed to pay you to attend, ask them to include a copy of your contract that shows the agreed amount and performance/attendance details.
If you wish to attend more than one performance or tournament in Ireland, you must obtain a separate letter/contract from each organiser.
iv. Sponsorship letters for group members, eg clubs, groups, orchestras, societies
If you are being invited to Ireland because you are part of a group (eg sports club, theatre group, orchestra, university society, members’ association, etc) you must ask the managers or administrators of your group (ie your sponsor) to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must include a description about:
Your group
How you participate in the group, for example:
Proof that you have attended similar events in your home country or abroad, eg printed programmes, media reviews, etc
Or (if this is your first event) that you have attended rehearsals/practice, that you are necessary for group integrity, etc
The letter must also include:
Confirmation that you have been asked to attend the event in Ireland, as part of your group or individually
A statement about what your sponsor will contribute to the cost of your visit (if anything):
The statement must indicate if they will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything they will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see ix. Finance plan for more)
A statement that the only reason you have been asked to visit Ireland is to attend the performance or tournament
v. Accommodation plan
In your application letter, type or write a description of everywhere you will stay in Ireland (eg hotel, hostel, B&B, etc), including the dates you will stay at each place.
Include printed reservation confirmations (emails or letters) of your accommodation from:
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, AirBnBs, campsites, etc.
Shared or free accommodation, eg couchsurfing
Any other type of accommodation
Reservation confirmations must show the dates you intend to stay at each place.
If you are staying with a host in their home
For each host you stay with, ask them to send you a letter with the information listed below. Include this letter with your application.
The letter must contain:
The host’s full name
The host’s home address in Ireland
Confirmation by the host that you have been invited to stay
The dates you will stay with the host
A statement by your host about what they will contribute to the cost of your visit (if anything):
The statement must indicate if they will pay for ‘all’, ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the costs of your visit
If ‘all’ or ‘some’, the letter must include an estimate of everything they will pay for, eg airline tickets, accommodation, living expenses, etc (see ix. Finance plan for more)
You must also ask your host to include proof that they live at their address. To do so, ask them to send you an original utility bill (on headed paper) from within the last 6 months and include it with your application, for example:
Electricity or gas
Fixed line telephone, TV or broadband
A print of a bill from the internet cannot be accepted
Travel & medical insurance
If your application for a visa is approved, you must get travel/medical insurance before you travel. You will not be allowed to enter Ireland without it.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit proof that you have travel/medical insurance before a visa is granted.
vi. Proof of fee payment (where relevant)
In some circumstances, you may have to include proof that you have paid the visa application fee. Contact your application office to find out if you need to provide proof and what to include.
If you are exempt from the visa fee, you may also have to include documents that prove you are exempt. Contact your application office about proof of exemption.
Proof of payment/exemption may differ between offices. Extra charges may also apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
vii. Passport
You must submit:
Your current passport
A photocopy of each page from any previous passports you have (where available)
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
Your application will be delayed if you do not provide copies of any previous passports you have.
Travel to-or-from Ireland via a different country
Type or write a letter that describes your travel plan to-or-from Ireland if you intend to:
Travel to Ireland directly from a different country (ie not your home country or a country where you are a legal resident), or
Travel from Ireland directly to a different country
The letter must also state if you need visas for those countries (or not). Include the letter with your application.
If relevant, apply for those countries’ visas before you apply for an Irish visa. Your application for an Irish visa may be refused if your passport does not contain the expected visas.
If you do not get the expected visas before you apply for an Irish visa, explain why in your letter. The visa officer will include those reasons when reviewing your application.
If you are not a citizen of the country you are applying from
You must submit proof you have permission to be in the country you are applying from, if you are not a citizen, eg a photocopy of your residence card.
You must also show you have at least 3 months’ permission to remain in that country after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
viii. Photographs
Include 2 passport-sized colour photographs of the visa applicant.
On the back of each photo:
Sign your name (in your native script and language)
Write your Visa Application Transaction Number from AVATS
Each photograph must meet all the following rules for visa photographs.
ix. Finance plan
You must show that you have enough finance (money) to support yourself fully in Ireland.
Note: There is no minimum amount of finance for approving or refusing a visa application. The visa officer will decide if you have enough based on your own circumstances.
If you are paying for your own visit
Include an up-to-date bank statement with your documents. The bank statement must:
Be original and on headed bank paper
Note: You may use a printed internet statement but it must be officially certified by your bank. We will not accept uncertified internet statements
Show your name and address
Show the bank account number and account type, eg checking/current account, savings/deposit account
Show money paid in and out of the account over the last 6 months
If you submit a bank statement from a savings/deposit account, you must include an original letter from your bank (on headed paper) that confirms you can withdraw money from it.
You must also include a written explanation of any large movements of money in or out of your account, if appropriate.
If your event organiser or accommodation host is helping to pay for your visit
Include the letter from the event organiser or host that lists everything they will pay for, eg cost of airline tickets in Euro (as above).
If someone else (a third party) is helping to pay for your visit
Type or write a description that explains how and why your travel is being paid for by a third party. You must also include the third party’s:
Full name and address
Telephone number
Email address (if available)
Website (if appropriate)
You must also include:
Proof of the relationship between you and the third party, eg copies of letters, emails, photographs together, etc.
Your own personal bank statement, following the same rules as described above
x. Proof you will return home
You must include proof that you will leave Ireland when your visit ends.
To do so, you must show that you have a strong obligation to return home (ie to your country of residence) for economic, social or family reasons.
Work
If you are employed in a job at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to your employer. To do so, you should provide:
Your 3 most recent original payslips
A letter from your employer that includes:
How long they have employed you
The dates you will be away, eg on annual leave
The date you will be returning to work
Education or study
If you are a student at home, you must show that you have an obligation to return to continue your studies. To do so, you should provide a letter from your school or college that states:
The course you are studying
How many years you have been a student there
How many years/semesters you have left there
That your school/college expects you return to your studies after your visit to Ireland
Family
If you have a family at home, you must prove that you will return to them. To do so, type or write a description of your family including:
Your family status, eg married, co-habiting, separated, divorced, bereaved, etc
Any children or dependents, eg elderly parents
If you are married and your spouse is not coming to Ireland with you, you should include your original Marriage Certificate with your application.
If you have children aged under 18 and they are not coming to Ireland with you, you should include their original Birth Certificates with your application.
Property
If you own or rent property in your country of residence, type or write a description of it and include it with your application.
You should also include other documents as proof, eg your original tenancy/rental agreement or your property title deed.
xi. Visa refusals
If you were ever refused a visa by any country, type or write a description about it.
You must also include the original letter sent to you by the authorities that refused your application.
Note: Your application for an Irish visa will be refused if you do not include information about past visa refusals.
xii. Applications for young people (aged under 18)
A performance/tournament visa application for a young person (aged under 18) should be made by their parent or legal guardian.
The process follows the same steps described above with some extra conditions (as below) to protect the young person’s safety.
Click here for extra conditions for young people aged under 18
Submit your documents
When you are satisfied that you have prepared your application documents, put them into a strong padded envelope and send them to your application office.
If you are making a visa application for yourself and another person, you may send them together. To send together:
Place each person’s application documents into separate envelopes
Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each applicant on each envelope
Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the application office
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
6. After you apply
When we receive your application, we will check that you have included:
Signed and dated Application Summary Sheets
Proof of payment of the visa application fee (if applicable)
All other documents listed above
When reviewing your application we may contact you to ask for more information or documents. We may also:
Send your passport/travel document for official authentication
Contact An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for information about you
Contact government departments or other agencies for information about you, eg INTERPOL
Biometric information
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information as part of your application.
