NOTE: This guide was last updated on 18.11.2024. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources we provided on this page for the most up-to-date information.

Ireland Visa Information

Ireland is the green paradise of the British Isles. Thanks to its green nature and paradisiacal landscapes, the country is often titled the Emerald Island. Located in Northwestern Europe, this humble island country is among the most popular destinations for international visitors seeking a tranquil getaway from the urban crowd. Plus, thanks to Pegasus Airlines' flights to Ireland, you can travel to the country with a premium level of comfort. Of course, if you're preparing for a trip to Ireland, one of the first things you should learn is whether you need an Ireland visa. Once you've sorted out the visa details, you can explore our Dublin Travel Guide to plan your trip!

Ireland Visa

Ireland visa is a document that allows citizens of countries without visa exemption to travel to and stay in Ireland for a specific period of time. You can receive this document through an Ireland visa online application or a visa agency that carries out the process for you. The visa requirements often depend on the nature of your visit and your status. So, you must check different Ireland visa types to make sure you apply for the right visa type. Once you receive your Ireland visa, you can travel to Ireland freely through Pegasus Airlines' exclusive flights to Dublin.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Ireland?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on your country of origin and the passport you hold. You can visit the Ireland's Department of Justice web page and see if passport holders of your nationality must apply for a visa for Ireland. Upon clicking the link, you can follow these steps:

1. Click on "See the full country list here,"
2. A pop-up will appear with information regarding those who do not require an Irish visa,
3. Scroll down the screen to see the full list of countries and their visa requirements.
4. If you are having trouble locating your country on the list, you can use the search bar on the upper right side

Did you book a flight to Ireland?

If you’re planning to travel to Ireland, it might be ideal to secure your flight ticket now! With Pegasus’ affordable rates, you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.

Although flight or hotel tickets are not mandatory, if you have a travel plan, making a reservation can facilitate your visa procedures. For this reason, you can also benefit from early booking advantages by booking a flight ticket to Ireland in advance in accordance with your travel date.

Ireland Visa Types

There are two main types of Ireland visas: Ireland Short Stay Visa and Ireland Long Stay Visa. The short-stay visa is the most common visa type issued for those planning to visit Ireland for tourist purposes. The long-stay visa, on the other hand, is given to those planning to stay in Ireland for other purposes.

Ireland Short Stay Visa (Category C visa - For Visits Up to 3 Months)

Known as the 'C visa' or 'short-stay visa,' this visa type allows you to stay in Ireland for up to 3 months for tourist purposes or to visit someone. As long as you hold this visa, you cannot stay in the country for longer than three months.

Ireland Long Stay Visa (Category D visa - For Longer Visits)

Those planning to stay in Ireland longer than 90 days, to study, work, or settle permanently with family members must apply for an Ireland long-stay visa,  or 'D visa.'

How to Apply for an Ireland Visa

Applying for Ireland visa is very easy and straightforward:

1. Use the AVATS (Automated Visa Application and Tracking System) to apply for your visa online,
2. Answer all the questions through the application process fully and honestly,
3. Follow the instructions on the Summary Application Form, which will include the information of the closest/relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application centre,
4. Print, sign, and date the summary form and send it along with the supporting documents to the application centre.

Ireland Visa Requirements

When planning a visit to Ireland, it’s essential to be aware of the visa requirements, which can vary based on your nationality and travel purpose. For the most accurate and updated visa guidance, visit the Official Irish Immigration website or use the Timatic service, which provides tailored information for your specific travel needs.

Required Documents to Apply for an Ireland Visa

Requirements for a Short Stay Visa

If you want to apply for an Ireland short-stay, 'C,' visa, you should submit the following documents:

• Your current passport,
• If available, previous passport copies,
• Two passport-sized photographs – each of the photographs must contain your name signed (in your native script and language) and your visa application number from AVATS,
• Medical or travel insurance,
• A letter of application written by you specifying the reason why you are travelling to Ireland, guaranteeing that you won't be a burden to the Irish state and confirming that you'll leave Ireland before your visa expires,
• Your travel itinerary, including the printed reservation confirmations regarding your accommodation with a description of your planned vacation in Ireland,
• Proof of your finances proving that you have sufficient funds for the trip,
• Proof that you have strong ties to your home country and must return home,
• Application summary sheets from AVATS – must be printed, signed, and dated,
• The proof of visa fee payment must also accompany the documents listed above,
• If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the original letter issued to you by the authorities.

