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Visa for Ireland | Types, Requirements, and Costs to Travel
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Visa for Ireland | Types, Requirements, and Costs to Travel

Charlotte Koks
Charlotte Koks

If you’re planning to work and study abroad this summer, you must include Ireland on your destination list. From majestic mountain trails to glistening coastal views, you will experience the best of both worlds in this North Atlantic island country. However, before you go, you may need to obtain a visa for Ireland.

In this article, we will guide you through the different types of visas and requirements needed to apply for them. Once you have your visa for Ireland, you can travel to discover the rich history and scenic landscapes of this ancient country. Let’s begin!

Types of Visas for Ireland

visa for Ireland application

Before embarking on an adventure, you must be informed about visa options and travel necessities. Each visa for Ireland can vary in terms of duration, requirements, and permits. Also, the process of your visa application may differ depending on your country. Certain countries of the European Union and in Latin America do not require a visa for Ireland.

First, let’s take a look at the most common visas individually and their requirements.

Tourist Visa

tour bus in Dublin, Ireland

The Tourist Visa for Ireland, which is one of the short stay “C” visas, allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days. If you plan to study in the country, you can take a short-term course under this visa. Keep in mind, however, that having a visa does not necessarily permit you to enter the country. Border control decides on your entry depending on other factors, such as documentation and meeting additional requirements. For this reason, it is best to apply for your tourist visa at least three months in advance before traveling.

Remember, you can verify on the Ireland Department of Justice website if you need a visa for Ireland. If applicable, you can proceed with the following steps:

  1. Apply for the visa application online
  2. Pay the application fee (60 euros for a single entry; 100 euros for multiple entries)
  3. Complete and send necessary documents within 30 days of your application

Certain documents you may need with your visa application include an application letter, your study or vacation plans (college, accommodation, insurance), passport, photo I.D., and proof of financial solvency.

Also, be aware that if you leave the country for any reason, you will have to re-process your visa for Ireland.

Employment Visa

bar tender working in a restaurant

If you would like to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days, you can do so under the Employment visa. This type of visa for Ireland enables you to work in the country so long as you have an employment permit from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation (DJEI).

To apply for the employment visa you must do so online, preferably three months before departing for Ireland. Also, bear in mind that you cannot work any other form of employment outside of the one you are approved to perform with this visa. The employment visa, as well as every visa for Ireland, costs 60 euros for the administration fee if a single entry and 100 euros if multi-entry.

Be aware that not every type of occupation is eligible under the employment permit. To verify, you can view the list of ineligible occupations in Ireland on the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment website.

Requirements for the Employment Visa

You may need to provide biometric information with your application for the employment visa. In addition to your biometrics, there are several types of supporting documentation to submit with your application. Among these are:

  • Two photographs (passport-sized, within the past six months)
  • A current, valid passport
  • Your letter of application explaining intent for staying in Ireland
  • An employment contract
  • A letter from your employer in Ireland confirming your job position
  • Proof of financial solvency (bank statements)
  • An employment permit

Regarding the employment permit, there are a few permits from which you can choose, including the General Employment Permit, Critical Skills, Contract for Services, and the Internship Employment permit.

Student Visa 

international students in class

If you plan to travel to Ireland to take up a course for longer than three months, you can apply for the Study Visa for Ireland. While studying in Ireland,this visa allows you to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school semester and 40 hours during the holiday period. The visa is valid for eight months and eligible for renewal for up to 2 years.

Requirements for the Student Visa

>Most of the visas for Ireland have the same requirements in terms of supporting documentation and the application process. For the study visa, you will need the aforementioned as well as the following:

  • An acceptance letter from the educational institution where you plan to study
  • International health and travel insurance
  • Proof of financial solvency and ability to cover tuition (bank statements, scholarships)

Should you choose to study abroad in Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland, here are a few experiences from which you can choose through our GrowPro program:

Irish Residential Permit

pedestrians in downtown Ireland city

Maybe, after indulging in delicious Irish cuisine and exploring the Game of Thrones territory, you decide to live in Ireland! In this case, the Irish Residential Permit (IRP) is an ideal choice. The IRP will be your registration certificate with immigration. You must carry your IRP at all times and present it to a member of the Irish police if requested. The IRP proves that you are registered for legal immigration in Ireland and able to leave and re-enter the country.

An IRP costs 300 euros every time you register and renew it per person.

Requirements for the IRP

To register for an IRP, you must be at least 16 years old, be a non-Swiss and non-EU/EEA citizen, and visit a registration office in person. To continue living in Ireland past your IRP expiry date, you will need to apply for an extension of your immigration and renew the registration.

Obtaining a Visa for Ireland from Your Country

passports to travel to Ireland

Fortunately, you will not need a visa for Ireland if you have a valid Irish Residence Permit. In some cases, however, your nationality may require additional steps to acquiring a visa. Remember, you can check to see if you need to apply for an Irish Visa by using the Ireland Department of Justice website. With that said, let’s explore the steps you must take if moving from the European Union or Latin America:

Visa for Ireland Process from the European Union

International students from countries within the European Union, such as Spain, do not need a visa for Ireland. Instead, you will only need to provide identification, such as your passport, and any supporting document explaining your reason for staying in Ireland, such as for studies or employment.

Visa for Ireland Process from Latin America

With the exception of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, citizens of the other Latin American countries must have a visa for Ireland for both short and long stays. Make sure that you apply for the visa at least three months beforehand to ensure enough processing time. Also, if you are going to study while in Ireland, it is beneficial to check the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP)for courses available under your type of visa.

Steps Before Traveling

Aside from reviewing the ILEP list, you may need to provide additional documentation for the immigration department based on your nationality. Documents can include:

  • Proof of economic stability or support (at least 7,000 euros)
  • A letter of acceptance from your educational institution
  • Guaranteed accommodation for the duration of your stay
  • Proof of full payment for your course
  • A valid passport for at least one year from the date of your arrival in Ireland

Apply for a Visa for Ireland with GrowPro

international students taking a group photo in Ireland

Through GrowPro Experience, you have access to dozens of courses and experiences in Ireland and other popular destinations. We help thousands of young individuals like you every year to travel and move abroad. Start planning your trip to Ireland today!

Visit ourIrelandpage to explore course options and other programs we offer in the country. Once you choose a course package, one of our Student Advisors will contact you to explain the next steps and answer your questions. We can also assist with planning your trip, such as assistance with the visa application and managing the paperwork for your school. After your arrival, we host Welcome Sessions to help you and other international students get adjusted to the country.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see and learn about incredible experiences in Ireland and how you can be next!

About the author

Charlotte Koks
Charlotte Koks

Hey there! My name is Charlotte, and I'm working as an International Project Manager at GrowPro Experience. My goal is to help students all around the world to live the experiences of a lifetime 🙌🏽. I'm trying to inspire students by means of telling the story of former growers, showing what we are doing at each destination and writing about our cities and tips on our blogs. I got a big passion for adventures, doing sports in the park, learning new languages and seeing new places 🌏. That's one of the reasons why I studied European Studies and why I currently work for GrowPro, to expand my horizons. Hopefully, I can inspire you to do the same!

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