Contact your application office (as listed on your application summary sheet) to find out if you need to provide biometric information and how to do so.
7. Visa decisions
Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. Processing times differ between application offices and application types and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
In general, you can expect a decision for a short stay ‘C’ performance/tournament visa about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Note: Your application may take longer if documents are missing, need to be verified or because of personal circumstances, eg if you have a criminal conviction, etc.
Check your visa decision
Dublin Visa Office
If your application was sent to the Dublin Visa Office, new visa decisions and waiting times are published every Tuesday.
All other offices
If you send your application to an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate, contact that office for an update on your application.
If your application is approved
An Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Visas for young people (aged under 18)
An Irish visa issued to a young person aged under 18 will show if they are travelling alone (unaccompanied) or with an adult (accompanied).
Read a longer description of Irish visas issued to young people and the conditions that apply.
If your application is refused
You will be sent a ‘letter of refusal’ that explains why your application was not approved.
Your passport/travel document and certain original documents (eg marriage/birth/death certificates and other documents listed by you) will be returned to you by post or arranged for collection at an international Visa Office, Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Appeal a visa decision
You can appeal a negative visa decision at no cost. To do so, you must submit an appeal within 2 months of the date on your letter of refusal.
8. When you travel
An Irish visa allows you to travel to Ireland. It does not give you permission to enter the country.
You can be refused entry even if you have a visa.
Border control
When you arrive at border control, you must prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to the immigration officer.
To do so you will need your passport, visa and other documents. For example, you should bring copies of documents from your application with you when you travel.
Read a longer description about what to expect at border control.
Click here for suggested documents to present at border control
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
If you are given permission to enter, the officer will place a ‘landing stamp’ in your passport.
The landing stamp shows the reason for your visit (eg performance, tournament) and how long you can stay, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Leaving Ireland & returning home
The time period you are permitted to stay in Ireland is shown on the landing stamp in your passport.
You must leave the country before your permission expires. It is against the law to remain here without permission.
Extend a stay for unforeseen circumstances
In rare and exceptional circumstances, you may apply to extend your permission to stay in Ireland.
To apply for an extension, the circumstances of your visit must change in an unforeseen way after you arrive in the country.
An extension will not be granted for any non-emergency or foreseeable reason, eg to attend another performance or tournament.
You must be in Ireland to apply and submit an application before your existing permission expires.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 4 September 2017
Training visa (short stay)
Family Members of EU/EEA /Swiss Citizens
Visas
Visa decisions
Check if you need a visa
Apply for a visa
Policy & guidance
Contact Visas
Immigration
Citizenship
Asylum
Repatriation
Registration / GNIB
Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens seeking to reply on Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive) – type of visa for which you should apply
If you are a non-EEA national:
who does not hold a document called “Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen” as referred to in Articles 5(2) and 10(1) of Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States, and
wishes to accompany or join an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen family member who is moving to or residing in Ireland pursuant to the Directive 2004/38/EC,
You can apply for a single journey short-stay C visa which will permit you to enter and reside in the State for up to 3 months.
In the event that you wish to remain in the State for more than 3 months as a family member of an EU citizen exercising their free movement rights, you must apply (when in the State) for a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen. Information about how to apply is available here.
If you wish to have your visa application considered under the Directive on the basis that you are a family member of an EU citizen exercising or planning to exercise free movement rights you must state this clearly on your application.
If you state that you wish to have your application considered on the basis of the Directive rather than under national law, and your application is refused, you will be offered the opportunity to apply under national law but the normal fee will apply.
Information for Irish Citizens residing in Ireland who wish to have their family members join them is available here.
How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation. The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometric Information as part of the application process.
Fees
The visa fee for a short stay single entry visa is €60.
If you are a ‘qualifying family member’ of an EU/EEA /Swiss Citizen you are exempt from the visa fee.
The list of ‘qualifying family members’ is as follows:
Spouse
Child ( under 21 years)
Child (under 21 years) of the spouse
Adopted child (subject to adoption papers)
Dependent parent
Dependent parent of the spouse
Other dependent family members in the direct ascending line ( e.g. grandparent) or descending line( e.g. grandchild)
Other dependent family members of the spouse in the direct ascending (e.g. grandparent) or descending line ( e.g. grandchild)
You are also exempt from any other administrative fees relating to your application and may lodge your application in person at the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office. Any postage or courier charges associated with the submission of your application are at your own expense.
If you are a family member other than a ‘qualifying family member’ you are required to pay the visa fee. Such family members are referred to in the relevant Irish statutory provisions as ‘permitted family members’
If you are required to pay the visa fee you may be able to pay the fee in local currency. You may be subject to additional charges relating to the submission of your documents. The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
How long it will take
Applications from ‘qualifying family members’ (see para. 3 above for list of ‘qualifying family members’) are processed on an accelerated basis. While every effort is made to process these applications within a reasonable time frame, processing times will vary, having regard to the volume of applications, their complexity and the resources available.
Applications from ‘permitted family members’ are not subject to the accelerated process. Processing times can vary throughout the year, due to the high volume of applications, their complexity and the resources available. While every effort is made to process them within a reasonable time frame, the processing times can increase when the provision of additional documentation is requested or a detailed assessment is required.
Supporting documentation
In order for you to establish that you are a ‘qualifying family member’
or a ‘permitted family member’ you must prove:
that there is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen from whom you can derive rights under the Directive,
the existence of the required family relationship to that citizen including where relevant dependency or membership of the household,
that you will be accompanying or joining that citizen who is exercising free movement rights in Ireland or provide a declaration or statement of confirmation that the citizen will be exercising those rights at the time of your arrival in Ireland.
The proofs that may be required are:
proof of identity e.g. valid passports for the applicant family member and the EU citizen,
proof of family link e.g. a valid marriage or birth certificate – this is so that the visa officer can ascertain that the applicant is a family member of the EU citizen,
where relevant, proof of dependency or membership of the household,
proof that the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen is exercising free movement rights in Ireland e.g. proof that the EU/ EEA/Swiss citizen already resides in the State or a declaration or statement of confirmation that the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen will be exercising those rights at the time of the applicant family member’s arrival in Ireland – this is so that the visa officer can ascertain that the applicant family member will be residing in the State together with the citizen concerned.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
the date of the translation;
the translator’s full name and signature; and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted)
Visa Applications on behalf of a child (person under 18)
If a child under the age of 18 is travelling alone their birth certificate must be submitted with their application.
If a child under the age of 18 is travelling either alone or with a person other than their parent/legal guardian (e.g. adult relative), a written letter of consent from both parents/legal guardians is required.
These signed consents must be accompanied by copies of the consenting parent/legal guardians’ passports or national identity cards, which clearly show their signatures.
If the child is travelling with one parent/legal guardian, the consent of the other parent/legal guardian is required. This signed consent must be accompanied by a copy of the consenting parent/legal guardian’s passport or national identity card which clearly shows their signature.
Where one parent has sole custody, a Court Order bestowing sole custody of the child on the parent concerned must be submitted.
Visa Approval
In the event that your visa application is approved you will be issued with a single journey short stay ‘C’ visa which will permit you to enter and reside in the State for up to 3 months.
In the event that you wish to remain in the State for more than 3 months as a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen exercising their free movement rights, you must apply (when in the State) for a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen.
If you are granted a short stay ‘C’ visa on the basis of the Directive and are joining an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who is exercising free movement rights in the State you are advised to ensure that, on arrival in the State, you have proof of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen’s residence in the State in your possession for production on request to the Immigration Official at the port of entry.
