Ireland offers a variety of visa and permit options for those looking to work, study, or join family. Choosing the right visa is essential for a smooth move and successful application. Below you’ll find a full list of key Irish visa types. There are recommendations on which to apply for based on your situation. You will also find direct links to official government resources and application forms.
1. Short Stay ‘C’ Visa (Tourist/Business/Family Visit)
Who is it for?
- Visitors staying in Ireland for up to 90 days.
- Purposes: tourism, business meetings, family visits, short courses.
Application Form:
Apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa
Useful Info:
- You can’t work or access public services on this visa.
- Processing time: 8 weeks (varies by country).
2. Long Stay ‘D’ Visa (Work, Study, Join Family)
Who is it for?
- Those planning to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days.
Common Long Stay ‘D’ Visa Types:
a. Employment Permits (General, Critical Skills, Intra-Company Transfer, etc.)
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: For highly skilled roles (see full guide here).
- General Employment Permit: For roles not on the Critical Skills list.
- Intra-Company Transfer Permit: For transferring employees within a multinational.
Recommendation:
- Highly skilled professionals: Apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
- Other skilled roles: General Employment Permit is usually best.
- Multinational staff: Intra-Company Transfer Permit.
b. Study Visa
- For full-time, recognized courses in Ireland.
- Apply for a Study Visa
c. Join Family Visa
- For joining a spouse, partner, or family member who is legally resident in Ireland.
- Family Reunification Information
3. Working Holiday Authorisation
Who is it for?
- Young people (usually 18–30 or 35, depending on nationality) from countries with a Working Holiday agreement with Ireland.
Application Form & Info:
Working Holiday Authorisation
4. Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Who is it for?
- Non-EEA entrepreneurs with an innovative business proposal and funding.
Application Details:
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme
5. Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
Who is it for?
- Non-EEA nationals investing in Ireland.
Application Details:
Immigrant Investor Programme
6. Other Permits and Visas
- Atypical Working Scheme: For short-term or atypical work assignments.
- Volunteer Visa: For volunteering with registered Irish charities.
How to Choose the Right Visa
For employers:
- Use the Department of Enterprise’s Permit Eligibility Checker to identify the correct employment permit for your candidate.
For applicants:
- If you have a job offer in a highly skilled role: Critical Skills Employment Permit.
- If your role is not listed as highly skilled: General Employment Permit.
- For study: Long Stay ‘D’ Study Visa.
- To join family: Join Family Visa.
- For short-term visits: Short Stay ‘C’ Visa.
Useful Government Resources
- Irish Immigration Service Homepage
- Employment Permits Online System (EPOS)
- Visa Decision Times
- Documentation Requirements
- INIS Forms & Guides
Final Tips for Applicants
- Always use the official government links above for forms and up-to-date information.
- Double-check document requirements before applying.
- Apply early—processing times can vary.
- For employment permits, ensure your contract and salary meet the current thresholds.
- If in doubt, contact the Irish Immigration Service or consult a reputable recruitment agency.
For questions or support with your Irish work visa or employment permit, contact info@elwoodroberts.com or visit our website.