If you're visiting someone, you will need to provide these further documents:

• A letter of invitation written by the person inviting you to Ireland
• A coloured copy of their passport or national identity card
• If the person isn't a citizen of the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, a copy of their Irish Resident Permit and the current immigration stamp in their passport

If you’re planning short-term study during your stay, you must provide the following information:

• The name, address, phone number, website, and e-mail of the institution where you’ll study,
• Proof of any accommodation,
• Proof that you have reserved a place on the course, such as a confirmation e-mail or letter.

For more information, check the official website of Ireland's Department of Justice.

Short Stay Visa Waiver Program

Nationals of certain countries, who have an eligible UK visa, can travel to Ireland visa-free, using the time remaining on their current leave to remain in the UK. Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA) aren’t eligible for this program.

You can find more information regarding the program on the website of the Department of Justice.

Long Stay Visa

A long-stay visa, or a 'D visa', is a type of visa that allows you to stay in Ireland for longer than three months. Here are the general documents you need to apply for a long-stay visa:

• Your current passport,
• If available, previous passport copies,
• Two passport-sized photographs – each of the photographs must contain your name signed (in your native script and language) and your visa application number from AVATS,
• If you have been refused a visa in the past for any country, you must provide the original letter issued to you by the authorities.
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of medical insurance
• Application summary sheets from AVATS – must be printed, signed, and dated,
• An application letter stating your reason for visiting Ireland and presenting specific information depending on your visa type. If you're applying for a student or volunteering visa, you may also need to confirm in your letter that you will return to your country once your visa expires

In addition to these documents, you will need to submit further information and documentation depending on the purpose of your visit. Below, you can find different long-stay visa types and specific requirements.

Long Stay Study Visa

If you're travelling to Ireland to study for longer than 90 days, you must apply for an Ireland student visa. When applying for this visa, you must submit the following documents:

• Letter of acceptance from an educational institution confirming that you enrolled on a course of full-time education – the letter must also give details of the course and state the amount of fees payable for your course, as well as the amount that you have paid,
• (If there are gaps in your educational history) you must provide information regarding these gaps and detail your employment history,
• Proof of your academic records, including past certifications, qualifications, and exam results
• Document proving that your course is full-time and has at least 15 study hours per week
• Proof of your English level - unless you're coming to learn English
• Receipt of full payment of your tuition fees
• Proof that you or your sponsor can meet the financial requirements for study
• Private medical insurance documents
• Proof showing that you'll return home after your course in Ireland
• If your studies in Ireland are not related to your previous education, you may need to provide an explanation.

Unaccompanied students under the age of 18 must also provide further documentation:

• Birth certificate,
• Consent of parent(s) or legal guardian(s),
• Copies of the biometric page of the passport or national identity card of the guardian(s),
• If only one parent has full custody, then a Court Order granting sole custody of the child must also be submitted.

Further information can be found on the web page of the Department of Justice.

Long Stay Join Family Visa

If you are applying for a Long Stay 'D' Visa for family reunification, you will need to submit the following information and documents:

• Information of your sponsor and any additional relatives in Ireland
• A notarized statement specifying the reasons why you are relocating to Ireland
• Details of other EU family members
• Proof of your sponsor's Irish citizenship or proof of their employment and residency
• Documented proof of a pre-existing relationship with the said family member
• Proof of the applicant's and sponsor's financial capability, such as bank statements from the last six months and documentation of the applicant's or sponsor's income in Ireland

However, you should remember that circumstances and required documentation greatly differ on an individual basis. So, your relationship with the Irish resident and their residency status are significant determinants here. Therefore, we recommend you check the repage of the Department of Justice and navigate through the options to find the required documentation and criteria for your case.

Long Stay Employment Visa

In order to obtain a Long Stay Employment Visa, you must first obtain a sponsorship permit. If you have the required permit, you will need to submit the following documents to apply for the visa:

• Employment contract – if you haven’t received your employment contract, you must submit a letter from your employer,
• Previous qualifications and work experience, such as:
  • Your 3 most recent pay slips,
  • Regular salary payments to your bank account,
  • An employment letter from your current employer,
  • Professional or training certificates,
  • Personal tax statements.
• Bank statements for the past six months
• Employment Permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,
• A letter from your Irish employer disclosing the details of your employment and income – if your employer is providing your accommodation, it must also be stated in this letter.

Once you fulfil Ireland's work visa requirements, you can apply for a Long Stay Employment Visa. Don’t forget that visa authorities might ask for further documentation depending on the nature of your employment. For more information, see the official website of the Department of Justice.