Failure to provide such proof may result in you being refused entry to the State and a visa warning being entered on your passport.
If you are granted a short stay ‘C’ visa on the basis of the Directive and accompanying an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who intends to exercise free movement rights in the State you must, on arrival in the State, be accompanied by the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Failure to be accompanied by the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen may result in you being refused entry to the State and a visa warning being entered on your passport.
Return of Documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
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Updated 23/01/2015
Short Stay Visas (less than 3 months)
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Short Stay Visas (less than 3 months)
Before making an application for a short stay ‘C’ visa please ensure that you are familiar with the policy that underpins consideration of applications for short stay visas.
Policy for consideration of short stay ‘C’ visas
All applicants for a short stay ‘C’ visa (whether for a single entry or multiple entries) must show that they have sufficiently strong family, social or economic ties to a place of residence in a country other than Ireland to assure the visa officer assessing the application that the projected stay in Ireland will be temporary and in accordance with the duration and conditions of the permission granted by the immigration authorities on arrival in Ireland. The maximum stay allowed under a short stay ‘C’ visa is 90 days.
The responsibility for demonstrating substantial ties to a country other than Ireland rests with you. The burden of proof in all cases is on you to satisfy the visa officer. The visa officer may verify any evidence submitted in support of your application.
There is no right to a visa nor is there one set of documents or circumstances of application that will guarantee the approval of an application. However, the documents normally required in support of an application are set out in the ‘Guide to Supporting Documentation’ for each type of short stay ‘C’ visa.
Assessment criteria
In assessing an application, a visa officer may look at the following issues:
that you will leave Ireland at the end of your visit;
that you, or relatives or friends in Ireland who are sponsoring your visit, have enough money to support and accommodate you, without you working or accessing public funds;
that you have proof of return or onward travel arrangements;
that you will not breach the Common Travel Area by seeking to enter the UK via Ireland without a valid UK visa;
your immigration history in relation to Ireland, the UK, the Schengen Zone and other countries; and
any other issue which the visa officer deems relevant.
History of serious crime/immigration abuses
If you have a history of serious crimes or a history of serious breaches of Irish or UK immigration law these can, of themselves, be reasons for refusal of a visa.
Submission of false/misleading information/documentation
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in you being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
This is the norm in many countries.
Summary
In summary, you will need to show clearly, the following:
that you will leave Ireland before your visa/permission to remain expires;
that you have sufficient resources to look after yourself while you are here;
that you are of good character and have told the truth in your application and have not left out anything important; and
that you are not using a visa to Ireland as a way of getting around lawful entry to the UK or the rest of the EU.
Study Visa (Longer Stay)
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1. When you can apply
You can apply for a study visa if you are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for more than 3 months.
You are advised to familiarise yourself with our Policy on Non-EEA Nationalsstudying in Ireland and ensure that you fulfil the requirement of our policy before you make your visa application.
You can apply for a study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
If you are visiting another State prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that State in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation.
The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometrics information as part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in you being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of Fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted all necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on our Visa Decisions page.
5. Conditions associated with a study visa
You are advised to familiarise yourself with our policy on non-EEA nationals studying in Ireland and the conditions applying to such students who are permitted to enter the State before you make your visa application.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
the date of the translation;
the translator’s full name and signature; and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted by a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documents set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details:
outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
undertaking that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain, and
where the course you now wish to study does not naturally follow on or relate to your educational/employment history, giving valid reasons, supported by documentary evidence (where available), for this change.
Evidence that you are enrolled on a privately funded course
You must submit a Letter of Acceptance from the college:
confirming that you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organised daytime tuition each week,
giving details of the course that you will be studying,
stating the amount of fees payable for your course, and
stating the amount that has been paid,
if the college has taken out medical insurance on your behalf, stating that the college has done so.
Note: Where the course fees are less than €6,000, fees must be paid in full to the college prior to applying for your visa. Where the course fees are in excess of €6,000, you must pay at least this amount prior to applying for your visa and evidence of this should be shown in your Letter of Acceptance. This minimum amount is an Immigration requirement. However, the college you wish to attend may require full payment of fees.
Evidence accounting for any gaps in your educational history
You must provide information to account for any gaps between your last period of full time education and your application to study in Ireland.
If any such gap in education has been filled by periods of employment, you must give full details of your employment history.
Evidence fees have been paid to college
You must provide a copy of an Electronic Transfer of Funds (ETF) to the Irish Bank of the college, showing details of the beneficiary’s name, address, bank details and the same details for sender,
or
a valid receipt showing that the course fees have been lodged to an approved student fees payment service e.g. the electronic fee payment service offered by Pay to Study (formerly International Student Payments Service, (ISPS))
Evidence that you have the academic ability to follow your chosen course
You must provide evidence that you have the ability to follow your chosen course e.g. exam results, qualifications.
Evidence of your level of English
Except in the case of an application which is solely for an English language course, you must show that you have the capacity to fully partake in your chosen course through the medium of English and satisfy the Visa Officer in this regard.
As an exception, if you are doing a degree taught in Irish, evidence of your level of Irish should be supplied instead. This should include a written statement from the college setting out the manner in which it has assessed your ability to speak and write in Irish.
Read more here This document is a pdf on the English language requirements and the type of evidence that you are required to submit.
Finances
You must show that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.
Read more here on the financial requirements that you must meet and the evidence that you are required to submit with your visa application.
Private Medical Insurance
Private Medical Insurance cover is required. Your college may arrange this on your behalf. If so, details of this must be included in your Letter of Acceptance from the college. If it is not arranged by the college, you must organise this yourself and provide evidence with your application.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Additional documentation for unaccompanied students under 18 years
Birth certificate
The child’s birth certificate must be submitted with their application.
Consent of parent /legal guardian
Parental consent from both parents/legal guardians is required.
This consent must be a notarised document, providing full details of the person in whose care the minor shall be in during their stay in Ireland and confirming
the parents/legal guardians agreement to the child coming to Ireland for study purposes, and
that the school/host family/education agency is the legal guardian of the unaccompanied child student during the child’s stay in Ireland.
Copies of the biometric page of the parents/guardians passports or national identity cards showing the bearer’s signature must also be provided.
Where only one parent has total custody, a Court Order bestowing sole custody of this child must be submitted.
Accommodation and vetting certificate
The address of where the student will stay while in the State as a student must be submitted.
In the case of a boarding school student a letter from the school confirming that it will provide all necessary accommodation is also required.
In the case of a child who is to attend a school as a day pupil and live with a family, the name and address of the responsible adults with whom they will stay are also required.
Where the child is residing with a host family other than relatives, clearance from the Garda Síochána (the Irish Police) in respect of that family is required. Documentary proof of this must be submitted as part of the visa application.
No entitlement on the part of other family members to accompany or join the student in the State
The granting of a visa to a person under the age of 18 years for the purpose of study does not give any entitlement to any other family member to accompany or join the student in the State.
8. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
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Join Family
1. Government Policy on Non-EEA Family Reunification
If you wish to come to Ireland to reside for longer than 3 months with a family member who is an Irish citizen or who is lawfully resident in Ireland you can apply for a long stay (join family) visa.
A comprehensive statement of national immigration policy on the area of family reunification is contained in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification This document is a pdf published on 31 December 2013. The policies outlined in the document apply to all decision making in relation to family reunification cases where ministerial discretion applies including long stay (join family) visa applications.
The policies do not apply to:
applications pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States
applications for family reunification by recognised refugees or persons granted subsidiary protection.
Before you apply for a long stay (join family) visa please read the Policy Document carefully to find out:
who is eligible to be a sponsor for the purposes of an application for family reunification,
who may be sponsored and the eligibility requirements,
whether waiting periods apply before a person becomes eligible to sponsor,
whether a sponsor must achieve a minimum level of earnings prior to being eligible to sponsor,
what a person who is granted a join family visa may do in Ireland,
how dependency is measured when this is adduced in support of an application for family reunification.
2. When you can apply
If you wish to come to Ireland to reside for longer than 3 months with a family member who is an Irish citizen or who is permitted to reside in Ireland you can apply for a long stay (join family) single entry visa.
3. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation. The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometrics information as part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in you being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
4. Fees
Please refer to the table of Fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
5. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order. You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Business targets for the processing of join family visa applications are as follows:
Sponsor is an Irish citizen
You can expect that you application will be dealt with within 6 months of receipt of all required documentation.
Sponsor is a person who is entitled to apply for immediate family reunification
You can expect that your application will be dealt with within 6 months of receipt of all required documentation.
All other sponsors
You can expect that your application will be dealt with within 12 months of receipt of all required documentation.
These business targets reflect the detailed assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification. They in no way constitute a legal obligation or convey any indication that an application not decided within the timeframe will, in default of a decision, be resolved in your favour.
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the Visa Decisions page.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document,
the date of the translation,
the translator’s full name and signature, and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documentation set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details
Outlining your reason for coming to Ireland.
Providing details of the family member in Ireland who is sponsoring your application.
Giving details of any other members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State.
Sponsor’s status /eligibility to sponsor
In the case of a sponsor who is an Irish citizen and residing in Ireland, a clear and legible copy of their passport or other documentary evidence attesting to their Irish citizenship.
In the case of a sponsor who is an Irish citizen and residing in a country other than Ireland, a clear and legible copy of their passport showing evidence of their residency in the country in which they are residing.
In the case of a sponsor who is a non-EEA citizen
a clear and legible copy of all pages of their passport,
where relevant, a copy of their certificate of registration (a document issued by the Irish immigration authorities)
a copy of their current employment permit/researcher (scientific) hosting agreement or other evidence of eligibility to sponsor (please refer to list of eligible sponsors at para. 16.4 of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification This document is a pdf).
Evidence of claimed relationship
You must provide evidence of the claimed relationship. The onus of proof as to the genuineness of the relationship rests on you and your sponsor. The nature of the evidence required will depend on the relationship claimed e.g. spouse, civil partner, de facto partner, child. Below are some of the main types of relationships claimed and supporting documentation required.
Spouse or civil partner
Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate – marriages/civil partnerships must be capable of recognition under Irish law for other purposes outside of the immigration system.
If your sponsor (spouse/civil partner) is residing in Ireland and you have not resided together since your marriage/civil partnership, you must also provide a full account of your relationship history (where and when you met evidenced by e.g. visas, entry/exit stamps on the passport of your spouse, photographs, correspondence by e-mail, telephone etc.).
For immigration purposes it is not sufficient for a relationship to have developed solely over the internet or by telephone/sms. A relationship must include a number of face to face meetings (excluding webcam) between the parties.
Child (under 18 years and unmarried)
Birth certificate, adoption order.
In the case of a child from a previous marriage or relationship, evidence that you have been given full custody and access rights to the child i.e. a court order.
In the case of a child from a previous marriage or relationship, where the other parent has some custody or access rights, a sworn affidavit by that parent consenting to the child being removed from their home country.
Defacto partner (a de facto partnership refers to a relationship akin to marriage including cohabitation for 2 years prior to the application for family reunification)
Evidence that will support the existence and durability of your relationship e.g. registration certificate of partnership (if applicable), evidence of common ownership of property, joint tenancy of property, on-going correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address, financial dependence/interdependence or any other relevant documentary evidence.
A full account of your relationship history (where and when you met evidenced by e.g. visas, entry/exit stamps on the passport of partner, photographs, correspondence by e-mail, telephone etc.)
Finances
You must provide evidence of your finances and those of your sponsor including evidence to show that your sponsor meets the minimum level of earnings required (please refer to Chapters 17 and 18 of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification This document is a pdf.
A detailed statement of your bank accounts covering a six month period immediately prior to your application.
A detailed statement of your sponsor’s bank accounts covering a six month period immediately prior to your application.
In the case of a sponsor who is resident in Ireland, evidence that they meet the minimum level of earnings required – P60s for the 3 years immediately prior to the date of your application and 3 recent consecutive payslips or if self employed you must submit Notices of Assessment of income from self employment for the three most recent years, and evidence of earnings in the period since the most recent tax return was filed.
In the case of a person who is eligible to sponsor applications for immediate family reunification (please refer to list of such sponsors at para. 16.4 of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification This document is a pdf ):
Evidence of projected earnings e.g. copy of contract of employment etc.
In the case of a person who is eligible to sponsor applications for family reunification after 12 months (please refer to list of such sponsors at para. 16.4 of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification This document is a pdf )
evidence that they meet the minimum level of earning required – P60s for the previous 2 years (or previous 1 year in the case of a employment permit holder who has been in Ireland for 1 year only), or if self employed you must submit Notices of Assessment of income from self employment, as appropriate),
3 recent consecutive payslips,
in the case of an employment permit holder a copy of their contract of employment of at least 1 year from your proposed date of entry giving their annual salary is also required.
Evidence of dependency
If you are making your application on the basis of financial and social dependency on your sponsor you must provide documentary evidence to establish that you are actually dependent on your sponsor. While the nature of the documentary evidence may vary from case to case evidence of the following will normally be relevant:
Amount, frequency and duration of the financial support provided by your sponsor (e.g. copies of your sponsor’s bank statements showing transfers to your account, copies of your bank statements showing receipt of those amounts),
Any other sources of income that you may have,
If you have no other source of income, evidence of why you are unable to work, why you are not eligible for state benefits etc.,
Your living costs (e.g. evidence of mortgage/rent, utility, food, medical, education payments),
Details of any other family members in your country of residence,
Your medical condition (where relevant), relationship with the sponsor including evidence of active and continuous involvement in your life e.g. evidence of visits, correspondence.
Medical/travel insurance
Evidence of medical/travel insurance does not need to be provided with your application. However, the Visa Officer may request it before they make a decision on your application.
If your visa is approved, you must have evidence of medical/travel insurance when you arrive at the port of entry (airport/seaport) and must present it to the Immigration Officer on request.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Visa Applications on behalf of a child (person under 18)
If a child under the age of 18 is travelling their birth certificate must be submitted with their application.
If they are travelling either alone or with a person other than their parent/legal guardian (e.g. an adult relative, nurse), a written letter of consent from both parents/legal guardians is required.
These signed consents must be accompanied by copies of the consenting parent/ legal guardians’ passports or national identity cards, which clearly show their signature.
If the child is travelling with one parent/legal guardian, the consent of the other parent/legal guardian is required. This signed consent must be accompanied by a copy of the consenting parent/legal guardian’s passport or national identity card which clearly shows their signature.
Where one parent has sole custody, a Court Order bestowing sole custody of the child on the parent concerned must be submitted.
8. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
9. What activity is and is not permitted
The activities that will be permitted (e.g. right to work without an employment permit, establish or manage/operate a business) will depend on the immigration permission granted to you by the Irish immigration authorities following your entry to the State.
If you are an immediate family member of an Irish citizen you will receive a Stamp 4 immigration permission which will allow you to work without an employment permit or to establish or manage/operate a business.