Long Stay Volunteer Visa

If you're travelling to Ireland for volunteering purposes, you will need to apply for a Long Stay Volunteer Visa. Here are the main requirements you must fulfil to obtain the visa:

• You must be a volunteer at an approved organisation
• You must be qualified to volunteer
• You must prove that the organisation you are volunteering for will fund your stay in Ireland
• Police clearance from your country,
• You must have an insurance policy from an authorised Irish company covering expenses for medical treatments
• If you’re married, in a civil partnership, and/or have children, you must provide documentation regarding:
  • Evidence of their current location,
  • Whether they intend to travel to Ireland,
  • Birth/marriage/civil partnership certificates.
• Proof of payment of preclearance fee (€60),
• Letter of sponsorship,
• A Garda vetting (police clearance) obtained by your sponsor on your behalf if your work will involve children,
• The full 6 months’ bank statement from your sponsoring organisation.

As the nature of your volunteering might require further documentation, please visit the relevant page on the official website of the Department of Justice for more information.

Long Stay Minister of Religion Visa

Those coming to Ireland to work for an eligible religious body or faith community must obtain a Minister of Religion visa. This visa is usually issued for three years and, if necessary, can be extended for another three years. As the visa requires preclearance, the faith community or religious body must provide an invitation letter showing that:

• The applicant is needed by the community
• The applicant boasts the necessary skills and experience to fulfil his duty
• The applicant has a clean police record
• The applicant doesn't have any legal restraints preventing him from dealing with children and adults at risk
• The religious body or faith group can financially support the applicant
• The religious body or faith group has kid protection policies

Additionally, the following documents must be submitted:

• Proof of financial support from the inviting organisation
• Applicant's bank statements from the past six months
• Proof of qualification
• Proof of a minimum of one year’s experience as a Minister of Religion
• If you’re married, in a civil partnership, and/or have children, you must provide documentation regarding:
  • Evidence of their current location,
  • Whether they intend to travel to Ireland,
  • Birth/marriage/civil partnership certificates.
• Police clearance certification from your country,
• A Garda vetting (police clearance) obtained by your sponsor on your behalf if your work involves children.

You can find detailed information here regarding all information regarding and requirements of a Minister of Religion visa.

What Is Visa Sponsorship for Ireland?

A visa sponsorship allows you to enter, stay, and work in Ireland. The sponsorship is usually provided by an individual or organisation that offers sponsorship to non-EEA nationals. There are currently nine different types of sponsorship permits in Ireland that allow people of different statuses to receive sponsorship for a facilitated visa process:

• Critical Skills Employment: Allows highly skilled individuals to come to Ireland and work in key roles identified as being in short supply. Here, you can see the Critical Skills Occupations List.
• Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment: Allows the dependants of people on a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a researcher under a Hosting Agreement to enter and stay in Ireland.
• Intra-Company Transfer Employment: Given to individuals working in a multinational company and transferred to the country's Ireland division.
• General Employment: Individuals who applied to an eligible profession in Ireland that pays at least €34,000 per year can receive this permit.
• Contract for Services Employment: Given to individuals working for a company with a contract with an Irish business or body to carry out work in Ireland.
• Reactivation Employment: Those who previously worked in Ireland and became undocumented through no fault of their own may apply for this permit.
• Internship Employment: Given to full-time students in a college outside of the EEA who aim to do their internship in an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
• Sport and Cultural Employment: Allows people working in sports and cultural occupations to work and stay in Ireland.
• Exchange Agreement Employment: Given to those travelling to Ireland through an exchange program or agreement.
• Seasonal Employment Permit: As of 2025, non-EU nationals will be able to travel to Ireland and work for a maximum of 7 months per calendar year in seasonally recurrent employment.
• Hosting Agreement for Academic Researchers: With this sponsorship, non-EU researchers can carry out paid research in an accredited organization

Among these employment sponsorship permits, the most commonly used are the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the General Employment Permit, and Dependent Partner Employment Permit. For detailed information regarding each sponsorship, please visit the page of the Citizens Information.

Ireland Visa Fees

Ireland visa fee you'll pay depends on the visa type and your nationality. Please refer to the table below for the fees associated with different visa types.

Ireland Visa Fee Exemption

Family members of Irish citizens are also exempt from the visa fee; this includes spouses, widows/widowers, and biological or adopted children under 18 years old. The same rule applies to the qualifying family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Plus, holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports, as well as programme refugees, are also exempt from Ireland visa fees.

Additionally, citizens of certain countries are exempt from the Ireland visa fee. Since visa regulations may change, check the official page of the Department of Justice for the most up-to-date information.