If you are an immediate family member of a non-EEA sponsor or are a non-immediate family member of an Irish citizen you will have dependent status only and will continue to be subject to the employment permits requirements as operated by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. You will be entitled to apply for immigration status in your own right under the various channels available (e.g. student, work permit, business permission etc).
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Employment (Scientific Researcher)
1. When you can apply
You can apply for an Employment (Scientific Researcher) Visa if you are seeking to come to Ireland for the purposes of carrying out research under a “hosting agreement”.
You are advised to familiarise yourself with the immigration arrangements applying to scientific researchers seeking to come to Ireland under a hosting agreement before you make your visa application.
If your immediate family members intend to join you in Ireland, and are also visa required, each member must make a separate application for a visa. Guidelines on making Join Family visa applications can be found here.
You can apply for an Employment (Scientific Researcher) visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
If you are visiting another State prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that State in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation.
The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometrics information part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in you being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of Fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted all necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the Visa Decisions page.
5. Activities not permitted with this Visa
You are not permitted to:
undertake paid or unpaid work, other than that for which you have already been approved,
access any public funds.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document,
the date of the translation,
the translator’s full name and signature, and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documents set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your proposed dates of arrival in Ireland
A signed letter of application including your full contact details:
outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
giving details of how long you intend to stay in Ireland,
giving details of where you intend to stay while you are in Ireland,
undertaking that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
Finances
You must provide an up-to-date bank statement, showing what money has been paid into and out of the account over the last six months and showing sufficient funds to cover your costs.
Bank statements must be on headed paper – internet printouts will not be accepted.
Your name, address, account number and account type must be visible on the statement. Any large lodgements must be explained.
If you are sending a bank statement from a deposit/savings account, you must also include a letter from your bank confirming that you are allowed to withdraw money from that account.
Copy of Hosting Agreement with accredited research organisation
Copy of contract of employment (if issued by the research organisation)
Medical/Travel Insurance
Evidence of medical/travel insurance does not need to be provided with your application. However, the Visa Officer may request it before they make a decision on your application.
If your visa is approved, you must have evidence of medical/travel insurance when you arrive at the port of entry (airport/seaport) and must present it to the Immigration Officer on request.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
Employment (Van der Elst) (Longer Term Visa)
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Registration / GNIB
1. When you can apply
You can apply for this visa if you are:
lawfully resident in the EU Member State in which the employer is established,
lawfully employed by the employer in the sending EU Member State,
on the payroll of the employer in the sending EU Member State,
coming to Ireland to provide services on behalf of your employer, and
coming to Ireland on a temporary/short term contract, up to a maximum of 12 consecutive months.
You are advised to familiarise yourself with immigration arrangements applying to persons seeking to avail of the Van der Elst process before you make your visa application.
You can apply for an Employment (Van der Elst) visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
If you are visiting another State prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that State in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation.
The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometrics information as part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in you being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of Fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted all necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the Visa Decisions page.
5. Activities not permitted with this Visa
You are not permitted to:
undertake other paid or unpaid work, other than that for which you have already been approved,
access any public funds.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document,
the date of the translation,
the translator’s full name and signature, and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documents set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months after your proposed date of arrival in Ireland
Evidence of your right to reside and work in the sending EU Member State and of permission to return there following the termination of the contract in Ireland.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details:
outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
stating how long you plan to stay in Ireland,
providing details of where you intend to stay while you are in Ireland,
undertaking that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
Letter from your employer in the sending EU Member State
stating that you are legally resident and employed in the EU Member State where the employer is based,
stating that you are coming to Ireland to provide services on the company’s behalf,
stating that you will be returning to sending EU Member State following completion of the project in Ireland,
giving details of the contract (duration should be specified),
giving the name and contact details for the Irish based company.
Letter from the Irish based host company
Giving details of the contract (duration should be specified) and reasons why the employee is required).
Medical/Travel Insurance
Evidence of medical/travel insurance does not need to be provided with your application. However, the Visa Officer may request it before they make a decision on your application.
If your visa is approved, you must have evidence of medical/travel insurance when you arrive at the port of entry (airport/seaport) and must present it to the Immigration Officer on request.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
Minister of Religion Visas (Longer Term Visa)
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Minister of Religion
Please Note: A revised procedure, including revised conditions of entry, are being prepared in relation to this immigration permission. Therefore, this scheme is closed to new applicants from 1 January 2018 until 31 March 2018 pending the launch of a new procedure. Potential applicants are advised that the revised scheme will include a pre-clearance procedure applicable to all applicants whether they are visa required or not. Only completed visa applications received before 1 January 2018 will be processed in the usual way. Non-visa required nationals who arrived in the State up to and including 31 December 2017 for the express purpose of participating in this scheme will be subject to the current policy.
In the meantime persons who enjoy an immigration permission under the current scheme may continue to have their immigration permission renewed in accordance with the policy applicable at the time they made their initial application. Such persons will be subject to any transitional arrangements set out in the proposed new policy once it has been introduced.
27 December 2017
1. When you can apply
For visa purposes, a ‘minister for religion’ means a person who is a qualified/ordained/professed member of an established religion, religious institution/order/church.
You can apply for this visa if you are a “Minister of religion” and are seeking to come to Ireland for work which includes some of the following:
conducting spiritual worship/ceremonies to an established congregation in Ireland,
giving pastoral care to members of a congregation and society by preaching, conducting classes based on a religious ethos, supervising prayer meetings etc.,
providing spiritual leadership,
ministering to the spiritual needs of a congregation,
pastoral visitation, or
providing senior administrative support of a substantial or full-time nature to a religious institution/order/church where the work would not qualify for an employment permit.
You are advised to familiarise yourself with the immigration arrangements applying to persons seeking to come to Ireland as Ministers of Religion before you make your visa application.
If your immediate family members wish to join you in Ireland, and are also visa required, each member must make a separate application for a visa. Guidelines on making Join Family visa applications can be found here.
You can apply for a Minister of Religion visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
If you are visiting another State prior to travelling to Ireland, you must have the relevant visa for that State in your passport before applying for an Irish visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation.
The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometric Information as part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in you being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of Fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted all necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on the Visa Decisions page.
5. Activities not permitted with this Visa
You are not permitted to:
undertake other paid or unpaid work, other than that for which you have already been approved,
access any public funds.
6. Supporting documentation
The documents below are important because they provide information about your personal circumstances in the country from which you are applying.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document,
the date of the translation,
the translator’s full name and signature, and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documents set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 12 months.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details:
outlining your reason for wanting to come to Ireland,
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
stating how long you intend to stay in Ireland,
providing details of where you intend to stay while you are in Ireland,
undertaking that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State on the expiry of your permission to remain.
Letter of sponsorship from the religious institution concerned
A letter of sponsorship, on headed paper, from the religious institution/order/church confirming:
the basis on which you are seeking to come to the State,
confirming if there is a genuine position in Ireland available for you and the duration of the position,
confirming that the sponsoring religious institution/order/church will be responsible for your financial upkeep and accommodation expenses, or in the absence of such confirmation a clear written explanation of how you will support yourself in the State,
confirming that the position which you will be filling is the sole purpose of their stay in Ireland,
indicating the general size and location(s) of the congregation in Ireland.
Medical/Travel Insurance
Evidence of medical/travel insurance does not need to be provided with your application. However, the Visa Officer may request it before they make a decision on your application.
If your visa is approved, you must have evidence of medical/travel insurance when you arrive at the port of entry (airport/seaport) and must present it to the Immigration Officer on request.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Return of documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
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Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens seeking to reply on Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive) – type of visa for which you should apply
If you are a non-EEA national:
who does not hold a document called “Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen” as referred to in Articles 5(2) and 10(1) of Directive 2004/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States, and
wishes to accompany or join an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen family member who is moving to or residing in Ireland pursuant to the Directive 2004/38/EC,
You can apply for a single journey short-stay C visa which will permit you to enter and reside in the State for up to 3 months.
In the event that you wish to remain in the State for more than 3 months as a family member of an EU citizen exercising their free movement rights, you must apply (when in the State) for a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen. Information about how to apply is available here.
If you wish to have your visa application considered under the Directive on the basis that you are a family member of an EU citizen exercising or planning to exercise free movement rights you must state this clearly on your application.
If you state that you wish to have your application considered on the basis of the Directive rather than under national law, and your application is refused, you will be offered the opportunity to apply under national law but the normal fee will apply.
Information for Irish Citizens residing in Ireland who wish to have their family members join them is available here.
How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation. The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your Biometric Information as part of the application process.
Fees
The visa fee for a short stay single entry visa is €60.
If you are a ‘qualifying family member’ of an EU/EEA /Swiss Citizen you are exempt from the visa fee.
The list of ‘qualifying family members’ is as follows:
Spouse
Child ( under 21 years)
Child (under 21 years) of the spouse
Adopted child (subject to adoption papers)
Dependent parent
Dependent parent of the spouse
Other dependent family members in the direct ascending line ( e.g. grandparent) or descending line( e.g. grandchild)
Other dependent family members of the spouse in the direct ascending (e.g. grandparent) or descending line ( e.g. grandchild)
You are also exempt from any other administrative fees relating to your application and may lodge your application in person at the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office. Any postage or courier charges associated with the submission of your application are at your own expense.
If you are a family member other than a ‘qualifying family member’ you are required to pay the visa fee. Such family members are referred to in the relevant Irish statutory provisions as ‘permitted family members’
If you are required to pay the visa fee you may be able to pay the fee in local currency. You may be subject to additional charges relating to the submission of your documents. The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
How long it will take
Applications from ‘qualifying family members’ (see para. 3 above for list of ‘qualifying family members’) are processed on an accelerated basis. While every effort is made to process these applications within a reasonable time frame, processing times will vary, having regard to the volume of applications, their complexity and the resources available.
Applications from ‘permitted family members’ are not subject to the accelerated process. Processing times can vary throughout the year, due to the high volume of applications, their complexity and the resources available. While every effort is made to process them within a reasonable time frame, the processing times can increase when the provision of additional documentation is requested or a detailed assessment is required.
Supporting documentation
In order for you to establish that you are a ‘qualifying family member’
or a ‘permitted family member’ you must prove:
that there is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen from whom you can derive rights under the Directive,
the existence of the required family relationship to that citizen including where relevant dependency or membership of the household,
that you will be accompanying or joining that citizen who is exercising free movement rights in Ireland or provide a declaration or statement of confirmation that the citizen will be exercising those rights at the time of your arrival in Ireland.
The proofs that may be required are:
proof of identity e.g. valid passports for the applicant family member and the EU citizen,
proof of family link e.g. a valid marriage or birth certificate – this is so that the visa officer can ascertain that the applicant is a family member of the EU citizen,
where relevant, proof of dependency or membership of the household,
proof that the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen is exercising free movement rights in Ireland e.g. proof that the EU/ EEA/Swiss citizen already resides in the State or a declaration or statement of confirmation that the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen will be exercising those rights at the time of the applicant family member’s arrival in Ireland – this is so that the visa officer can ascertain that the applicant family member will be residing in the State together with the citizen concerned.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document;
the date of the translation;
the translator’s full name and signature; and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted)
Visa Applications on behalf of a child (person under 18)
If a child under the age of 18 is travelling alone their birth certificate must be submitted with their application.
If a child under the age of 18 is travelling either alone or with a person other than their parent/legal guardian (e.g. adult relative), a written letter of consent from both parents/legal guardians is required.
These signed consents must be accompanied by copies of the consenting parent/legal guardians’ passports or national identity cards, which clearly show their signatures.
If the child is travelling with one parent/legal guardian, the consent of the other parent/legal guardian is required. This signed consent must be accompanied by a copy of the consenting parent/legal guardian’s passport or national identity card which clearly shows their signature.
Where one parent has sole custody, a Court Order bestowing sole custody of the child on the parent concerned must be submitted.
Visa Approval
In the event that your visa application is approved you will be issued with a single journey short stay ‘C’ visa which will permit you to enter and reside in the State for up to 3 months.
In the event that you wish to remain in the State for more than 3 months as a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen exercising their free movement rights, you must apply (when in the State) for a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen.
If you are granted a short stay ‘C’ visa on the basis of the Directive and are joining an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who is exercising free movement rights in the State you are advised to ensure that, on arrival in the State, you have proof of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen’s residence in the State in your possession for production on request to the Immigration Official at the port of entry.
Failure to provide such proof may result in you being refused entry to the State and a visa warning being entered on your passport.
If you are granted a short stay ‘C’ visa on the basis of the Directive and accompanying an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who intends to exercise free movement rights in the State you must, on arrival in the State, be accompanied by the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Failure to be accompanied by the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen may result in you being refused entry to the State and a visa warning being entered on your passport.
Return of Documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
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Updated 23/01/2015
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Long Stay Visas (More than 3 months)
If you wish to travel to Ireland for more than 3 months, for example to pursue a course of study, for work or to settle permanently in Ireland with family members who are already resident in Ireland, then you can apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa for a single entry.
Before making an application for a long stay ‘D’ visa please make sure that you are familiar with the immigration arrangements that apply to persons seeking to come to Ireland for more than 3 months, whether to study , to work or to settle permanently with family members who are already resident in Ireland.
If you are granted a long stay ‘D’ visa and wish to remain in the State for longer than 3 months, or beyond the period of leave granted to you by an Immigration Officer at an Irish port of entry you will be required to register and obtain a residence permit.
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Re-entry visas
Burgh Quay Re-entry Visa Office arrangements for persons awaiting IRP cards
If a person requires a re-entry visa for urgent travel purposes when awaiting their Irish Residence Permit (IRP), as an interim measure, Re-Entry Division will accept the permission stamp on the person’s passport. The stamp referred to in the previous sentence is the permission stamp placed in the passport at the Garda Station or at INIS Burgh Quay – it is NOT the landing stamp placed in the passport at the port/airport when entering Ireland.
Apply for a re-entry visa
Apply for a re-entry visa if you plan to leave Ireland for a short period, eg for a holiday.
Re-entry visa processing times
Check the re-entry visa applications now being processed. This is updated every weekday.
Re-entry visa fees
You must pay by bank draft or postal order only. Some applicants are exempt from fees.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 27 February 2018
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Transit Visas
Nationals of some states or territorial entities are required to be in possession of an Irish transit visa when arriving at a port of entry in Ireland for the purposes of passing through a port (airport, seaport) in order to travel to another state.
A transit visa does not permit you to enter Ireland for any purpose. It only permits you to transit through Ireland in order to reach your destination in another state.
If the intention is to leave the port at any stage they must apply for a short stay visa in the normal way.
You must have the relevant visa for your country of destination in your passport before applying for an Irish transit visa.
Check if you need a transit visa
Nationals of the states or territorial entities listed below are subject to an Irish transit visa requirement.
Afghanistan
Ethiopia
Moldova
Albania
Ghana
Nigeria
Cuba
Georgia
Somalia
Democratic Republic of Congo
Iran
Sri Lanka
Eritrea
Iraq
Ukraine
Lebanon
Zimbabwe
1. When you can apply
If you are national of a state or territorial entity that is subject to an Irish transit visa requirement you can apply for a transit visa for the purpose of passing through an Irish port in order to travel to another state.
You can apply for a transit visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
You must have the relevant visa for your country of destination in your passport before applying for an Irish transit visa.
2. How to apply
You must apply online for a visa.
When you have completed the online application process, you must follow the instructions on the summary application form that is created by the online system. The summary form will contain information on where you are to submit your supporting documentation. The summary form which you must print, sign and date must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
You may be required to provide your biometric information as part of the application process.
A guide to supporting documentation is set out below.
If you submit any false or misleading information, or false supporting documentation as part of your application, it may result in the refusal of your application without the right of appeal. It may also result in you being prevented from making further Irish visa applications for a period of 5 years.
3. Fees
Please refer to the table of visa fees for information on the fee that you are required to pay.
You may be required to pay additional charges e.g. relating to the submission of your documents.
You may be able to pay the fee in local currency.
The website of the Visa Office/Embassy/ Consulate will have details about additional charges and local payment options.
Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee. Read more here.
4. How long it will take
Applications are processed in date order.
You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.
Processing times can vary between countries. They can also vary during high volume periods during the year. However, you can generally expect a decision within 8 weeks from the date on which your application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Your application may take longer if e.g. you have not submitted the necessary supporting documentation, your supporting documentation needs to be verified or because of your personal circumstances (e.g. if you have a criminal conviction).
You can check the processing times for the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate that is handling your application on their website.
If your application is being processed by the Visa Office, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, Department of Justice and Equality, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin you can check the date of the applications currently being processed on our Visa Decisions page.
5. Activities not permitted with this Visa
You are not permitted to enter Ireland for any purpose. You are solely permitted to transit through Ireland in order to reach your country of destination.
6. Supporting documentation
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by supporting documents.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
The onus is on you to satisfy the Visa Officer that a visa should be granted for the purpose sought.
The submission of any or all of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful.
Original documents must be provided.
If you submit a document that is not in English/Irish, it must be accompanied by a full translation. Each translated document must contain:
confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document,
the date of the translation,
the translator’s full name and signature, and
the translator’s contact details.
All letters submitted from a business, company or other organisation should be on official headed paper and give full contact details so that they can be verified. These must include a full postal address, name of contact, position in the organisation, telephone number (landline), website, and email address (email addresses such as Yahoo or Hotmail are not accepted).
The Visa Officer considers each application on its merits and may request additional information or documentation.
GUIDE TO SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Your signed and dated summary application form and the appropriate fee (where applicable) must be accompanied by the supporting documentation set out below.
If you do not submit the required documentation your application may be refused on the basis of insufficient documentation.
Two colour passport sized photographs not more than 6 months old
Your name and visa application reference number must be printed clearly on the back. More information on photograph requirements here.
Your current passport and a full copy of any previous passports
Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
If you are not a national of the country where you are applying from, you must submit evidence of your permission to be in that country e.g. a residence card. You must also have at least 3 months permission to be in that country after your intended date of departure from Ireland.
A signed letter of application including your full contact details
outlining your travel plans, and
giving details of any members of your family who are currently in Ireland, or any other EU Member State,
Travel itinerary and airline bookings/tickets
Travel itinerary and airline bookings/tickets showing departure dates and destinations.
Previous Visa Refusals
If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the details.
The original letter issued to you by the authorities of that country must be provided with your application.
Not disclosing any previous visa refusals will result in your application being refused.
7. Visa Applications on behalf of a child (person under 18)
If a child under the age of 18 is travelling their birth certificate must be submitted.
If they are travelling either alone or with a person other than their parent/legal guardian (e.g. adult relative), a written letter of consent from both parents/legal guardians is required.
These signed consents must be accompanied by copies of the consenting parent/legal guardians’ passports or national identity cards, which clearly show their signatures.
If the child is travelling with one parent/legal guardian, the consent of the other parent/legal guardian is required. This signed consent must be accompanied by a copy of the consenting parent/legal guardian’s passport or national identity card which clearly shows their signature.
Where one parent has sole custody, a Court Order bestowing sole custody of the child on the parent concerned must be submitted.
8. Return of Documents
All documents accompanying your application must be originals.
You should keep copies of all the documents that you provide.
Original documents such as marriage/birth/death certificates will be returned to you. However, other documents such as bank statements or letters of invitation will not be returned.
If there are particular documents that you wish to have returned, please provide a list of these documents with the application.
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Single/Multi Entry Visas
A single entry visa permits you to travel to Ireland on one occasion between the dates of validity indicated on your visa.
A multi entry visa permits you to travel to Ireland on a number of occasions during the dates shown on you visa, for short trips only. It is not permitted to use this category of visa to bypass immigration rules governing residency in the State i.e. it is not possible to remain in Ireland for a period of 90 days and then seek to re-enter the country for a further period of up to 90 days. Any abuse of this may result in you being refused entry at the port of entry or future visa applications being refused.
Short stay ‘C’ visas
If you are applying for a short stay ‘C’ visa you may apply for either a single or a multi entry visa. The policy considerations underpinning decisions on applications for multi entry visas below are explained below to assist you in deciding whether to apply for a single or multi entry visa.
If you wish to apply for a multi entry visa, you must indicate this on your application and pay the visa fee for a multi entry visa. The granting of a multi entry visa is at the discretion of the Visa Officer.
If you apply for a multiple journey visa but are granted a single journey visa the difference in the visa fee will not be refunded to you under any circumstances.
The Immigration officer at the port of entry will determine, on each occasion, whether you may enter and the duration of your permission to remain.
Long stay ‘D’ Visa
If you are making an application for a long stay ‘D’ visa i.e. for a stay in Ireland of more than 3 months, for example for the purpose of study or work or joining a family member who is already living here, you should apply for a single entry, long stay visa.
If the visa is approved, you will be required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) when you enter Ireland, after which you may apply for a multi entry Re-Entry Visas.
Policy considerations underpinning decisions on applications for short stay multi entry visas
Multi entry visas are usually only issued to an applicant who has shown a compliant travel history.
If you have had 2 previous Irish visas and have observed the conditions of these visas (e.g. you did not overstay or work illegally) you may apply for a visa for multiple journeys.
A multi entry visa may be approved in certain circumstances if you have no travel history to Ireland, for example if:
you need to travel regularly to Ireland on short visits for business meetings. You should submit evidence of this from your employer and the company in Ireland with whom you are engaging in business (where relevant),
while in Ireland on business, you need to travel to another country, returning to Ireland for further meetings, or onward travel, or
you are travelling to and from another country, via Ireland.
Northern Ireland
If you wish to travel to Northern Ireland you will require a visa issued by the United Kingdom.
If you are travelling to the Republic of Ireland and you intend to visit Northern Ireland and return to the Republic, you must obtain a multi entry Irish visa and a UK visa.
If your main destination is Northern Ireland but you arrive in, and depart from the Republic of Ireland, you must first obtain a UK visa, and then a multi-entry Irish visa.
Northern Ireland consists of Counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone.
Note: If you have an Irish Visa endorsed with BIVS, you may travel to Northern Ireland on this visa (after arriving in the Republic of Ireland first), please see the following page for further information and rules of the scheme: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/British%20Irish%20Visa%20Scheme.
Appeal an Irish visa decision
Visas
Visa decisions
Check if you need a visa
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Policy & guidance
Contact Visas
Immigration
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Asylum
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Appeal a visa decision
We will send you a ‘letter of refusal’ if your application for a visa has been refused. The letter will state the reason(s) for the refusal and if you can appeal.
About visa appeals
Who can appeal
Appeal your own visa
Appeal for someone else
Submit the appeal
Document rules
After you apply
Decision
1. About visa appeals
Your letter of refusal will state if you are allowed to appeal. There is no fee.
Your appeal must arrive with us within 2 months of the date on the letter of refusal.
If your appeal is late, the original visa decision cannot be changed. However, you may submit and pay for a new visa application if you wish.
In some circumstances, you cannot appeal a visa decision and may be blocked from applying for a visa for up to 5 years. This may happen if you submitted false or misleading information with your original application.
The letter of refusal will state if this applies to you.
2. Who can appeal a decision
If you are aged 18 or over
You can appeal your own visa decision, as described below.
You can also appeal a decision on behalf of someone else (as described below) if you have been authorised by them to do so, eg as their solicitor or legal representative, visa sponsor, friend, family member, etc.
If you are aged under 18
You cannot appeal your own visa decision.
The appeal must be made by your parent or legal guardian (or your parent or guardian’s solicitor or legal representative).
3. Appeal your visa decision
Follow these steps to appeal your own visa decision. To appeal a decision on behalf of someone else (including your child), follow the separate steps described below.
i. Letter of appeal
Type or write a ‘letter of appeal’ that states that you wish to appeal a visa decision. The letter must include your:
Full name
Postal address
Personal email address
Visa Application Transaction Number
In the letter explain in detail why you believe the decision should be changed.
When doing so you should refer to the reasons the application was refused (as stated in the letter of refusal). Add any new information you believe is important.
Sign and date the letter and include it with your appeal.
ii. Other necessary documents
Include any other documents you believe are important for your appeal.
Any documents you submit must follow the rules for visa appeal documents (see ‘6.’ below), otherwise they cannot be considered.
iii. Passport
Your letter of refusal will tell you if you need to include your original passport with your appeal.
Do not include your passport unless instructed to do so in the letter of refusal.
4. Appeal a visa decision for someone else, eg your child, another applicant
Follow these steps to appeal a decision for your child or if you have been authorised to appeal on behalf of someone else. There are no restrictions on the number of visa applicants you can appeal for.
If you are appealing for 2 or more people, you must include a separate ‘letter or authorisation’ and ‘letter of appeal’ for each person (as described below).
i. Letter of authorisation (from the original visa applicant)
To appeal a visa decision on behalf of someone else, ask them to type or write a ‘letter of authorisation’ that contains the information below.
(You do not need a letter of authorisation to appeal for your child if they are aged under 18.)
The letter must state that the original visa applicant is authorising you to act on their behalf for all matters and correspondence relating to the appeal of their visa decision.
The letter must include the original visa applicant’s:
Full name
Postal address
Visa Application Transaction Number, ie from the visa application in their name
The letter must also include your (ie the authorised person’s):
Full name
Postal address
Date of birth (you must be aged 18 or older)
The visa applicant must sign and date the letter.
You must include the original letter of authorisation with the visa appeal.
ii. Letter of appeal
Type or write a ‘letter of appeal’ that states that you (ie the authorised person or parent) wish to appeal a visa decision on behalf of another applicant.
The letter must include the original visa applicant’s:
Full name
Postal address
Personal email address, if available (do not include this for a child aged under 18)
Visa Application Transaction Number, ie for the application you wish to appeal
The letter must also include your:
Full name
Postal address
Personal email address
Relationship to the original visa applicant, eg parent, visa sponsor, family, friend, solicitor or legal representative, etc
In the letter explain in detail why you believe the decision should be changed.
When doing so you should refer to the reasons the application was refused (as stated in the letter of refusal). Add any new information you believe is important.
Sign and date the letter and include it with the appeal.
iii. Other necessary documents
Include any other documents you believe are important for the appeal.
Any documents you submit must follow the rules for visa appeal documents (see ‘6.’ below), otherwise they cannot be considered.
iv. Passport
You (ie the authorised person or parent) must include a colour photocopy of the photograph page of your passport or national identity card with the appeal.
In some cases you may need to include the visa applicant’s original passport with the appeal. The letter of refusal will tell you if you need to include the passport.
Do not include the passport unless instructed to do so in the letter of refusal.
5. Submit the appeal
When you are satisfied you have prepared the appeal, put everything into a strong padded envelope and send it to the ‘Visa Appeals Officer’ at the office address stated in the letter of refusal.
If you are sending appeals for more than 1 person to the same address, you may send them together. To send together:
Place each person’s application documents into separate envelopes
Write the name and Visa Application Transaction Number of each person on each envelope
Place each envelope into a larger envelope send it to the office address
You must submit appeals by post only. We cannot accept faxes or emails.
Be sure to pay the correct postage for large packages.
6. Rules for visa appeal documents
Prepare your appeal documents carefully before you submit them. All documents must follow the rules below.
Documents must be original
We cannot accept photocopies (except for a photocopy of an authorised person’s passport/travel document).
Letters must be original
Letters from companies, universities, schools, colleges, etc, must be on official headed paper and show the organisation’s:
Full name
Full postal address
Telephone number
Website address
Email address (Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses are not accepted)
A contact person’s name and title/position
Written signature of an authorised representative (electronic signature is not accepted)
Documents/letters must be translated and certified
You must provide a full and certified translation into the English or Irish language of any documents/letters not in English or Irish. Send us both the original documents/letters and the certified translations.
Read a longer description about how to make a certified translation of a document.
Return of documents
Type or write a list of any documents you want returned (eg photographs, payslips, money transfer receipts, etc.) and then:
Include the list with your letter of appeal
Include each original document from your list (we will return these after processing)
Include a photocopy of each document (we will keep these)
Do not send photocopies only. You must include the original documents.
Return of documents from the Dublin Visa Office
If you request a return address in Ireland or the UK (eg to your authorised representative), type or write a note with the address and include it with your appeal.
We will send the documents there by post after a decision is ready.
If you request a return address outside Ireland or the UK, you must arrange a private courier to collect the documents from the Visa Appeals Office (at the address shown) after a decision is ready.
Visa Appeals Office
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Department of Justice and Equality
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
D02 XK70
Ireland
We will not send documents outside of Ireland or the UK.
Return of documents from a different visa office
After your documents are received, the relevant visa office will contact you to advise how your documents can be returned.
7. After you apply
Visa appeals are processed in the order they are received. In general, you can expect a decision on your appeal about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
However, processing times can differ between offices and may also vary during the year, eg at holiday periods.
Processing times may also increase if a detailed assessment of family rights under the Constitution of Ireland or the European Convention on Human Rights is required.
8. Decision and next steps
An appeals officer will consider all the documentation submitted in your appeal, as well as the documentation from your original visa application.
If your appeal is successful
We will send a notification to you stating that the original visa decision has been reversed.
The notification will also explain what to do next to get your visa.
Your documents will then be returned to you by post or arranged for collection, as explained in ‘return of documents’ above.
If your appeal is unsuccessful
We will send you another ‘letter of refusal’ stating that the original visa decision remains in place and that your appeal has been refused.
Your documents will then be returned to you by post or arranged for collection, as explained in ‘return of documents’ above.
You cannot appeal again. Only 1 appeal per application is permitted.
However, you may submit and pay for (if appropriate) a new visa application if you wish.
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 13 December 2017
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